Na madinig siya ng mga Pinoy - tila ito ang nais ng kasulatang ito:
The Filipino Today, by Alex Lacson
Siguro, ang layunin ng may-akda ay marangal. Ngunit hindi ko pa rin nagustuhan ang kanyang katha. Kasi, una, kung gusto mo talagang makatulong at marinig ka ng kapwa mo Pinoy, aba e dapat gamitin mo ang wikang Filipino.
At heto na naman ang isang maling propaganda na pinapakalat ng may akda: na magaling ang Pinoy. Hindi po. Tulad na ng mga halimbawa niya, may ilan-ilang magagaling na Pinoy. At hindi dahil Pinoy sila. Aba e kung magaling ang Pinoy, bakit hindi nagtagumpay si Capt. Mendoza na makuha ang kanyang mga demanda sa kanyang tinangkang hostage crisis? O di kaya ang mga pulis nung panahon na yon, lamang sila sa numero laban kay Capt. Mendoza--bakit nila napabayaang may mamatay na mga inosenteng sibilyan na silang mga turistang banyaga pa man din? Aba e kung magaling ang Pinoy, bakit nagka-abusadong Martial Rule tayo sa ilalim ni dating Pangulong Marcos? Madami tayong pwedeng itukoy na mga tila hindi "magagaling" na mga kapatid natin.
Tulad ng mga halimbawa ng may-akda, totoong may ilang magagaling na Pinoy.
Pero ito po ay dahil nagsikap sila.
Tignan mo na lang si Manny Pacquiao. World Champion. Pinoy, hindi po ba? Ngunit, World Champion po ba siya dahil siya ay Pinoy? Hindi po. Bakit ang kapatid na niya mismo na siyang "boxer" din na si Bobby Pacquiao, hindi nakakamit ang mga tagumpay na tulad ni Manny? World Champion po si Manny dahil po mas nagsumikap si Manny sa kapatid niya o sa kahit sinumang Pinoy. Yun lang po yon.
Kung gusto talaga natin umunlad, IKAW mismo, kapwa Pinoy, ang dapat magsumikap. IKAW mismo ang dapat may gawin. Hindi mo pwedeng sabihin na lang na dahil Pinoy ka, magaling ka na. Lalo na kung wala ka pa namang pinapala. Kapag nagsumikap ka at tunay na magaling ka na nga, tsaka mo ipag-mayabang na Pinoy ka. Kasi pwede lang tayo maging "proud to be Pinoy" kapag ang mga kapwa Pinoy ay tunay nga na "proud" para sa atin, o na maipagmamayabang nga tayo. Tulad niyang mga tinutukoy na mga indibidwal na mga tao sa kasulatan na aking nabanggit - tayong mga Pinoy ay "proud" sa kanila at sa kanilang mga ginawa - mga tulong sa ibang tao, mga imbensyon nakakapagpa-unlad ng buhay ng ibang tao, mga panalo sa mga isports, atbp. Sana lang ay "proud to be Pinoy" pa nga din po tayo kapag tayo ay may nakamit na.
Ang "keyword" po talaga, ay hindi "Pinoy." Ang "keyword" po ay "gawa."
"Cliche" na ito ngunit, ayun talaga ang tanong e: Ano na ba talaga ang nagawa o ginagawa mo para maipagmalaki ka ng iyong pamilya, ng iyong komunidad, ng iyong inang bayan?
Note: For our international readers, pardon the use of our own language. Those who speak our language, after all, is my intended audience for the above. And that English-writing Filipino author, who apparently, I critiqued also an article back in this link. Of course, you can always use Google Translate or some other online translation service, although it is usually an imperfect translation.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
[Book Review] 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country
This book came out and became quite popular. I did have a comment on it, and now is the time to speak up.
I think it misses one important thing every Filipino can do to help our country. But okay, this is one thing I don't do myself very often, or at least not in print or publications and not on the internet...
13. Speak in Filipino to each other. Preserve our culture. Respect our traditions. Write your books for Filipinos in Filipino. Teach other Filipino dialects in elementary, high school, and college! Including Tagalog*! Don't laugh at fellow Filipinos who have wrong English grammar, it's not our language after all. Don't laugh at fellow Filipinos who have "wrong" English pronunciations. They are only "wrong" in the eyes of Americans, etc. Other English-speaking nations have their own way of pronouncing English: each of the 50 States, the UK, Scotland, Australia, Singapore, Canada, India, Italy, Germany, and so on. In other words, don't judge fellow Filipinos by other nation's standards!
