Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

ICE AGE 2: Starting Out Summer with such a delightfully sizzling meltdown
by Reymundo Salao

Just in time for the end of the classes, ICE AGE 2: THE MELTDOWN starts out the summer season with such a sizzling meltdown of fun and laughter.

In this sequel of the highly successful and enjoyable animated comedy "ICE AGE", Manny the woolly mammoth, Sid the Sloth, and Diego the Saber-tooth Tiger, along with Scrat the Rodent are back, continuing their adventurous life during the Earth's Ice Age. But this time, their little peace is alarmed when they found out that there is a big meltdown that is about to happen and that it may cause a catastrophic flood that can wipe them off the face of the Earth. In their journey to seek escape and survival, they meet Ellie, a female woolly mammoth who thinks she's a possum, along with her two "brothers' Crash and Eddie, pesky little possums whose impish energy seems to energize the herd of characters in this movie.

A number of big shot celebrities lent their voices in this movie. Of course, Ray Romano as Manny, John Leguizamo as Sid, and Dennis Leary as Diego all returned to play their respective roles from the last movie. They are joined by Queen Latifah who voiced the character of Ellie, and Seann William Scott and Josh Peck as possums Crash and Eddie. In addition, comedian Will Arnett and late night talk show celebrity Jay Leno also lent their voices to supporting characters. The film is directed by Carlos Saldanha whose credits include animated features "Robots" and the first "Ice Age" movie.


I was surprised to see the theater packed with kids and families on a Wednesday evening screening. Then I realized that classes have already ended by this week and it sure is in synch with the opening of this family-friendly film. If one could feel the vibe of a wholesome crowd ready for some Ice Age fun on a Wednesday evening, I could imagine how much more on a weekend.

But to those whose funny bones are hard to reach, this sequel may not be as rib-tickling as the first one, but as much as Ice Age 2 may just be a clichéd-up chip off the old movie it sure is, at least, gives some satisfaction and a loud laugh off the film's target audience: the families. The theater where I watched this movie in would light up in the loud laughter of kids and parents alike. In addition, the storyline of the sequel seems inevitably important as a continuation of the first movie; just as the first movie tells of the coming of the Ice Age, the sequel tells its end, that is, when a meltdown occurs and the Earth is restored to its normal global climate. But as strict followers of science might argue that the actual Ice Age lasted for around more than a hundred years, what may be referred in the movie is what is known as an interglacial warming period.

As far as the character of the rodent Scrat would go, there's a whole lot of funnier antics, as this "posterboy" (or "poster-rat" as it may seem) of the Ice Age movie is still relentlessly pursuing that acorn that just always seems to slip off his grasp. The animation detail in this movie gets a step ahead with animated visuals like water, which is one thing that stands as a challenge to many animated projects. Many of the scenes that involve water and floods are spectacularly realistic to watch, as well as the fur in the woolly mammoths that also look amazingly realistic. The team of animators, along with Blue Sky Studios, the home of "Ice Age," "Robots," the Oscar-winning short "Bunny," have done a great job with Ice Age 2. The music and sound effects were also buzzing with delightful energy. There is even a musical number with singing vultures that really knocked me out with laughter.

ICE AGE 2: THE MELTDOWN is enjoyable and hilarious. A real family treat just in time for the end of the school year and the opening of the summer vacation season. Definitely for kids of all ages.

Screening Schedules This Week (03-29-06)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
Glory Road
12 PM, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15 PM
Moments of Love
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Final Destination 3
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Date Movie
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
V FOR VENDETTA
2:25, 4:50, 7:15 PM

SM CITY CINEMA
Glory Road
12:20 PM, 2:30, 4:40, 6:50, 9 PM
Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
11:50 AM, 1:40 PM, 3:30, 5:20, 7:10, 9 PM
Final Destination 3
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
Moments of Love
11:25 AM, 1:20 PM, 3:15, 5:10, 7:05, 9 PM
The Shaggy Dog
12:15 PM, 2 PM, 3:45, 5:30, 7:15, 9 PM
V FOR VENDETTA
11:20 AM, 1:45 PM, 4:10, 6:35, 9 PM

