The Reader [2008]

I was intrigued by the 4 Golden Globe Nominations and the astounding awards this movie had...so, I tried to quench my curiosity.
And I wasn't frustrated. It is soul-touching.

*photo
*IMDb link

Warlords [2007]

The first movie I've seen for this year...
actually, I've seen parts of the movie when my dad was watching it before, but I was not able to concentrate on it.
The story is so tragic, but won't change the way I feel for Jet Li..*wink.

*photo
*IMDb link

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

This is a fantastic movie!

Fit for family viewing and made a surprising twist to the old-time favorite children story, The Frog Prince! Two thumbs-up!

-honey-

Directors:
Ron Clements
John Musker

Writers:
Story: Ron Clements
John Musker
Greg Erb
Jason Oremland

screenplay: Ron Clements
John Musker
Rob Edwards, etc.

Cast: Anika Noni Rose as Tiana (voice) Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen (voice) Jennifer Cody as Charlotte (voice) Oprah Winfrey as Eudora (voice), etc. Plot Summary: A modern day retelling of the classic story The Frog Prince. The Princess and the Frog finds the lives of arrogant, carefree Prince Naveen and hardworking waitress Tiana crossing paths. Prince Naveen is transformed into a frog by a conniving voodoo magician and Tiana, following suit, upon kissing the amphibian royalty. With the help of a trumpet-playing alligator, a Cajun firefly, and an old blind lady who lives in a boat in a tree, Naveen and Tiana must race to break the spell and fulfill their dreams. Written by The Massie Twins -more at www.imdb.com

The Road (2009)

In a moment, the world changed forever.

It will keep you thinking til the end.

-honey-

Director: John Hillcoat
Writers:
Cormac McCarthy (novel)
Joe Penhall (adaptation and screenplay)

Cast:

Viggo Mortensen as Father

Kodi Smit-McPhee as Boy

Charlize Theron as Mother, etc.

Plot Summary:

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind and water. It is cold enough to crack stones, and, when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the warmer south, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing: just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless cannibalistic bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a rusting shopping cart of scavenged food--and each other.Written by Sean Pollock

-more at www.imdb.com

Silas Marner by George Eliot

This is a dramatic novel by George Eliot (the pen name of Mary Ann Evans) which was first published in 1861.

It is about a linen-weaver alien to the lands of Raveloe, exiled by himself after being falsely accused of theft and killing a deacon by not being by his side on his deathbed. Unaccustomed to Raveloe's ways and culture, Silas Marner lived a life of isolation at the Stone-pits, weaving for 15 years and tending to his monotonous life until a major event changed his life forever. Having lost his pile of gold yet gained the golden-haired Eppie, slowly, Master Marner blended with the townfolks of Raveloe and his life could never be the same again.

At first, I find this novel boring to read at, not looking forward on to anything that would make me feel interested. I just wanted to try a classic novel this time, but unknown of the adventures that lie beyond the pages. I slowly dragged myself up until half of the book and there, it came to me...the beauty of this masterpiece which George Eliot conjured. The love of a child which changed the life of an old solitary man, talking about ethics, family, religion, etc. This is the first novel I've read of George Eliot, and I'd be looking forward to more of her works.

-honey

The Lovely Bones (2009)

Truly a lovely movie!

I first heard of it when it was mentioned at The Oscars, then when i rummaged through my dad's DVDs, I was kind of surprised that he had it in a pile of new movies he had.

In no second thoughts, I called my folks to watch this one.

And oh man, we got hooked up from start to end.

It gives me the screams, the thrill, the smile, the compassion and the sympathy.

Makes me think about what life in the in-between would be like for me...and whether my loved ones would also feel my presence despite the absence.

I so love this movie, and I'd surely recommend this to people.

-honey-

Director: Peter Jackson

Writers:

Fran Walsh (screenplay)

Philippa Boyens (screenplay)

Peter Jackson (screenplay)

Alice Sebold (novel)

Cast:

Rachel Weisz as Abigail Salmon

Mark Wahlberg as Jack Salmon

Stanley Tucci as George Harvey

Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon, etc.

Plot Summary:

"The Lovely Bones" centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family - and her killer - from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. Written by Anonymous

-more at www.imdb.com

Case 39 (2009)

Even before I was in the middle of the movie, I jumped up to find anyone who'd watch it with me.
It got me so scared that left me shivering and hugging my pillow so tight like if it's a living thing, I already have suffocated it dead. Good thing my parents are still awake, and I asked Pa to come share the horrifying movie with me, hahaha.

I had no idea what this Case 39 would be. I never planned last night to scare myself off, I just wanted to surprise myself. And no, I did not search and read any synopsis about this one, and bang, it did surprise the courage in me. I actually went chicken, but even so, I still wanted to watch all of it. I was even glad the ending was satisfactory enough. You should try it...preferrably with someone, but if you aren't as scared with scary movies like me, you may as well venture this one alone.