(*Many do not know a lot of Tagalog words; they call them "very deep" Tagalog words, thus alienating themselves from speaking it more fluently. And this is the dialect that is the primary basis of the Filipino language.)
Unfortunately because the book with the above title is in English, I don't think its message was brought to all the intended audience. Or maybe that is the point? I like the book, and its contents, and its message. But to reach what I believe is its intended audience, it has to be written in Filipino. Tagalog, Bisaya, Waray, etc. In all dialects if possible!
To defend myself, my intended audience for this blog is not just the Filipino people (that's why it's on the net), hence, kindly pardon the English, imperfections aside. I plan to write one book with the intended audience being Filipinos... I hope to write it in Filipino.
I said "Speak in Filipino to each other" should be #13, to add to the "12 Little Things." Personally I think it should be #1.
Oh and... I do respect traffic officers, policemen, and most specially soldiers. (#5 on the list.) But I fear policemen, to tell you the truth. You could be doing nothing wrong, and then you could just find yourself behind bars, or fined, or abused. After all, they have guns. We don't. I've heard of stories, and I've experienced some of these things first hand. I think #5 should be changed to, "If you are an authority figure - traffic officer, police, soldier, priest, father, teacher, mayor, president, etc. - practice good leadership, respect the people under you, and take responsibility for them." At some point in all of our lives, we each will be in a position of authority. I think we should do our part well first, before we can ask people to respect us.
By the way, I would vote for Alex "Pinoy" Lacson for senator this May 2010. He wrote the said book. :-)
I think it misses one important thing every Filipino can do to help our country. But okay, this is one thing I don't do myself very often, or at least not in print or publications and not on the internet...
13. Speak in Filipino to each other. Preserve our culture. Respect our traditions. Write your books for Filipinos in Filipino. Teach other Filipino dialects in elementary, high school, and college! Including Tagalog*! Don't laugh at fellow Filipinos who have wrong English grammar, it's not our language after all. Don't laugh at fellow Filipinos who have "wrong" English pronunciations. They are only "wrong" in the eyes of Americans, etc. Other English-speaking nations have their own way of pronouncing English: each of the 50 States, the UK, Scotland, Australia, Singapore, Canada, India, Italy, Germany, and so on. In other words, don't judge fellow Filipinos by other nation's standards!
(*Many do not know a lot of Tagalog words; they call them "very deep" Tagalog words, thus alienating themselves from speaking it more fluently. And this is the dialect that is the primary basis of the Filipino language.)
Unfortunately because the book with the above title is in English, I don't think its message was brought to all the intended audience. Or maybe that is the point? I like the book, and its contents, and its message. But to reach what I believe is its intended audience, it has to be written in Filipino. Tagalog, Bisaya, Waray, etc. In all dialects if possible!
To defend myself, my intended audience for this blog is not just the Filipino people (that's why it's on the net), hence, kindly pardon the English, imperfections aside. I plan to write one book with the intended audience being Filipinos... I hope to write it in Filipino.
I said "Speak in Filipino to each other" should be #13, to add to the "12 Little Things." Personally I think it should be #1.
Oh and... I do respect traffic officers, policemen, and most specially soldiers. (#5 on the list.) But I fear policemen, to tell you the truth. You could be doing nothing wrong, and then you could just find yourself behind bars, or fined, or abused. After all, they have guns. We don't. I've heard of stories, and I've experienced some of these things first hand. I think #5 should be changed to, "If you are an authority figure - traffic officer, police, soldier, priest, father, teacher, mayor, president, etc. - practice good leadership, respect the people under you, and take responsibility for them." At some point in all of our lives, we each will be in a position of authority. I think we should do our part well first, before we can ask people to respect us.
By the way, I would vote for Alex "Pinoy" Lacson for senator this May 2010. He wrote the said book. :-)
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
[Blog Review?] How to cope with calamity?
Last year I came across this article: http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20091012-229701/How-to-cope-with-calamity
My reaction: Yeah right! The things the writer said are all truths. But they are not actually helping people who are ACTUALLY affected by calamity. There are some "helpful information" there on what you should do BEFORE an actual calamity happens. So if I were already affected by calamity, what do I do now considering I did not know yet of these things? Of course newspaper article writers are paid to write articles, not to REALLY help people. Not well thought out. There must be better articles out there.
I say this as one who was affected by calamity (specifically Typhoon Ondoy), and I did not find this article helpful at all.