Screening Schedules This Week (03-22-06)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
V FOR VENDETTA
12 PM, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15 PM
The Shaggy Dog (2006)
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Date Movie
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Pride & Prejudice (2006)
12 PM, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15 PM
Syriana
12 PM, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15 PM

SM CITY CINEMA
Fearless (2006)
11:50 AM, 1:40 PM, 3:30, 5:20, 7:10, 9 PM
Syriana
11:20 AM, 1:45 PM, 4:10, 6:35, 9 PM
Cry Wolf
12:15 PM, 2 PM, 3:45, 5:30, 7:15, 9 PM
V FOR VENDETTA
11:20 AM, 1:45 PM, 4:10, 6:35, 9 PM
The Shaggy Dog
12:15 PM, 2 PM, 3:45, 5:30, 7:15, 9 PM
Pride & Prejudice (2006)
11:40 AM, 2 PM, 4:20, 6:40, 9 PM

V FOR VENDETTA

V FOR VENDETTA: A WORK OF MASTERFUL FICTION FOR OUR TIMES
By Reymundo Salao

Originally set for release November 5, 2005, this movie is rumored to have been re-scheduled due to the seemingly-pro-bomber/pro-terrorist aspect of its theme which may stir controversy with regards to the London bombings on July 7 and July 21, 2005. The film-makers have denied this, and say it was delayed to allow more time for production, explaining that the visual effects would not be completed in time.

But as terroristic as some articles and features may accuse it to be, the main character of this movie, a masked vigilante who calls himself "V" really is just a rebel extremist bent on toppling the current dictatorial government that is reigning in tyrannical power over an oppressed nation. Set in a dark & grim not-so-distant-futuristic Europe, the storyline centers upon its two main characters; the vigilante V, who's scarred by a traumatic horrific past, and Evey Hammond, who's also a victim of her own traumatic past when her family all perished in political violence. When they both have become wanted by the government, the Police Inspector hunting them down uncovers dark secrets that may prove the depth of how evil and corrupt the government he works for really is.


This movie is based on the graphic novel from DC's Vertigo comics (which is that line-up of DC's most respected adult series like Death, Hellblazer/Constantine, Neil Gaiman's Sandman, and Hellboy) written by Alan Moore and illustrated mostly by David Lloyd. The film is directed by James McTeigue, who has served as assistant director and second unit director in many big films such as the Matrix movies and Star Wars: Episode II. This movie marks his first project as the director, and indeed has done a great job, balancing the darkness of V's character with his more sympathetic side. McTeigue was also able to create a realistic totalitarian Britain, as well as the struggles, the torment, and the sense of vigilance that ignites among its citizens. This film is produced by respectable filmmakers Joel Silver, Grant Hill, and the Wachowski brothers; Larry & Andy Wachowski, who has gained mass popularity with their revolutionary Matrix movies, and has written a draft of the script in the '90s before they worked on the Matrix.

The central theme of V FOR VENDETTA is revolution, against an oppressive dictatorial power, tapping on a sense of British nationalism. One could say that its main character "V" is a freedom fighter rather than a terrorist. Even when, in one scene, he justifies the higher ends of blowing up a building. To those not familiar with the concept of armed struggle and rebellion, this is a shocking and abhorrent little scene. But to those familiar with the concept of unrest and political battles, this is a reflection of an ugly reality that exists in our real world. Many might find that the theme of this movie is ugly and shouldn’t be sympathized with. But indeed, in nations where the government is maintaining a state of tyranny and absolute control, so much so that it is rabidly gagging up the media and is either imprisoning and rubbing out those who try to search for and expose truths, rebellion will certainly rise. And rebellions who will go to the farthest measures of violence just to defy the iron hand of tyranny. Such are the measures that V employs in this tale of anti-hero heroism.


