jasjgm Reviews

Search for a Star in a Million (2005– )

not very good

[14 April 2005]

ABS-CBN is really wasting a lot of opportunity in finding real talent. It's now all about looks and face value, which is sad because it makes viewers look very shallow.

This franchise (Search for a Star, Star for a Night, Star in a Million) could have had a lot of potential, and could have been the Filipino version of a popular reality singing competition like American Idol. But ABS-CBN made 2 major mistakes: 1. First, it kept on changing formats in every way they can (ever since Star in a Million): there is no consistency so viewers get confused.

2. Secondly, the contestants in this season (Search for the Star in a Million) are basically just NOT GOOD. They're young, yes, but they're NOT THAT GOOD. You cannot compare their voices with Sarah Geronimo's or Erik Santos's. It seems that the contestants this season were chosen more for their looks. Plus, each contestant has NO personality whatsoever.

If you are looking for a Filipino version of American Idol - sadly, this is not it. They should have pushed Born Diva for a second season - minus the "The Swan" segments, because those girls can really sing.

Crying Ladies (2003)

simple yet spunky

[9/10 · 29 December 2003]

Although it's not a masterpiece of any sort, "Crying Ladies" deserves the Metro Manila Film Festival award for Best Picture, as compared to its fellow nominees. It had a simple plot, there were a few actors, there was not much distractions, editing was well done, the music was not overused, and the cinematography was impressive.

The plot revolves around three characters, one funeral, and a string of realizations. Sharon Cuneta did well as the main character, Angel Aquino did fine as well. However notable are Hilda Koronel and Eric Quizon, who also won acting awards in the MMFF. Hilda Koronel, especially, did a fantastic job, and she her character was solid, and witty. Eric Quizon had a grayer area in his character, but he had some moments where his character got separated and distinguished from his usual roles.

Editing was good, while cinematography was impressive. Philippine cinema has never been this good.

The soundtrack is good, and spunky, especially "Magbago Ka."

Not a masterpiece and not exactly an art film, if you're watching MMFF films, this should be on top of your list. This film is witty, spunky, and yet not at all preachy; a good, light-hearted movie. 9/10

Ang tanging ina (2003)

performs well

[29 December 2003]

This film is no drama, definitely. It's a light comedy, (although it isn't slapstick or done in poor taste, like other shows!) and it's an entertaining film for the whole family.

There are many spoofs, many hilarious quotes in this simple plot. Ai-Ai Delas Alas shines in this role, and she deserves to be well recognized for this movie.

The movie is not actually useless or stupid, as others may say. It does have a point, and it does show it in a way that the common masses would enjoy. And it does perform. Well, actually.

Short Cuts (2002)

cut short

[27 October 2003]

"Short Cuts" is one of the wittier, pop teen shows shown on television. The series focuses mainly on a media class and the 9 personalities (teenagers) who attend the class. The story is so simple but is yet hip, original, and executed well. It is too bad this Australian series was cut short, and only ran for 1 season. 8/10

Finding Nemo (2003)

oscar-bound masterpiece

[10/10 · 20 October 2003]

This is Pixar and Disney's most successful film to date. And it should be, because the story does justice to the visuals and the visuals do justice to the story. "Finding Nemo" has such a simple story but it so well told, well emphasized, and well-meant. The characterizations are excellent, the personalities fit well together into the colorful theme. The editing is flawless. The music is just right - not too dramatic, not too perky and childish. And the animation is, what can we say, a masterpiece. It is funny and touching at the right places, possibly one of the best animated films ever made. This film should be Oscar-bound.

X-Men: Evolution (2000–2003)

should be taken independently from the real thing

[18 October 2003]

Although it seems many kids really enjoy and like the series, it should remain a fact that X-Men Evolution is barely an adaptation of the actual X-Men universe (comics & the original animated series). The series itself has excellent cartooning, good music, the characterizations by themselves are good; but they are technically false. I am sure most people really familiar with the X-Men would say that. And yes, the purists should give a chance for a little adjustments, and should keep quiet, but it is disappointing for something which real fans have followed for decades to just be radically distorted (which it is) and turned into something else. Yes, X-Men Evolution is a good animated series, but the best thing to do is to take it INDEPENDENTLY, as in SEPARATE from the real X-Men story line. Treat it as if it were another comic book adaptation. Kids alike will enjoy Evolution, and real fans should just step aside and let it go. However, to those who really want to watch the original, classic X-Men universe, watch the original X-Men animated series (which is not so much for kids, more for the older generations). The cartooning may not be that good, but the stories are classic and true to the comic, and the diverse dramatic world of the mutants, and their intertwining relationships with each other would really be shown. That is the real classic.

