La VISA Loca

Robin Padilla is spectacular in LA VISA LOCA

LA VISA LOCA: A PERFECT Pinoy Film!
(My Open Letter/Review to director Mark Meily and Unitel Pictures)
By Reymundo Salao

The following is a film review/article on LA VISA LOCA for my weekend column JUST ANOTHER FILM JUNKIE on the Iloilo City newspaper daily The GUARDIAN, and a copy of it is also E-mailed to the film's director Mark Meily and to Unitel Pictures

First of all, A Great Big Thank You for making a film that will surely restore the faith of many to Philippine Cinema. I grew up with the sentiment that Tagalog movies are "always" awful. Late 1980's I was in my Elementary school when Tagalog movies were slowly and gradually deteriorating. Some master directors were dying, some were making delusional sci-fis and fantasies, and a great many were making "bold" films. And dare I say, all of them seem to give up their artistic skills to work under producers who have no real imagination when it comes to cinematic originality and quality. Unlike in Manila, and most of the Luzon area, there is a great big number of people here in Visayas who abhor "Tagalog movies" although there are indeed a few of these films that are fairly good. Generally, there are two kinds of moviegoers when we approach this subject matter; those who watch Tagalog movies, and those who don't watch Tagalog movies and prefer Hollywood movies. But there is the third one: The ones who watch Tagalog movies with hopes that they be one day as good as Hollywood movies. I think I belong to the third one. And it has been a long road of pathetic hits and misses. The few which may have been good films always have that one element of goof, slapstick, inconsistency, or just pure inappropriateness, all slight errors that will make you cringe in your seat, mumbling curses, for it could have been a film that could have passed through anybody's lowest strict standards for what may be considered a decent movie.

I had to research on old Tagalog movies to find the ones, which are flawless of any bad cinematic element. These movies which I consider to be of pure perfection are "Orapronobis", "Oro Plata Mata", and "Kapit Sa Patalim: Bayan Ko". Among my recent favorite directors is Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Yam Laranas, both whose works are indeed praiseworthy, for they know how to balance artistic discipline and making it marketable. There are a lot of "artistic" directors, some of them have been around for quite some time. But their works are too flamboyantly artistic to the extent that it tends to be pretentious, and some just are too "un-straight" as if effeminate scholars are the only ones who deserve to appreciate good cinema. Many of these directors also tend to hide in "bold" (sex-trip) movies claiming that what they're making is the next "Scorpio Nights" or "Y Tu Mama Tambien" but they're really just under dictatorial orders from talent companies who would want to indorse and market their former teen idol into the adulthood of the perverse.

I watched "Crying Ladies" (directed by Mark Meily, Unitel Pictures) on rented VCD, surprisingly, I was watching it with my father and brothers who usually just watch action films, and my mother who usually just falls asleep when watching any other movie. As I was wholeheartedly enjoying the flick, I realized that they also adored the movie as much as I did. Much to my surprise, my father was asking if I had my own copy of that movie on VCD, so I decided to buy a copy myself. (Although I sure would've liked to buy an original DVD of it, but for its market price, which I couldn't afford on a regular day, it doesn't have an audio commentary or any other Special Features goodies that I would enjoy) Nevertheless, I stand my ground on claiming that "Crying Ladies" is beyond my expectations. Not only was it flawless, it had great characters, smart dialogues, and a well-written storyline. When I found out that it won several film awards, I was quite ecstatic for it.

Then came the news that you guys (Mark Meily, Tony Gloria, Sharon Cuneta and Unitel Pictures) was going to make this new movie with Robin Padilla and Rufa Mae Quinto on it, I was damn excited. I have always considered Robin to be the local version of Johnny Depp. And I agree with one article saying that Robin is an underrated actor, and why? Just because the effeminate scholars don't watch his action movies because they spend their focus-time too much on redundant dramas and false art films (sexy films which pretend to be artistic). And Rufa, well, she is her own original self, an icon of hilarity. When LA VISA LOCA's trailer was shown, I felt this unconscious surge of excitement, sure I've felt it when I've seen trailers of movies like "Star Wars" or "Batman Begins", but never have I been immensely excited over a Pinoy movie before.