The central character V, draws inspiration from Guy Fawkes, a legendary Catholic revolutionary in the early 1600s who intended to blow-up the British Parliament, his conviction was to create chaos and disorder in the country from which, it was hoped, a new monarch and political regime sympathetic to the Catholic cause would emerge. But he was captured on November 5, 1605. He was tortured and publicly hanged. Every year across England on November 5th, bonfires blaze and fireworks light the sky in celebration of the foiling of Fawkes' plot to overturn King and government. There are also elements of Victor Hugo's "Phantom of the Opera" in V's storyline, as his tale poses parallels with the characters of the Phantom & Christine Daae.

What sets "V for Vendetta" apart from other futuristic fictions is that it is highly political and is very reflective on many of the nations and governments of our times. As do many existing governments, the government in V demands an unflinching loyalty from its citizenry, and warns them not to question the government or else they will be met with the highest penalties of law. These are the governments that brand investigative media and those who seek and intend to reveal the truth as seditionists, propagandists, and destabilizers. These are the governments that brand activists and freedom fighters as terrorists and anarchists. These are the governments who control the media in order to restrain doubt and a sense of check & balance, and propagate their own manufactured versions of truth. This is the kind of government that drives V to struggle against. His quest for vengeance is fueled by his desire to topple the existing corrupt and totalitarian government, hoping that in its ashes will rise a government for the better future of his country.


V is played by Hugo Weaving, who's well-known for portraying Elrond in the Lord of the Rings movies and the cool icon villain Mr. Smith in the Matrix movies. As V, Weaving proves that he can still be an absolutely expressive actor even when he's wearing a mask. His physique, body movement, and his cool and calmly malevolent voice all add up to truly bring a charming, well-educated, and even often poetic, but lethally dangerous assassin, to life.

Natalie Portman is not only goddess-like beautiful, but is also a flawless actress with focus and quite a solid performance, as a woman with her own conflicts and a convincing awakening, as she allies herself with the cause that V is fighting for. Portman struck media attention when she had her head shaved for this movie, but then again, she revealed that she has looked forward to shave her head for quite a long time. Her character Evey Hammond represents those who have become victims of government abuse and has grown to succumb to the fear and the silence that is implemented, but later awakens to the call for struggle and rebellion.

Stephen Rea plays a great third-person protagonist, playing the analytical game & solving the puzzles of the past, as a chief inspector hunting down V, but unravels the dirt & evil of the government that he works for. He represents that character who, is never himself a victim of the government's abuse, but does not go against it so as to preserve a sense of orderly peace.

And then, there's John Hurt whose attention-shattering performance as a dictatorial chancellor of Britain is obviously patterned after Adolf Hitler.

This movie is truly a great political epic without resorting on unnecessary explosions, dull chase scenes and expensive stunts that other blockbuster borefests would have. Its impact is more on the storyline and the thrill. V FOR VENDETTA is, by far, the most profoundly-spectacular movie I've seen this year. Highly-dramatic despite its action genre image, and thought-provokingly reflective. V FOR VENDETTA is SUPERB and a MUST-SEE!


Director James McTeigue and Hugo Weaving on the set of V FOR VENDETTA

Hostel

HOSTEL: ULTIMATELY TERRIFYING!
By Reymundo Salao

In the olden days of horror movies, whenever we think of the most frightening horror movie, we conclude that it has to have some kind of deformed, inhuman monster. It has to have vampires, maybe zombies, demons, heck, even sharks or walking, talking dolls. But as we have become desensitized by the visuals of movie horror, we grow to realize that the most shocking horror movies are those based on real events; those based on real monsters that exist in our modern world. Criminals, Sadists, Sick people who take pleasure in the torture and killing of their fellow man.

HOSTEL tells the tale of three backpackers who’ve been spending a vacation of touring other countries, taking some time off, having fun. When they found out that there’s this region in Slovakia where there’s lots of irresistible girls who enjoy partying and sleeping with tourists, they immediately set their tracks on that place. It was said that “you can do ANYTHING in that place”. Little did the three backpackers realize that they were to become victims of what is the pleasure of other people. People who pay big money in order to have the sick pleasure of torturing and killing other people.