My reaction: Yeah right! The things the writer said are all truths. But they are not actually helping people who are ACTUALLY affected by calamity. There are some "helpful information" there on what you should do BEFORE an actual calamity happens. So if I were already affected by calamity, what do I do now considering I did not know yet of these things? Of course newspaper article writers are paid to write articles, not to REALLY help people. Not well thought out. There must be better articles out there.
I say this as one who was affected by calamity (specifically Typhoon Ondoy), and I did not find this article helpful at all.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
[Movie Review] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008/2009)
It's not a great movie. But since a lot of people like it, you may want to watch it yourself. It could wait on DVD or HBO.
But there's something you can realize from the movie that is so true - as people get older, they lose their adult-like abilities and turn to becoming child-like. We become smaller when we're older. We lose hair. We are unable to cross the street by ourselves anymore. We find it difficult to outrun the middle-aged people. Of course, the only difference between little baby boy and grandpa is grandpa's eaten a whole lot more, there's been a lot more fatigue, and so there's more skin, and more damaged parts. But they're just the same. I like my grandmas - I got to know them when they were older. When they were younger, they were... different. I like babies too. I took care of two cousins when they were babies. But when they get older, they become... different.
All I am saying is that this is so true: "from dust we came and to dust we shall return."
A blessed Ash Wednesday to all of you.
But there's something you can realize from the movie that is so true - as people get older, they lose their adult-like abilities and turn to becoming child-like. We become smaller when we're older. We lose hair. We are unable to cross the street by ourselves anymore. We find it difficult to outrun the middle-aged people. Of course, the only difference between little baby boy and grandpa is grandpa's eaten a whole lot more, there's been a lot more fatigue, and so there's more skin, and more damaged parts. But they're just the same. I like my grandmas - I got to know them when they were older. When they were younger, they were... different. I like babies too. I took care of two cousins when they were babies. But when they get older, they become... different.
All I am saying is that this is so true: "from dust we came and to dust we shall return."
A blessed Ash Wednesday to all of you.
[Movie Review] When I Met U (2009)
Richard Gutierrez? and KC Concepcion? It's a 1 out of 4 for me. Don't watch it, it's a waste of time and money. Teaches the wrong values also. A lot of other movies are much, much better. This has problems in the acting department (main two characters at least), the story/plot development, and the directing, production, and maybe the cinematography.
A Very Special Love is better. Baler is better. When Love Begins is better. Everything else is better. I wasn't able to watch "For the First Time" but people say it was even worse than this.
By the way - did you notice how "poor" KC Concepcion's character supposedly is - and yet they live in that posh house. No one from that kind of a house would become a "diser" in real life. Some say, it is just a movie. But it is so unrealistic. It's like - did they just make this to earn money? And forgot about the film making? Just put in the two popular chubby actors in there. And get Emperador to pay.
Aaaaye, it was really painful to watch. :-(
Okay, here's the good part about it. There is something realistic about it, or at least I've seen it once or twice in other people's actual, true-to-life stories, albeit not exactly the same: how a girl can fall for a guy and how a guy can attract a girl... how a guy can "uncommit" when he already is "committed"... how a "committed" girl would think she's only being friends with a guy but unknowingly is putting herself in a situation that would lead to "uncommitting"... how stupid people can become just to get what they want, nevermind if my dad loses his house (you can argue against this) or make my mom pretend she is so sick, or if at least two people get hurt... how people think everything will be better if only he/she is together with his/her love... how people justify the wrong things they are doing (e.g. "aerodynamics is overrated - hummer owners international" - ooops that's not in the movie)... how people do not stop to think what should they do before jumping a cliff (and how people drive thru an intersection without stopping to see if there are other cars, and then if somebody hits them, oh no it's the others' fault, not theirs!)... If this movie cared to have any values at all, the thing that the couple should have done was to break up with their respective boyfriends/girlfriends earlier! But no... they don't want to be without one. "Sigurista"? Anyway. I guess that's also a realistic thing that I've seen before.
It's just a really bad movie. Don't ever mention to your kids that there is such a movie like this if you are for improving our society.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
[Movies] Wall-E
Wall-E is a cartoon. Kids will love it.
The love story between Wall-E and EVE is a classic tale. It's a perfect date movie.
The real story in the movie speaks of a future that is so not impossible. It's a movie that ALL adults should watch. It's a movie with a story that more movies should tackle more.
I give this movie 4 out of 4 stars.
We might well be looking to the stars in the outer space for our future generations' welfare.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sushi served Nyotaimori-style
This may give you an impression that the Japanese are weird. That's because you have a Western/non-Japanese background.