LA VISA LOCA opens this week here in Iloilo, fresh off the Star Wars hype (that I cherished last week), I was ready to watch a local movie. After spending last week in a galaxy far, far away, a Pinoy movie that has our very homeland as one of the main subject matters is just appropriate. And I did enjoy it immensely. The storyline is indeed a Palanca winner (2004 Palanca-winning script written by Mark Meily himself) Robin Padilla plays Jess Huson, a driver who, like many Filipinos, has always had that lifelong dream of being an American citizen. He lives with his father who spends most of his time watching television and calling up a radio call-in program and expresses his angsts about society. Jess does hope to be reunited with his girlfriend who has moved to work in the US, but his aspirations crumble when his application for VISA is denied. Until he meets a foreigner named Nigel Adams (I failed to get the actor's name but he also played his part very well) who just may give him the opportunity to finally work abroad.

This is one film that has a lot to say about us Filipinos and our oftentimes-misguided colonial mentality to consider working abroad as an aspiration in life. Although some of us may be not like that, we would feel a certain familiarity with the film's characters like Jess, who long to be reunited with his girlfriend in the US, with Mara (played by Ruffa Mae Quinto) who has been somewhat abandoned by his former boyfriend who has long left the Philippines to work abroad as well, and to Jess' father (Johnny Delgado) who would soon feel that sense of longing o if and once his son would leave for the US. There is also a sense of relevance in the character of Nigel Adams, the foreigner (who seems to be British because of his accent) who initially has that admiration for the Philippines, but tends to lose that admiration when he gets the impression that he's just being suckered by opportunists that want to cash in on his being a foreigner. And lastly, is the unpleasant colonial mentality of some Filipinos who think ill of their nationality. The ones who credit every bad human trait as a Filipino trait, to the point that they deny being a Filipino at all. Certainly, this film of yours is rich in relevance, a profoundly made story of our culture.

But more than just that, it's a rib-tickling comedy that taps on real issues and realistic incidents. It's hilarious without the slapstick. From the naughtiness of Jess' senior citizen father to the bizarre world of Agimats, the film never leaves any room for dullness or cornball lameness. I also like the "choral" excerpts by Marissa Sanchez, Tessie Tomas, Noel Trinidad, and Isay Alvarez, for it is very Pinoy (one groundbreaking element making it very original). The only thing I didn't like about LA VISA LOCA was its poster.

In totality, the film is well balanced. It possesses just the right amount of intellectual and artistic substance, and the wit and humor that could entice each and every kind of audience, from the coños, to the sosyals to the masa, and even the effeminate scholars. I couldn't do much but salute you guys and hope that this film would be nominated for the prestigious Academy Award's BEST FOREIGN FILM because I would daresay (not in a kiss-ass manner) that it deserves it. LA VISA LOCA is one PERFECT Pinoy film.

Two Thumbs Up and A Standing Ovation

Screening Schedules this week (052505)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15 PM
La VISA Loca
11:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 PM
Madagascar
11:45 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15 PM
Ring of the Nibelungs
11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15 PM
Bikini Open
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 PM
The Wedding Date
12 PM, 1:48, 3:36, 5:24, 7:12, 9 PM

SM CITY CINEMA

Bikini Open
12:20 PM, 2:30, 4:40, 6:50, 9 PM
Ring of the Nibelungs
11:20 AM, 1:45 PM, 4:10, 6:35, 9 PM
Madagascar
11:30 AM, 1:05 PM, 2:40, 4:15, 5:50, 7:25, 9 PM
La VISA Loca
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
11:20 AM, 1:45 PM, 4:10 PM, 6:35, 9 PM
Kingdom of Heaven
12:30 PM, 3:20, 6:10, 9:00 PM

STAR WARS Episode III: REVENGE of the SITH

STAR WARS Episode III: REVENGE of the SITH
THE CIRCLE IS NOW COMPLETE
By Reymundo Salao

Reiterating probably the most overused statement of opinion on almost all of the other reviews from varied film critics (from renowned critic Roger Ebert to film director and Star Wars geek Kevin Smith) for this film; "Revenge of the Sith is the best Star Wars movie since Empire Strikes Back."