The film is produced by Quentin Tarantino, who is himself, a legendary filmmaker and is also responsible for producing and releasing cult-classics, like what he did some years ago by releasing Hong Kong’s “Iron Monkey” in the U.S. HOSTEL is written and directed by Eli Roth whose notoriety in horror movies has been marked by his other work “CABIN FEVER”, marks his notoriety anew with this very bloody and very gory movie. This is a movie that certainly delivers the mind-blowing effect of horror; haunting and shocking, so much so that you definitely feels sorry for the people that become victims of this twisted violent pleasure. What makes it all the more horrifying is the fact that based on REAL events, which means that yes, there are places like this in the Slovakian regions and perhaps other regions of the world which we may not know of. Just trying to reflect on that fact is horrifying enough. And to see what it is like, on this movie, is all the more traumatic. I must tell you that this is one movie that I really found myself fist-banging my seat and shouting at the gory moments of the film. My friends were doing the same with the amount and the degree of jaw-dropping gore.

This movie is DEFINITELY NOT for the faint of heart. A movie that can give you nightmares, or maybe make you vomit. It is the most unconventionally violent big movie I have ever seen. HOSTEL is ULTIMATELY TERRIFYING!

Screening Schedules This Week (02-15-06)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
V FOR VENDETTA
12 PM, 2:25, 4:50, 7:15 PM
16 Blocks
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Casanova
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
Hostel
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Big Momma's House 2
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
Fearless
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM


SM CITY CINEMA
Casanova
11 AM, 1 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM
Fearless (2006)
11 AM, 1 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM
Big Momma's House 2
11 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:20, 4, 5:40, 7:20, 9 PM
V FOR VENDETTA
11:20 AM, 1:45 PM, 4:10, 6:35, 9 PM
Underclassmen
11 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:20, 4, 5:40, 7:20, 9 PM
16 Blocks
11 AM, 1 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM

NASAAN SI FRANCIS?

NASAAN SI FRANCIS? - TRIPPY & IRREVERENT
by Reymundo Salao

In the story of Jack & the Beanstalk, Jack had to sell their cow because they were poor, but what happened later on was that he did sell the cow, but all he got were "magic beans". In the movie "NASAAN SI FRANCIS?" Boy & Sonny were broke and they needed money; Boy needed to save her girlfriend from a prostitution ring and Sonny needed money for his tuition fees. So they went to their old friend, Francis, who was a wealthy drug junkie, along with their carabao, which they are bent to sell to Francis. But all Francis could offer them is 50 pieces of Ecstasy pills worth a thousand pesos each. The only problem is that later on, Francis dies of a drug overdoes and he hasn’t given them those ecstasy pills yet before he falls dead. Their situation later is complicated by the fact that they'd have to pull off an homage to "Weekend at Bernie's" and pretend that Francis was still alive so that they could find those ecstasy pills that Francis promised them.

Okay, I guess it would be advisable that if you really abhor drugs to the point that you can find no humor in people making complete fools of themselves while being intoxicated or "high", it's utterly obvious that this movie is not for you. NASAAN SI FRANCIS is an irreverant movie about druggies getting themselves in a complicated situation that can get them killed. In the long run, one can justify with logical "smart-ass" reasoning that if some of the characters of the movie have gotten themselves in trouble or dead, it is because they were using drugs, therefore, one can say that this is an anti-drug movie. It is also educational (to the naive) because this may perhaps be the only movie where you REALLY SEE what marijuana, shabu, and ecstasy looks like. Sure, many of you may have studied Drugs Education in high school, but it isnt till much later in life that some of you would really get to see what marijuana & shabu crystals look like. This movie shows them to you. Now you know, STAY AWAY FROM THEM. They're illegal. In addition, shabu & ecstasy destroys your brain.

"NASAAN SI FRANCIS?" is distributed by UNITEL Pictures which stands out as one of the growing film companies in the local film industry and whose reputation promises to bring forth that much-needed change in the local film industry, that which might possibly destroy the bad reputation of Tagalog movies. With its track record of top-quality films that include "Crying Ladies", "Santa Santita" and "La Visa Loca", "Nasaan si Francis?" is Unitel's new rocketship of comedy to kick off the year. This film was supposed to be released during last December's Metro Manila Film Festival, too bad it wasnt. In my opinion, all the entries of last December's MMFF were really ugly movies. And yes, I think the people of last December's MMFF had really bad taste.