-honey-

Director: Christian Alvart
Writer: Ray Wright

Cast:
Renée Zellweger as Emily Jenkins
Jodelle Ferland as Lillith Sullivan
Ian McShane as Detective Mike Barron, etc.

Plot Summary:
"Case 39" centers on an idealistic social worker who saves an abused 10-year-old girl from her parents only to discover that the girl is not as innocent as she thinks. Written by Unknown

- more at www.imdb.com

Avatar (2009)

another jaw-dropping, meticulously furbished motion pictures by James Cameron,

this movie is best seen in 3D pictures,

and it's as much worth to the experience you'll never forget!

Director: James Cameron
Writer: James Cameron

Cast:
Sam Worthington as Jake Sully
Zoe Saldana as Neytiri
Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine, etc.

Plot Summary:
When his brother is killed in a robbery, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.
-written by The Massie Twins

-more at www.imdb.com

mirage by soheir khashoggi

01/09/10
this is the loud voice of women!
we are as equally capable as men in a lot of ways, probably not all, but in a lot of ways...even better, so don't shut us down nor deem us lesser.

-honey-

Amira, a girl from a wealthy and powerful family, expects to be sold into marriage and to never step outsider her house without being swathed in black veils. But she's not prepared for the savagery of the husband she first meets on her wedding night. In a daring attempt to save her own life, she escapes with her baby to start a new life in the United States. But her past--and her powerful husband--won't give her up so easily...

-plot summary by http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk
-book cover

the cat who said cheese by lilian jackson braun

01/05/10
love cats? like mystery novels?
this would be best for you.

-honey-

With the approaching Great Food Explo, there's lots of delicious activity in Moose County-restaurant openings, a cheese-tasting, and a bake-off are planned, among other events. But there's nothing as tasty as a morsel of gossip, so when a mysterious woman moves into the New Pickax Hotel, the locals indulge in lots of speculation. Even Qwill is distracted. And when a bomb explodes in her room, killing the hotel housekeeper, Qwilleran, Koko, and Yum Yum have to put aside the treats and figure out who cooked up this murderous recipe...

Meet prizewinning reporter--Jim Qwilleran and his extraordinary Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum-the most unlikely, most unusual, most delightful team in detective fiction!

-plot summary by http://www.fictiondb.com
-book cover

snow wolf by glenn meade

01/04/10
a real page-turner! you can't wait to know what will happen next!
i love this novel!

-honey-

IN THE HEART OF THEE COLD WAR, THEY SENT HIM TO PLOT THE ULTIMATE ASSASSINATION. NOW, THEY WANT HIM DEAD...

It is 1953. Joseph Stalin, the world's most tyrannical dictator, is teetering on the edge of insanity, and about to plunge the world into nuclear chaos. Only one man and one woman can penetrate the Iron Curtain and stop this madman, before it's too late.

But someone inside the Kremlin knows. And as the KGB's deadliest manhunter pursues these two CIA-hired assassins, another duel unfolds, between secret warriors of the West and East, with a U.S. agent caught in between. Now that agent must do the unthinkable: find his way to the heart of the Soviet Union and stop the mission he himself set in motion -- -before it ignites World War III.

-book cover

-plot summary by http://www.fictiondb.com

Notorious by Janet Dailey

01/01/10
if you're interested to read about ranching and cowboys, here's one for you.
and yes, Janet Dailey speaks about values and the love of land here.

-honey-

A RICH AND SWEEPING STORY OF DECEIT AND DEVOTION

Janet Dailey's mastery of grand romance, divided loyalties, and searing passion has made her one of the bestselling authors of all time. In Notorious, her finest and most exciting contemporary romance, Dailey returns to the wild ranch country of northern Nevada, where a determined woman fights to protect her family's land.

Eden Rossiter is the owner of Spur Ranch, located thirty miles north of the small town of Friendly, Nevada. Strong, cautious, and beautiful, she struggles in a world where a spirited woman is not generally welcome. Notorious for having eluded a first-degree murder charge years before, Eden is also widely admired for defying Duke Depard, the ruthless owner of the neighboring Diamond D Ranch, who is resolved to drive her out of business.

Eden stands up to Depard on her own--until a stranger drifts into Friendly. Soft-spoken and ruggedly handsome, Kincade takes up Eden's cause and becomes her ally against Depard. Although Eden has never trusted a man, together she and Kincade struggle through dangers and adversities, forming a unique bond, one that is strong and true. Gradually, Eden's reserve begins to give way to something unexpected, something she has been waiting for without even knowing it.

-plot summary by http://www.fictiondb.com
-book cover

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I already forget how I used to feel about you.

Director: Michel Gondry
Writers:
Charlie Kaufman (story) &
Michel Gondry (story), etc.
Release Date: 19 March 2004 (USA)
Genre: Drama | Romance
Awards: yeah, lots of nominations!