After Episode I and II have failed to impress critics, audiences, and even infuriated some fans over how bad it was, Star Wars creator-director George Lucas had this one last shot to restore the faith of his fans, and the reputation of the saga. As expected by fanatics, Episode III is the darkest, most significant chapter in the whole Star Wars, the turning point of the entire storyline, the very foundation of the entire saga, the tragedy of Darth Vader that is being retold in dialogue on the later chapters. Lucas is pressured by the tale that he himself created, and what fans anticipate it to be, dictating him to better make this chapter perfect, not only for himself but for his fans as well.

In a great triumphant sigh of relief, REVENGE OF THE SITH (ROTS) was not only superb but it also managed to contest be as good as the first original trilogy. Much of the reason why the other first two episodes became a failure was that it never seemed to take the saga seriously. Lucas was accused of desecrating and destroying his own creation, making it too child-friendly and too crammed with unnecessary visual effects, depriving it of some human drama and profound storyline. ROTS is a far more superior episode, with a interesting storyline, sensibly emotional dialogue (free from any complex Star Wars jargon that only true-blue fans could understand), and a very human dramatic aspect, that makes the story less sci-fi, and more on the kind of drama that a common person could relate to.


The acting and dialogues for this film are more fluid, realistic, and sympathetic. While the love story of Episode 2 was too synthetic (and excruciatingly corny), and the political subplot of Episode 1 was too out-of-place to be taken seriously, Episode 3 has a human life that finally captures the full emotional attention and respect of its audience. The political subplot also has something that makes me sense some Anti-Bush (George W.) undertone (with the Chancellor not wanting the war to end, that it would only grant him more political and dictatorial powers, and Anakin's line saying: If you are not with, than you are against me. A line which seems to echo Bush's shallow rhetoric on his "war against terror")

ROTS is very dark. True enough, when you see Anakin slice off Dooku's hands, and finally his head, you get to realize that you are now in a darker world of the Star Wars (universe) that is very far away from the annoying wackiness of the Gungans, of Jar-jar, and of (the lame) podraces. No wonder Lucas himself told the press that he wouldn't recommend the film to be watched by children; the violence that Anakin's character inflicts is horrendous, considering that he's that cute kiddie-meal-endorsing kid from Episode 1, and the boyband-ish pop crush in Episode II, here, he must be the dark killer who surrenders his good side, and sign up to join the devil.


This story is an obvious tale of tragedy, oozing with a Shakespearean beauty of bleakness. The tale of dread in this movie is not of the "horror-movie" kind, but one that is actually a heart-wrenching tearjerker. In the middle of the film, you would even be suspicious and ask yourself, "Is Ridley Scott or Mel Gibson directing this movie?" George Lucas may have well indeed washed himself of the tarnished reputation that he got from Episodes 1 & 2. With this film, he earns back the respect, not only of the fans that got disillusioned, but also of the critics that used to bombard him with disapproving reviews.

Evidence of how good the dramatic aspect of the movie is relies on the fact that despite the idea that everybody (except of course to the naïve who have no idea about the Star Wars storyline) already knows what is going to happen in this movie; with the knowledge that Anakin will inevitably turn over to the darkside and become Darth Vader, still, it could generate a high degree of emotional response to the audiences. You ask yourself: "what else could I expect? I already know what's going to happen" well the answer to that is HOW great the vivid imminent impact this tragedy is delivered in. How the drama transforms you from just being an audience of a space drama, to putting yourself in the position of its characters. We get to feel the confusion of Anakin, torn between a distressed love for his wife, his fears of losing her, his sense of trust to his friend Palpatine and a Jedi Council who seems to underestimate him. We get to feel the fears of Padme, whose husband is losing his grip on sanity and morality, and that very unpleasant feeling of how a loved one transforms into something far negatively different from the person that he used to be. We get to feel Obiwan's sense of loss for his friend. He gets to be burdened by the task of vanquishing the brother that he knew, who has fallen into the grip of evil. He also gets to deliver a very sad dialogue when he has finally defeated Anakin and left him for dead in the flooding lava that has burned him. The main players Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, and Samuel Jackson did a wonderful job, along with the animators and the voice of Frank Oz who helped breathe life into Yoda, whose only equaled by Gollum in terms of CGI-created acting. Then there's Ian McDiarmid, an actor who may have had his breakthrough acting performance playing the sinister Dark Lord Palpatine, master of deception and evil, his acting has had geeks everywhere wishing him to win an Oscar.