Rocker Karl Roy is a giggle-generator in NASAAN SI FRANCIS

This movie is based on the stage play "Diin si Francis?" and is directed by first-time director Gabby Fernandez. This movie is actually an indie project in which Epy Quizon and Christopher De Leon are investors in, and was later released via Unitel Pictures, which covered the expenses for prints, advertising and distribution to support not just direk Gabby but the first-time filmmakers involved in the project. Topbilling the main characters are Paolo Contis and (Rivermaya frontman) Rico Blanco, and Epy Quizon as Francis, whose acting in this movie is very convincingly dead. But the one who stands out in this movie as its giggle generator is P.O.T.(rock bands) and Kapatid frontman Karl Roy who plays a junkie who sleeps all day. The film also stars Christopher De Leon who, in many recent interviews expresses his great respect and support for indie filmmakers, Rio Locsin, who plays a vicious pimp, and there's also Rita Avila, who still looks spicy gorgeous for her age and still extremely shaggable, in addition to the yummy spice, here's Tanya Garcia and Julie Clarete (wow). And last but not the least, is Angel Aquino (my golden goddess. hehehe).

For a dark comedy, this film is very very high. Outrageously funny and inventive without ever crossing into the line of the typical Tagalog slapstick comedy clichés. Although the typical Tagalog moviegoer may be shocked with its content, “NASAAN SI FRANCIS?” is groundbreaking and electrifyingly fresh. In its indie style lies the discipline of quality moviemaking. NASAAN SI FRANCIS is a MUST-SEE! (But not for the naïve).

FEARLESS (2006)

FEARLESS: A JOURNEY OF A FIGHTER
by Reymundo Salao

In this fictionalized biopic, (originally titled HUO YUAN-JIA) FEARLESS, which is publicized as Jet Li's last martial arts movie, Li plays famed martial artist and Chinese hero Huo Yuan-Jia, who overcame his personal and physical battles to become the most famous Chinese fighter and restored the glory of practicing martial arts at the turn of the 20th century. This Journey of a fighter takes him to the darkness of arrogance, vengeance, and tragedy, and later into redemption and nationalistic glory.

One thing that I sometimes envy and admire about Chinese filmmakers is that they often tap on the themes of love-of-motherland, resistance to colonialism, and national pride quite a lot in many of their movies (like "Once Upon A Time In China" movies, and "Drunken Master 2") and achieve a smash hit with them. And "FEARLESS" is one movie with a heavy nationalistic theme. I could not help but bridge the storyline of this movie, its main character who was becoming a fighter who carried with him his national pride, with that of our very own icon-of-the-times Manny Pacquiao. I could not help but co-relate the sense of a dying nationalism and Westernization in China in the early 1900s and the sense of dying nationalism & growing apathy among our own Filipino citizens in this age. And that urge of the film's hero Huo Yuan-Jia to fight in the name of nationalism, and the hope that Manny Pacquiao is indeed fighting for Filipino glory and not just about the glamour of fame that seems to be overintoxicating by now.

This movie's fight director is Yuen Woo Ping, whose reputation has, by now, become legendary. From being the director of immortal kung-fu classics such as "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" and "Drunken Master" to the 90's kung-fu great "Iron Monkey" which was re-released by Quentin Tarantino in the United States just a couple of years ago, and of course, he gained worldwide attention when he became the fight director of the groundbreaking action sci-fi "The Matrix" & its sequels. In addition, he also directed a 1982 movie with the same story and title "Huo Yuan-Jia".

One great thing about Woo Ping's work is that he seems have mastered action and stunt choreography way before the era in Hongkong's film history when they began using wire-stunts. And even if Woo Ping utilizes wire-stunts, he keeps it at a disciplined minimalized pace maintaining the high tolerance of action film realism. Except, of course, for "The Matrix" which is a sci-fi movie with a conditional film setting, and even if he does use wire stunts, he keeps it on a well-directed manner that it does not come off as bogus, fake & silly.