Cast:
Jim Carrey as Joel Barish
Kate Winslet as Clementine Kruczynski
Elijah Wood as Patrick
Mark Ruffalo as Stan
Kirsten Dunst as Mary, etc.

Plot:
A couple undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories when their relationship turns sour, but it is only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with. (IMDB)

Comment:
Completely star-studded! And mind you, this has been the first Jim Carrey movie I've seen where his role isn't to make you rolling on the floor and laughing your heart out. But of course, he never missed to make you giggle once or twice. The plotine? Very sophisticated. This film would keep you on a rollercoaster ride until the end, and you'd be utterly confused most of the time. Why would you not? This film talks about digging into one's mind and erasing those "bad" memories you got there, but what if you changed your mind and doesn't want them to be erased anymore? hahaha, confused already? you just better watch this one.

Personal Rating: 6/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338013/

Finding Neverland

Unlock your imagination.

Director: Marc Forster
Writers:
Allan Knee (play)
David Magee (screenplay)
Release Date: 13 April 2005 (Philippines)
Genre: Biography | Drama | Family

Cast:
Johnny Depp as Sir James Matthew Barrie
Kate Winslet as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies
Julie Christie as Mrs. Emma du Maurier
Radha Mitchell as Mary Ansell Barrie
Dustin Hoffman as Charles Frohman
Freddie Highmore as Peter Llewelyn Davies, etc.

Plot:
This movie is the story of J.M. Barrie's friendship with a family who inspired him to create Peter Pan. *no spoilers

Comments:
The character of Sir J.M. Barrie was somewhat complicated in the sense that there was a bit of childishness in it to appeal to his playmates and at the same time having a touch of maturity to work out his marital relations and to that of his financer...but it was brilliantly played by Johnny Depp! Kate Winslet looked nice and she appeared more mature being the mother of 4 boys. Forgive me, but I wasn't able to recognize that Dustin Hoffman was there in the movie. That beard and facial hair concealed his identity really well.

I'd like to give credit to a young actor's performance in this movie. Freddie Highmore who played the character of Peter Llewelyn Davies gave an astonishing dramatic act. I first saw his movies, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)and August Rush (2007), and was impressed by him ever since. This time, he's done it again, though, obviously Finding Neverland came way before than those 2 other movies. Nevertheless, he's such a cute and talented kid. Kudos to you, boy! No wonder he's got nominations for the Best Performance by a Younger Actor. Look for more awards of the movie here.

Personal Rating: 6.5/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308644/

My Life Without Me

Director: Isabel Coixet
Wriers:
Isabel Coixet (writer)
Nanci Kincaid (book)
Release Date: 7 March 2003 (Spain)
Genre: Crime | Drama | Romance

Cast:
Sarah Polley as Ann
Amanda Plummer as Laurie
Scott Speedman as Don
Leonor Watling as Ann, the Neighbor
Deborah Harry as Ann's Mother, etc.

Plot:
A young woman conceals the fact of her terminal cancer to live her life with a passion she never had before. (IMDB)

Comments:
A very sad movie...but despite that, it somehow shows a wonderful perspective about dying. Though dying per se isn't a good perspective in itself, it gives light in the famous saying that goes...live life to the fullest because we may never see tomorrow. I may not have gotten that right, but you get the idea. A very calm and sad movie, but I liked it overall. Look, it garnered some awards!

Personal Rating: 6/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314412/

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Life is the ultimate work of art.

Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen (written by)
Release Date: 18 February 2009 (Philippines)
Genre: Drama | Romance

Cast:
Rebecca Hall as Vicky
Scarlett Johansson as Cristina
Javier Bardem as Juan Antonio Gonzalo
Penélope Cruz as Maria Elena, etc.

Plot:
Two girlfriends on a summer holiday in Spain become enamored with the same painter, unaware that his ex-wife, with whom he has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture. (IMDB)

Comments:
When watching this one, you need to have an open mind and a crazier imagination to be able to appreciate the storyline and jive with the writer/director's point of view - very unique and wilder opinion of life. It opens you to an imperfect yet, enjoyable life, and it suggests new versions of love relationships which you never have deemed to be ever possible. I enjoyed watching this one. It actually garnered lots of awards! Well, this is a good movie, but not which i couldn't forget the rest of my life...hopefully not.

Personal Rating:6.5/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497465/

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Revenge is coming.

Director: Michael Bay
Writers:
Ehren Kruger (written by)
Roberto Orci (written by)
Alex Kurtzman(written by
Release Date: 24 June 2009 (Philippines)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Cast:
Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky
Megan Fox as Mikaela Banes
Josh Duhamel as Major Lennox, etc.

Plot:
* I won't provide any spoilers.

Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle. (from IMDB)

Comments:
* Extremely awesome action scenes, though there's nothing much about the plot and storyline. The acting was kind of lame, and I personally don't like those twin racist robots and their dialogue. But, the special effects were spectacular. If you are looking for movies with high-end digital effects rather than focusing on the acting skills of the casts, then this one is for you. I was even more entertained on the robots' dramatic show than the live ones, hehehhe. peace ya all... Nonetheless, it still entertained me and a lot of people worldwide.

Personal Rating: 7/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1055369/

I Am Sam

Love is all you need.

Director: Jessie Nelson
Writers:
Kristine Johnson (written by) &
Jessie Nelson (written by)
Release Date: 25 January 2002 (USA)
Genre: Drama

Cast:
Sean Penn as Sam Dawson
Michelle Pfeiffer as Rita Harrison Williams
Dakota Fanning as Lucy Diamond Dawson, etc.

Plot:
A mentally-retarded, loving father fought against life and people who would attempt to separate him from his sweet 7-year old daughter. He would do everything that it takes to prove to the court that he alone could provide the kind of care and love his daughter needed to go through life's challenges as she grow up to be a young lady. And those people who never believed he'd be capable to do so, him having just a mental capacity that of a 7-year-old were all taken aback as he showed them that love is all you need to raise a child so dear to your heart. Sam Dawson sends inspiration to his lawyer, to his mentally retarded friends, to his daughter's foster parents and to all the people who witnessed how he struggled to claim his daughter back.

* I actually cried a lot of times while watching the movie. Yes, yes...you might think it's too sentimental or pathetic of me to do so. But, really, I just can't help myself. This movie speaks more of life and makes us see one of the things that we usually have taken for granted...our dad's love for us. I know that sometimes, we'd wish we have a different dad and not the one we already have. Sometimes we'd wish he wouldn't be that nosy or strict or overprotective or close-minded. And just because we couldn't conform to what he desired and wanted for us, we'd ravage and wish he'd be gone. But, we shouldn't be doing these. For at least, we've had the chance to know our dad, get to see him and live with him. We've had the opportunity to dine with him, cuddle with him, laugh at his jokes, watch movies with him, get to taste his cooking, and just even enjoy his company. We are fortunate enough to experience his presence, because not all the people in the world know where their dad is or if they do, not given the chance to get to know him.

Sam may not be a perfect dad, just like our dads. They all have flaws and weaknesses, and we may never knew it but they may also be hammering their heads and working hard on how to be a better dad to their kids. Yet, most of the time, we overlook at their efforts to provide us decent livings, we oversee their worries as we go home late at night and we resent their good advices to better our lives.

Before it is too late, let us all look back at what we've done to our dads and on how much we give importance to them. They deserve more than our attention, our care and our love in return...and I think Father's Day shouldn't just be a one-day affair. We should be celebrating that everyday of our lives so long as we look up to a father who nurtured us to who we are now...whether he be biological or not.

-honey-

Personal Rating: 8/10

more at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277027/

27 Dresses

This January, always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

Director: Anne Fletcher
Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna (written by)
Release Date: 30 January 2008 (Philippines)
Genre: Comedy | Romance

Cast:
Katherine Heigl as Jane
James Marsden as Kevin, etc.

Plot:
Having been a bridesmaid for 27 times, Jane couldn't say no to friends as she selflessly and effectively plan for their wedding. She even could not say no to hand over her secret love to her beloved spoiled baby sister, Tess. Now, what is she gonna prioritize as she became her sister's maid of honor and at the same time warding off the cynical, but handsome "Commitments" columnist who came tailing after her to get the outstanding story of the week? Who will she pursue: her 20 years of secret love or the new attraction towards the new guy whom she found out that they may have something in common after all?

* I am no big fan with Tagalog movies, I admit, but I actually have seen a few of them. This movie reminds me of Claudine Barreto and Rico Yan's movie about her being always a bridesmaid. I forgot the title for that, it was somewhat cheesy, I think.. hehhhe, peace. But, surprisingly, it was one of the few Tagalog movies that I finished watching from the start till the end. Though the storyline for 27 Dresses are somewhat different from the plot of the other movie, still, the theme and general idea was similar.

27 Dresses is a hilarious romantic comedy about love, sisterhood and relationships. The person we secretly love for so long now may actually be not the exact person that we've been looking for after all. And the person we so despise may turn out to be the one, we just never knew. Weddings are very serious events where "I dos" have more to it than just the mere blurting out of words. There's the commitment and promise to be with someone the rest of time no matter what..and that's no ordinary saying of vows, it has to be fulfilled every day of one's married life. Scary, right? But i believe, once you're truly in love and found the person you've decided to spend time with, it wouldn't be that difficult and scary after all. You'll just enjoy each moment together and relive them over and over again.

-honey-

Personal Rating: 7.5/10

more at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988595/