ROTS answers many questions, but it also opens new mysteries, which would probably be answered by the Star Wars TV spin-off series, which would tell tales between Episode III and Episode IV. It's like getting you continually be hooked on the entire Star Wars expanded universe.

Praises wont be enough to satisfy how good Episode III is. A movie, which is a perfectly fit prelude to Episode IV: A New Hope, the first Star Wars movie made way back in 1977. Indeed, the Star Wars film saga ends with a bang. The circle is now complete. Only in the end will you understand.

It's now showing on Robinson's Movieworld on two theaters; Cinema 1 (sked: 10:35 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:55, 6:35, 9:15 PM) and Cinema 4 (sked: 11:00 AM, 1:40 PM, 4:20, 7 PM)

The STAR WARS Saga (article)

STAR WARS: THE LEGEND, THE SAGA
By Reymundo Salao

Star Wars has shook the foundation of Science Fiction and making motion pictures. It has become a cult saga that has a following all over the world. It has stood as one of the greatest sagas that has ever existed, much like Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, and The Matrix Saga. It has become almost a religion in the Geek community. And it has indeed become a "Geek Religion" for more than 20 years. The Star Wars saga began in 1977 when an Indie filmmaker named George Lucas braved the mainstream with something completely different at the time. It was a time when the trend was more on the classic romance movies, and grim noir adult action. The only successful sci-fi at the time were (the original) PLANET OF THE APES and the STAR TREK saga, both of which approached sci-fi in a very mature approach, cultish, and somewhat conservative. Both sci-fi sagas were charismatically successful, but never had the potential wholesome energy a blockbuster movie could generate. With the exception of those two sci-fi giants, the rest of the sci-fi movies were too bizarre to be popularly successful or were badly criticized as B-movies. A time when sci-fi was nothing more than childish fantasy or eye candy for weirdos. At the time, no film outfit would dare pour out a large amount of support for a sci-fi movie. But smalltime filmmaker George Lucas had a vision. A vision inspired by a mixture of classic contemporaries. He wanted a "Wizard of Oz" but not too childish. He wanted a Spaghetti Western, but not too adult-oriented. He wanted a war epic, but it wouldn't be just about guns and tanks, but swords, magic, and laser blasters as well. He wanted some philosophy on it, but not make it too serious and spiritual. He wanted it to be like a medieval fantasy like King Arthur or Lord of the Rings, but one that is set in a galaxy far, far away. Taking inspiration from Akira Kurasawa's "Hidden Fortress", "Seven Samurai", and Frank Herbert's classic novel "Dune", Lucas conceptualized the world of STAR WARS. It was a tall order to have it made into a film. His imagination was just too big to be satisfied. Nevertheless, he got his grant off 20th Century Fox and began filming STAR WARS. But even his friends were totally skeptical about the project, including his friend Francis Ford Coppolla. The filming of STAR WARS was hell. The set in Tunisia was ravaged by disasters. Some of his crew backed out in the middle of the project. And many of his cast members and extras were all convinced that the film was going to be a big flop. At the time of filming, it was a "failure" made out of a ridiculous concept that everybody was joking about. Even at the filming of the grand "medal ceremony" ending, some of the extras were giggling while filming was going in, thinking how "stupid" the film would be once they get to see it finished. George Lucas suffered physical and mental torment during the shooting of STAR WARS. Like the headstrong rebel that he is, he braved the hindrances and criticisms, and finished the film. On initial screenings by film critics of reputed media organizations, STARWARS was flunked with negative reviews, foreseeing an imminent box-office failure. Everything seemed to be dark, black, and hopeless…but when the film was released in 1977 for the general public to see it, it became a monumental success. At an instant, STAR WARS became the greatest film success in the history of motion picture.

It changed the way filmmaking was done. With the success of STAR WARS, it taught film companies to be more open-minded about how far they could stretch the boundaries of filmmaking. It was a time when the film companies never anymore underestimated the potentials of an indie mind.