But yeah, in Christian contexts, this is a no-no, as you (usually males) are putting yourself in a situation where you could be tempted, at least to entertain thoughts violating "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife..." or "Thou shalt not commit adultery..."
Anyway, read this article first: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/style/2008/10/naked-sushi.html
Did you know? The French are predominantly Catholic.
Anyways, it turns out it's somewhere between US$ 100 to 300 to do this, and that's exclusive of something like a mandatory tip of 18% and taxes, and other extras. No, this is legal, and no, you can't touch the "plate." You do have chopsticks. But it would be rude as you are here to eat sushi in a different way.
Of course there are places-a-plenty like this in Japan. Anyway, if you're in New York, check out this out:
http://www.nyotaimori-ny.com/
But yeah, in Christian contexts, this is a no-no, as you (usually males) are putting yourself in a situation where you could be tempted, at least to entertain thoughts violating "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife..." or "Thou shalt not commit adultery..."
Anyway, read this article first: http://www.vanityfair.com/online/style/2008/10/naked-sushi.html
Did you know? The French are predominantly Catholic.
Anyways, it turns out it's somewhere between US$ 100 to 300 to do this, and that's exclusive of something like a mandatory tip of 18% and taxes, and other extras. No, this is legal, and no, you can't touch the "plate." You do have chopsticks. But it would be rude as you are here to eat sushi in a different way.
Of course there are places-a-plenty like this in Japan. Anyway, if you're in New York, check out this out:
http://www.nyotaimori-ny.com/
Monday, November 03, 2008
[Movie Review] Once (2006)
This is an indie music-movie (almost like a musical; similar to Music and Lyrics starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant) about an aspiring singer-songwriter and a girl he meets with whom he shares the same talent and passion for music. Cool. I love music, I am a singer-songwriter myself. For that, this was interesting.
WAS.
I slept on this movie. The songs are so melancholic. It became dragging to a certain point. Perhaps that was the point of the movie. If so, then it's a great movie. That I slept on.
I rate this a 2. It's a must watch only for very, very, very serious movie lovers.
WAS.
I slept on this movie. The songs are so melancholic. It became dragging to a certain point. Perhaps that was the point of the movie. If so, then it's a great movie. That I slept on.
I rate this a 2. It's a must watch only for very, very, very serious movie lovers.
Monday, October 27, 2008
[Book Review] How to Mend a Broken Heart (by Nelson Dy)
Not what I thought it would be. I expected something general, something to really heal broken hearts of all sorts. I do know this is a Christian book.
But this thing is targeted at male nerds/dorks who are already at their mid-30s to 40s and yet haven't hooked up yet. Not applicable to me! Sadly? Well, this also applies to young teeners and 20-something guys who are already "looking." In short, this applies to BOYS, not MEN.
By nerds/dorks/boys, I meant those who do not know how to win at least one girl's heart. And that is, a girl he likes. Because low-EQ nerds/dorks could settle for someone they don't really like, and well, problems could come like flash floods in the middle of the dark night (i.e. married life). Hopefully, this book encourages low-EQ people not to be low-EQ. Ha! As if that's not difficult.
The author was broken-hearted because he did not know what to do, and he wasn't yet ready (in terms of personality, spirituality, etc.), and yet he was barking at the wrong tree. That girl wasn't the right person for her but... if he knew what to do and he was the person he should be, i.e. a good Christian man and not just a nice guy, the girl could have fallen head-over-heels for him even though he didn't have as much money as that other guy, and she would've become the best person for her. Oh well.
But, with an open mind, there are some new stuff you could learn here and there. Like the story of David and Jonathan, or Ruth and Naomi and Mara--If you don't already know their story. Or, there's this one advice at the end for guys. The book says that as The Man in the relationship, it is your task to make your partner and future wife (if not yet your current wife) be SSS. That is, Satisfied, Safe, and Spiritual. You will want to be the man she likes. If not, you shouldn't be with her! You want to provide for her. You want her to feel secure. Financially, yes. Emotionally, too. And not only from evil outside elements. Like you don't let her walk down unsafe streets. But you also make her feel safe with YOU. So you should also control your temper. And by doing that, you are leading by example. You should also lead prayers, read scripture, attend mass and go to church at least weekly - and you bring her along on the ride.
I also like the story at the end - the story about a nice, Christian couple, who had a big fight over parking... There's a moral to that story. I am not sharing the whole story so that you have some reason to buy the book for.