In many ways, martial arts and kung-fu movies (especially if done right, with a right director and script) has more appeal than the standard bullet-fist action movie, mainly because martial arts has aesthetic value. it is an art. Each blow, each punch, each block, each kick, each strike, all of it has coordinated harmony and grace; it has discipline; it has soul. And this is one movie that highlights martial arts and celebrates it with the story of a great martial arts master in China.

The film is directed by Ronny Yu who has already made his baby steps in making up his name in Hollywood when he directed the cult-horror crossover flick "Freddy vs Jason" (add'tnal rep. here) and Christine To and Chris Chow penned the screenplay.

The cinematorgraphy is beautiful, especially in the scenes of picturesque mountain landscapes which I'm sure would remind many of us of the mountain province. Sure, this film promises some vicious and truly artistic martial arts. But Yu also surprises us with a beautiful storyline rich in heart and patriotism. FEARLESS is one martial arts movie that is sure to go down in martial arts history, a biopic deserving of the hero that it portrays.

Screening Schedules This Week (03-08-06)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
Fearless (2006)
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
Nasaan si Francis?
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Big Momma's House 2
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
Yours, Mine & Ours
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Murder
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
The New World
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM

SM CITY CINEMA
Yours, Mine & Ours
11 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:20, 4, 5:40, 7:20, 9 PM
Big Momma's House 2
11 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:20, 4, 5:40, 7:20, 9 PM
Fearless (2006)
11 AM, 1 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM
Close to You
11 AM, 1 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM
The New World
11 AM, 1:30 PM, 4, 6:30, 9 PM
Nasaan si Francis?
11:30 AM, 1:05 PM, 2:40, 4:15, 5:50, 7:25, 9 PM

SYRIANA

SYRIANA
By Reymundo Salao

In SYRIANA, a lawyer uncovers a great deal of corruption in Washington, A teenager submits himself to religious fanaticism, A young American idealist is captivated by an Iranian leader who wishes nothing more than a change for the good in his country, a CIA operative who seems to be betrayed by his own government, and a patriot who sees the future of his country merely just being bought by rich American oil companies. Compeling, captivating, and charismatic, SYRIANA is a political drama comprised of characters whose lives are intertwined by a single series of events.

Advertisements and other film reviews may list SYRIANA as a political thriller; a "heart-pounding espionage thriller", as one article might describe it. Do not be fooled. This is no Bond flick. SYRIANA is pure intelligent political drama. You do not walk into this movie expecting Rambo-action. You better be in the mood for 2 hours of dialogue and political-espionage drama, otherwise, bring a pillow. Admittedly, I myself, fall off attention trying to catch up to many of the details of this film. Good thing I only missed out on quite a very few, because by the time you reach the middle part, the storyline of SYRIANA isn’t really as complicated as what it seems. There is no bad guy here; only bad intentions, bad politics, and a whole lot of greed. And as a political & espionage drama, it is a two-thumbs-up piece of work.

The film is inspired by the true story of former CIA agent Robert Baer, told in his book SEE NO EVIL: THE TRUE STORY OF A GROUND SOLDIER IN THE CIA'S WAR ON TERRORISM. The movie was written and directed by Stephen Gaghan, winner of the Academy Award for Best Screenplay for the movie "Traffic", who in this movie employs a lot of video camera shots which give it a very realistic documentary feel; a major plus to the mood-setting tone of the movie which seems to give credibility that indeed the events that transpire in this movie is not very far from what really is happening in the real world of corruption and the manipulations brought about by US Foreign interest.

Although many details appear simple as it may seem, the film has flung to many lengths just to be perfect as it is. Writer-director Stephen Gaghan who has had extensive research on the power plays of the oil industry and in Washington, also made first-hand research on meeting Former CIA Agent Bob Baer, who took him to explore the regions of the Middle East where Baer worked gathering intelligence for 21 years, introducing him to many figures, like CIA Operatives, businessmen, and the leader of the Islamic movement Hezbollah, and developed a firm grasp of understanding on how the oil game and its effects are played. On the other hand, we also find the lengths that actor George Clooney had to take, going so far as to gain a couple of pounds for his role in this movie. Oh, just imagine the agony of enjoying as much food as you want. hehehe

SYRIANA exposes how the US Government cheats foreign countries off its own natural resources through corruption and a great deal of manipulative bribery. We can see how many great revolutionists, idealists, and visionaries are being kept away from rising to a great leadership for their own nation so that that nation would not grow strong in its own two feet and break free from its foreign dependency. We can also see how the innocence of youth can be molded or corrupted (however which way you view it to be) that they develop into suicidal warriors for what they believe is ideal; for what they believe is the greater good.