STAR WARS was initially conceptualized as a long saga divided in numerous chapters. But at the time, Lucas and his crew were concerned of finishing just one movie. It was only after the success of the film, and when it was shown on extended run that Lucas and his team re-shot the intro inserting the "Episode IV: A New Hope" under the STAR WARS title, with indications that it was just one episode out of a larger saga.

Concerned that it would be difficult to act as director and producer at the same time of the next Star Wars movie, Lucas asked Irvin Kershner, whose works were more on character-driven dramas, to direct "The EMPIRE STRIKES BACK" If the first Star Wars was wholesome, energetic and somewhat campy, ESB (Empire Strikes Back) was romantic, thought-provoking, dark, and tragic. Criticisms had it that nobody expected a sequel could top the success of the first film. But ESB was not trying to repeat the style of the first Star Wars, it was taking it to a new direction. Like the second act of a play, it gets more interesting, gripping, and intriguing. In the storyline, all hell breaks loose: C3PO was destroyed, making him a talking living junk, Leia and Han Solo fall in love only to be captured by Vader and having Han tortured and being put to carbon freeze, it's ending has a failed rescue attempt with the frozen Han successfully abducted by his enemies. And there is the shock that instead of seeing a sword fight where the hero wins, the hero Luke Skywalker's hand gets lopped instead. To top it off, the villain reveals himself as the Luke's father. Never has any film dared to end on a tragic epilogue, with assurance that a third one was going to get made. EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, released 1980, not only caught up to the success of the first Star Wars, it has overtaken it, making it THE BEST Star Wars film in the entire saga.

In 1983 came the equally successful RETURN OF THE JEDI, which finally ended the trilogy… Until 1997 when the Trilogy was greatly re-mastered, refined, and re-released, and with it came the news that the untold first three episodes of the Star Wars saga was going to be made. In 1999 there was Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, in 2002 there was Episode 2: Attack of the Clones, and in 2005 there was Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. The "new trilogy" was disappointing to many purists, accusing Lucas to have become what he used to stand up against. He used to rage against the corporations, now, he IS the corporation. Nevertheless, STAR WARS continues to stand as the reputed Modern Myth that it is. And God knows how I'm fanatically crazy about the entire STAR WARS hype. The last and final installment (so far) of the Star Wars Saga is showing this week. STAR WARS Episode III REVENGE OF THE SITH opens May 19, 2005 See you at the movies!


Here I am with my ticket to the premiere of STAR WARS Episode III REVENGE OF THE SITH at SM CIty Iloilo City, May 18, 2005 at 10:00 PM (an hour advance compared to Manila's 11 PM premiere. And more than 2 days advance to the US Premiere at May 19, which is already May 20, Philippine time)

Screening Schedules this week (051905)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
--------------------
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
10:35 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:55, 6:35, 9:15 PM
The Wedding Date
11 AM, 1 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM
SAHARA
11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15 PM
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
11:00 AM, 1:40 PM, 4:20, 7 PM
The Interpreter
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 PM
Kingdom of Heaven
1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:45, 9:15 PM

SM CITY CINEMA
--------------
The Interpreter
11:40 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:20, 6:40, 9 PM
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
10:20 AM, 1 PM, 3:40 PM, 6:20, 9 PM
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
11:10 AM, 1:15 PM, 4:30, 7:10 PM
Sahara
12:00 PM, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 9 PM
Six
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
12:05 PM, 2:45, 5:25, 8:05 PM
Kingdom of Heaven
11 AM, 1:30 PM, 4 PM, 6:30, 9 PM

The REVENGE BEGINS!

SAHARA

SAHARA: Adventure to the Max
By Reymundo Salao

Dirk (Matthew McConaughey) and Al (Steve Zahn) have been friends since kindergarten, having also gone through college and the Navy together. The two now work for a former admiral traveling around the world and salvaging treasures from the sea with the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA). In his spare time, Dirk is obsessed with the 150-year-old mystery of the Texas, an Ironclad battleship that reportedly disappeared from Richmond, Virginia during a Civil War battle and turned up in Africa. When a Confederate coin--allegedly one of only five minted--surfaces in Mali, Dirk and Al plan to travel there from Lagos, Nigeria on the admiral's yacht to investigate. Meanwhile, in Lagos, Dirk meets Eva (Penelope Cruz), a doctor for the World Health Organization (WHO) who believes that there is a plague building in Mali. Since the WHO is unable to find another way into the war-torn country, Dirk and Al give Eva and her colleague a lift up the river. Once in Mali, Dirk, Al, and Eva quickly find themselves embroiled in trouble as she pursues the source of the disease. Meanwhile, Dirk and Al search for the Texas.