We Were the Mulvaneys (2002 TV Movie)

dispiriting

[17 October 2003]

A good drama, but may be a bit dispiriting. Beau Bridges does an excellent job as the prideful father; however, Blythe Danner's character seems to be in the gray area. Somehow I do not understand her position as mother of the Mulvaneys; is it in the script or is it just her acting? The cast in general did okay, nothing too special though.

****possible spoiler****

The story itself is a bit depressing. Of course, we don't expect any happy endings here, but somehow the ending did not justify what had happened. If you like movies with hanging endings and a big sore which doesn't seem to heal up to the end, then this tv-movie is for you. 7/10

Mano po (2002)

could have been much better

[18 June 2003]

Although "Mano Po" bagged a lot of awards from MMFF, and some other awards ceremonies, it does not live up to the standards of a real Filipino "Best Picture" movie. The plot was quite new (no Filipino film has tackled the life of a Filipino-Chinese family, as I recall), and the actors were known for their previous great performances in other films, but there is really just something wrong with this movie.

*** possible minor spoiler ***

It tries to be another "Tanging Yaman," which it is definitely not. The plot with the Hong Kong Triad and the undercover agent is too contrived; this is definitely not the story of a typical Filipino-Chinese family. Secondly, the acting was disappointing. I expected more from Maricel Soriano, something is lacking in her performance (though it could possibly just be because of the script). Also, anyone could have done Kris Aquino's role, I do not know why she was critically acclaimed for this. As for Ara Mina, okay, I have to say this is one of her better films (not award-winning material, though). Only Amy Austria shined in her performance, which was sadly only a supporting role.

Something is just wrong with the story. It tries to be about a Filipino Chinese family but it is not. In every scene, in many ways, it flashes "We are Filipino Chinese." It just tries too hard.

Basically, "Mano Po" tries to be a "Best Picture" movie, but it does not quite reach there. Yes, it is Metro Manila Film Fest material, but it lacks the spirit "Tanging Yaman" had. Some may say "Tanging Yaman" is too cheesy, or whatever, but I have to say at least it HAD a point, and I came out of the theater with a clear mind. "Tanging Yaman" is simple yet classic; "Mano Po" is grand and a bit too sensational. 7/10

The Seventies (2002)

simply powerful

[10/10 · 13 June 2003]

"Dekada '70" is simply powerful. Vilma Santos's performance is stunning, as usual, (though personally she did a better job in "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?"). Christopher de Leon also has a shining performance, as well as Piolo Pascual, who swept the supporting actor awards in, if I'm not mistaken, all of the 2002 Philippine movie/acting awards ceremonies. The movie was actually very faithful to the book, only a few new scenes had been added. It isn't easy watching, but neither is it dragging. Watch out for the abrupt transitions, which is probably the only weak aspect of this film. Though it doesn't match up to Lualhati Bautista's masterpiece, "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?", all in all, "Dekada '70" is still a very good drama. 9/10

7th Heaven (1996–2007)

disappointing

[12 June 2003]

This used to be a good series, throughout its first few seasons, because it was indeed one of those tv shows families should watch together(which is very rare nowadays). However, it became inconsistent, with the minister's daughters exchanging boyfriends, his 15 year old son going beyond kissing and necking in their own living room, etc. Is this what the show wants to project? What made 7th Heaven so unique was that it showed a family who tried to do the right thing for once. Okay, so it may be a bit idealistic, but that's really the characteristic of the show from the start; that's what makes it worth watching. Sadly, it has become a slightly tamer version of "Melrose Place" where the characters merely switch partners, and this is where the whole story revolves. This used to be a good show. It's disappointing.

A Change of Heart (2000)

A well-executed film

[9/10 · 10 June 2001]

Laurice Guillen's movie is definitely well-executed. The cast, including Gloria Romero and Johnny Delgado had stunning performances. This movie, which won several Famas awards and Metro Manila Film Festival awards, certainly deserves the credit for a beautiful portrayal of a typical Filipino family.