It opens our eyes into the consciousness of what is going on in the Middle East and he power players of the Oil game. SYRIANA is informative as it is compelling. It may not be a very entertaining movie, but it is as good as reading a great book that exposes corruption in the higher echelons of the global community.

AEON FLUX

AEON FLUX: COOL ENOUGH
By Reymundo Salao

After a deadly virus annihilated more than 90% of the world's population, civilization had to rely on cloning and had to live in a small walled city. But the regime that ruled this city was faced by a rebellion that searches for justice and the answers to the secrets that this government is keeping from its citizens. Aeon Flux is a rebel who seeks vengeance for the killing of her sister, and is now tasked to assassinate the heads of the government.

AEON FLUX is based on the animated series of the same title that was shown on MTV's "Liquid TV" back in the 90's (yes, back during the days when MTV was still cool). This series was created and drawn by Peter Chung, who also animated the "Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury", is one of the more prominent figures in mature-content animation.

The AEON FLUX movie is one of those movies that can really appeal more to sci-fi geeks, since most of the fiction-based laws of logic in this film may be a bit confusing to those unfamiliar with science fiction. The sci-fi aspect of this film is full-blown to the extent that is becomes quite too funky and even psychedelic in terms of seemingly tapping inspiration from sci-fi oldies like "THX-1138", "Logan's Run", and even "Barbarella". The entire atmosphere of the movie is very funky and stylized. I was chuckling at the villains who I can only describe as 'The metrosexual government'.


But 'funky & stylized' made Charlize Theron look more jaw-freezingly alluring than she already is, in futuristic fashion and jet-black hair. Although the role of Aeon Flux, as described in the original animated series, does not fit Charlize Theron, it still quite is alluring for her to get into such a futuristic-amazon-type role. Sure, no nerd can complain if only Charlize Theron would've been clad in the original Aeon Flux outfit which looks like a futuristic dominatrix-type lingerie. But sadly, no, she doesn’t wear that same outfit in the movie. What is impressing about her, though, is that she did most of her stunts, and was able to sustain a very serious injury for doing it. I cant say the same for notable Academy Award actors Pete Postlethwaite and Frances McDormand, whose roles make them look a bit too ridiculous, and doesn’t do justice to their reputations either.

Karyn Kusama, director of "GirlFight" directed this film, and does a satisfactory job. And then, there's musical director Graeme Revell, whose music is ultra-cool that I'm drooling to get a copy of the soundtrack. His scores of action-epic-type electonica and drum n' bass enhances the world of Aeon Flux and keeps up with its stylized environment.

With all the amazon action films that have gone out before this, "Aeon Flux" has been minimized by taggings of it being a cliché. But it is still indeed an entertaining piece of work. Not for the non-sci-fi fans, this film is satisfactorily good, and a superb eye-candy.

Screening Schedules This Week (03-01-06)

ROBINSONS MOVIEWORLD
Aeon Flux
1:15 PM, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15 PM
Close to You
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
GOal!
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
Firewall
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM
Walk the Line
11:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 4:15, 7:15 PM
Bloodrayne
12:45 PM, 2:55, 5:05, 7:15 PM

SM CITY CINEMA
Aeon Flux
11 AM, 12:40 PM, 2:20, 4, 5:40, 7:20, 9 PM
Goal!
11 AM, 1 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM
Walk the Line
11 AM, 1:30 PM, 4, 6:30, 9 PM
Close to You
11 AM, 1 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM
Firewall
11 AM, 1 PM, 3, 5, 7, 9 PM
Memoirs of a Geisha
11 AM, 1:30 PM, 4, 6:30, 9 PM