You really can’t find anything to complain about a film like SAHARA. It is one of those flawlessly fun movies that you’d want to watch to cool yourself and unwind, especially during these seasons of heat and stress. Getting that treasure-hunting desert experience.

The lead guy in this flick is adventurer and all-around action man, Dirk Pitt, which is played by Matthew McConaughey, who breathes life into this character who may well be the next “Indiana Jones Icon” a seemingly cliché protagonist, but one that would need no lengthy introduction or complicated character development. His cinematic introduction says it all, the classic rock soundtrack and the “cigarette commercial” atmosphere of it. McConaughey fits his character role well, he has played cocky roles in the past, from his smooth-talking, swinging stoner in “Dazed & Confused”, to the military mad hero in “Reign of Fire”, he indeed embodies that sense of danger-loving, sharply inventive, new-age tomb raider.

Sidekick Al Giordino, played by Steve Zahn is such a laughter-generator with his one-liners and the way he delivers his far-out wacky lines with a semi-stoner, semi-weirdo manner (reminiscent of his past roles in “That Thing You Do”, and “Suburbia”). His kookiness that can be summed up from his bizarre hairstyle, to his constant whining about the hats (and the turban) that he (tries to) wears. But he is no cliché sidekick, for his character really can kick ass. His character is also an ex-navy and has been Dirk Pitt’s partner since, well, kindergarten, up till their navy days. The duo has great brilliant chemistry, and could even be as good as the Lethal Weapon duo of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.

The fascinatingly beautiful Penélope Cruz plays the heroine Eva Rojas, a field doctor for the WHO who joins with Dirk’s and Al’s adventure. We’re way past thinking of Penélope Cruz to be just another “babe” actress for she has proven her acting prowess in numerous films. She proves she can play along in tough roles with a lot of stunts. And after all that action, it’s nice to see her on a stunningly lovely bikini scene at the end of the film. William H. Macy is also in the film as Jim Sandecker, former Admiral and pseudo-boss of Dirk and Al, and Delroy Lindo in a very interestingly cool role.

The film is directed by Breck Eisner who seems to have only made minor flop-ish projects in the past, but he manages to redeem himself with this fun flick. SAHARA is based on a novel by famous best-selling author Clive Cussler, which is an obvious pointer that this is a film with substance as well. What I really love about SAHARA is that it seems to blend well elements of the Indiana Jones-type action–adventure, the James Bond intrigue, and even a pinch of an element reminding you of Lawrence of Arabia. If you love treasure-hunting action-adventures the likes of Indiana Jones and Operation: Condor (Armour of God II), you should watch this movie, and you will realize that indeed, as its tagline goes; “Dirk Pitt. Adventure has a new name” with the teasing possibility that there could be an upcoming sequel making the character of Dirk Pitt a potential film franchise character. Here is the schedule of SAHARA on Robinsons Movieworld: 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:40, and 9:15 PM

Check out the screening schedules of all the other films shown in Iloilo City on my website www.justanotherfilmjunkie.blogspot.com The screening schedules are updated regularly and diligently (Although schedules are subject to change without prior notice, of course).

Also showing this week on Robinson’s Movieworld are the charming romantic comedies “Guess Who” and “The Wedding Date” you can even check out the little exhibit of wedding gowns at the theater lobby of the Movieworld. It’s a treat for those who love the sound of wedding bells. And on extended run is the crusader-era epic “Kingdom of Heaven” and “xXx2: The Next Level”

JUNkiE News: STAR WARS TV SERIES to be made, sez Lucas

Lucas announces two ''Star Wars'' TV series. Besides planning an animated ''Clone Wars'' and a live-action drama, he's making a cameo on ''The O.C.''


by Gary Susman
The soon-to-be-released Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith may be the last Star Wars film, but George Lucas may never be finished tinkering with the franchise or creating spin-off products. Over the weekend, Lucas announced a couple of them himself; both are TV series. In the immediate future, Lucas will be going on TV himself to promote the May 19 release of Sith, meeting with his No. 1 (fictional) fan, The O.C.'s Seth Cohen.

Lucas made a rare appearance at a Star Wars fan convention, Celebration III in Indianapolis, on Saturday. There, he described the two forthcoming TV series. One is an expansion into a 30-minute series of Clone Wars, the series of animated shorts shown on Cartoon Network that chronicles space battles that take place between Episode II and Episode III. ''We're going to take that and turn it into a 3-D animated version full series,'' he said, according to the official Star Wars website. The other, he said, was a live-action drama that would take place between Episode III and Episode IV (i.e., the story told in the original 1977 film). ''We're probably not going to start that for about a year,'' he said. ''Like on The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, we want to write all the stories for the entire first season all at once. I'm going to get it started, and hire the show runners and all of that, then I'll probably step away.''

Meanwhile, a week before Sith opens, Lucas will play himself in a May 12 visit to The O.C. (Which, not coincidentally, is the show that premiered the Sith trailer a few weeks back.) In the episode, Lucas expresses interest in a graphic novel created by Seth (Adam Brody). Seth is forced to choose between taking Summer (Rachel Bilson) to the prom or letting Zach (Michael Cassidy) take her while he meets Lucas — and hottie book editor Reed (Marguerite Moreau) — for dinner. Guess which he chooses?

source: www.ew.com

Screening Schedules this week (051105)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
--------------------
The Wedding Date
11:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 PM
Kingdom of Heaven
11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:40, 9:15 PM
Guess Who
11:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 PM
SAHARA
11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:40, 9:15 PM
Paraiso
12:00 PM, 1:48, 3:36, 5:24, 7:12, 9:00 PM
xXx2: The Next Level
12:00 PM, 1:48, 3:36, 5:24, 7:12, 9:00 PM

SM CITY CINEMA
--------------
The Pacifier
12:15 PM, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30, 7:15, 9:00 PM
Can This Be Love
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
Sahara
12:00 PM, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 9 PM
Kingdom of Heaven
10:20 AM, 1 PM, 3:40 PM, 6:20, 9 PM
Guess Who
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
The Wedding Date
11 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:20, 4:00, 5:40, 7:20, 9 PM

KINGDOM of HEAVEN

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
A GRANDIOSE EPIC
By Reymundo Salao

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is an epic tale of a common man named Balian, who discovers his nobility when his long-lost father, who is a nobleman and a knight has revealed himself before him. Together, they venture to Jerusalem, the holy land, with the Crusades of the Roman Catholic Church, where he finds himself thrust into a decades-long war. In Jerusalem, he serves a dying king, falls in love with a queen, and rises to knighthood. But peace in Jerusalem is fragile, and when a war has erupted between the Christians and the Muslims that threatens the people of Jerusalem, Balian is burdened with the responsibility and the leadership to defend it.

Any chick would remember Orlando Bloom to be the chick-magnet elf Legolas in the Lord of the Rings saga, the lead role, along with Johnny Depp, in Pirates of the Caribbean, and a pathetic role in the lame (and moderately enjoyable) epic Troy. Well, this movie marks his first lead role in an enormous film project. And indeed, his acting has greatly matured from the weak one-liners he mumbles in Pirates of the Caribbean. He's not just sporting a bow and arrow, but a great big sword this time. He gets to deliver an inspirational pre-war speech too, that can be compared with Aragorn's speech on the Battle of Helm's Deep in Lord of the Rings: Two Towers. His character is also a very serious character; you can't imagine a protagonist having a murder scene killing a priest in the first part of the movie, then having the transition of obedient son, honorable warrior, and inspirational commander. It may not have been over-the-top acting, but it satisfies the drama demanded by the storyline. Also appearing are these marvelous actors; Liam Neeson, who plays the father of Balian, David Thewlis, and Jeremy Irons who has a battle scar on his face that give him a menacing and cool look.

The script was written by William Monahan. The movie is filled with really thought-provoking dialogues, philosophies, and war tactics. So much so that it would make sense for somebody to take notes while watching the film. I personally like the line of Jeremy Irons talking about when he joined the crusades, he thought he was fighting for God and Glory, only to discover later on that he was fighting for wealth and territory, and this gave him great shame. Which is true because as Christians, I think we should be ashamed of that dark part of history when the crusades ventured out into distant lands, bringing with them the name of God, only to inflict bloodshed and start wars. Ever wonder why many extremist Muslim groups are so bent on war against Christians? This movie reminds us that there were many times in the shameful chapters of history when the Christians struck first. The movie is actually a relevant piece of reflection when we compare it with the state of things nowadays when there is much extremist violence and extremist threat not only in Iraq, America, Europe, but most especially here in the Philippines and the whole of Southeast Asia, as well. A point of comparison also is how bigotry grotesquely exists against Muslims. How there are people nowadays who would just jump to conclusions because of unnecessary hate. And how this hate would only bring much trouble to us all. The film is set during the centuries when theological dogmatic power was as great as the power of kings and emperors, godlike power over citizenry, that people would never question the authority of Church leaders. But there were church leaders which exercise their great influence in wrong, twisted, immoral ways. I really cannot assure whether such a practice still exists now in our time, or not. But I cannot help but be reminded by the current case of the University of San Agustin, the current strike their teachers have been holding for so long a time, and the priest that seems to ignore their plea. In my humble opinion, there still are those who are not worthy of their titles.

Although the movie has some elements of a love story, I would consider it a guy drama, as most of the movie is on theological philosophies, warrior honor, and war tactics. The wordy middle part is very intellectual, but the patience of those who crave for the action part of it will immensely be satisfied when they reach the part where the war begins. KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is directed by Ridley Scott, who is one of the gods among film directors. He is best known for his work in movies such as "Gladiator", "Alien", and "Black Hawk Down" When I saw the first part of "Gladiator" where the protagonist Maximus was still a general leading a battle against the Vandals (were they the Vandals? Or the Saxons?), I was breathless. Especially in the scene where a swarm of torched arrows were flying in mid-air, I was stunned in awe. This was directed by Ridley Scott, and I was craving for a Ridley Scott war epic that is bigger and longer than this one scene in "Gladiator" With "Kingdom of Heaven" my cinematic bloodthirst was satisfied to the fullest. I would make no mistake to say that KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is this year's historical war epic event of the year. Its screening schedules at Robinsons Movieworld are the following: 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:40, 9:15 PM

screening schedules this week (05-04-05)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD

Kingdom of Heaven
11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:05, 6:40, 9:15 PM
The Jacket
11:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 PM
XXX: The Next Level
11:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 PM
Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior
11:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15 PM
Spanglish
12:00 PM, 1:48, 3:36, 5:24, 7:12, 9:00 PM
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous
12:00 PM, 2:15, 4:30, 6:45, 9:00 PM

SM CITY CINEMA

The Pacifier
12:15 PM, 2:00, 3:45, 5:30, 7:15, 9:00 PM
Can This Be Love
11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM
The Jacket
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:05, 9 PM
Kingdom of Heaven
10:20 AM, 1 PM, 3:40 PM, 6:20, 9 PM
XXX2: The Next Level
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
Ong-Bak: The Thai Warrior
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM



pls Check out my KINGDOM OF HEAVEN review

I'll surely be watching this week the psychological thriller-drama-mystery THE JACKET which stars Adrien Brody, Keira Knightley, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and directed by John Maybury. This is a film which has caused much buzz in the US for its being so weird and interesting. Like a Curious-George who doesn't want to have his surprise spoiled, I have yet to read the synopsis of this movie, whatever surprise it may have, I'm sure it would surely have an impact.

Also this week is SPANGLISH which stars Adam Sandler and Tea Leoni. Now this movie will surely delight many, not only because of humor (as assured by the ever-witty Sandler), but also because of its storyline about the life of a Spanish lady working in an American household, and the cultural gaps between the conservative Spanish ways and the oddities of American lifestyle. I am so sure this will be of most interest to us Filipinos since many of us (and our brothers and sisters) get to work in American households and experience the same clashes in cultural difference. This film is a sure-win and a must see, for those who want to enjoy a really relaxing weekend.

Then, there's ONG-BAK which is already popular among many martial arts fanatics since the hype of the film has been around for more than a year now. Fans would now get to watch this "new Bruce Lee" (as they dub it/him) in the big screen.