Nonetheless, I do not recommend this book if you're looking to mend a broken heart. Instead, if you want to pick up a few Christian teachings or two, you could get it from this book. Or, if you are a male nerd/dork (God bless you more if you are humble enough to admit that) or a young boy at heart, whether you're 13 or 30 or already dirty, buy this book. Perhaps this is something I could have used maybe 6 to 10 years back. Because although I was already 25, I didn't know better yet, and I put myself at a huge risk of getting a broken heart. And so I became broken-hearted. I was still a nerd/dork; a "little boy" who had false illusions about love brought about by varying environmental factors. Although all the while, I knew I wasn't yet good enough. I wasn't yet the man that I should have been. After then, I started reading, and those helped.
What then is better reading for male adults (i.e. 25 and older for Filipinos)? These three books are better than HTMABH by Nelson Dy:
1. Wild At Heart by John Eldredge
2. For Men Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Jeff Feldhahn
3. The Bible by GOD
But this thing is targeted at male nerds/dorks who are already at their mid-30s to 40s and yet haven't hooked up yet. Not applicable to me! Sadly? Well, this also applies to young teeners and 20-something guys who are already "looking." In short, this applies to BOYS, not MEN.
By nerds/dorks/boys, I meant those who do not know how to win at least one girl's heart. And that is, a girl he likes. Because low-EQ nerds/dorks could settle for someone they don't really like, and well, problems could come like flash floods in the middle of the dark night (i.e. married life). Hopefully, this book encourages low-EQ people not to be low-EQ. Ha! As if that's not difficult.
The author was broken-hearted because he did not know what to do, and he wasn't yet ready (in terms of personality, spirituality, etc.), and yet he was barking at the wrong tree. That girl wasn't the right person for her but... if he knew what to do and he was the person he should be, i.e. a good Christian man and not just a nice guy, the girl could have fallen head-over-heels for him even though he didn't have as much money as that other guy, and she would've become the best person for her. Oh well.
But, with an open mind, there are some new stuff you could learn here and there. Like the story of David and Jonathan, or Ruth and Naomi and Mara--If you don't already know their story. Or, there's this one advice at the end for guys. The book says that as The Man in the relationship, it is your task to make your partner and future wife (if not yet your current wife) be SSS. That is, Satisfied, Safe, and Spiritual. You will want to be the man she likes. If not, you shouldn't be with her! You want to provide for her. You want her to feel secure. Financially, yes. Emotionally, too. And not only from evil outside elements. Like you don't let her walk down unsafe streets. But you also make her feel safe with YOU. So you should also control your temper. And by doing that, you are leading by example. You should also lead prayers, read scripture, attend mass and go to church at least weekly - and you bring her along on the ride.
I also like the story at the end - the story about a nice, Christian couple, who had a big fight over parking... There's a moral to that story. I am not sharing the whole story so that you have some reason to buy the book for.
Nonetheless, I do not recommend this book if you're looking to mend a broken heart. Instead, if you want to pick up a few Christian teachings or two, you could get it from this book. Or, if you are a male nerd/dork (God bless you more if you are humble enough to admit that) or a young boy at heart, whether you're 13 or 30 or already dirty, buy this book. Perhaps this is something I could have used maybe 6 to 10 years back. Because although I was already 25, I didn't know better yet, and I put myself at a huge risk of getting a broken heart. And so I became broken-hearted. I was still a nerd/dork; a "little boy" who had false illusions about love brought about by varying environmental factors. Although all the while, I knew I wasn't yet good enough. I wasn't yet the man that I should have been. After then, I started reading, and those helped.
What then is better reading for male adults (i.e. 25 and older for Filipinos)? These three books are better than HTMABH by Nelson Dy:
1. Wild At Heart by John Eldredge
2. For Men Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Jeff Feldhahn
3. The Bible by GOD
Monday, October 06, 2008
[Musical Reviews] West Side Story (2008, Philippines) versus Avenue Q (2007, Philippines)
What's a musical made of? One of the producers of this West Side Story said that they have trainers for singing, acting, and dancing.
What can I say about this West Side Story? Christian Bautista is a good singer. That's it.
One word comes to mind. Stiff.
But, he's just the money maker in the group (to appeal to the masses). I would think if he does this more often, obviously he can make it big time... in acting and dancing. Of course, remaking popular ballads is the sure money maker. So doing this was a little bit of a risk for him. Kudos to him.
Anyway, I think the problem with Christian Bautista (I saw the very first showing on opening night) was that he was concentrating on his vocals. I would have thought that in stage musicals, the singing would be secondary (i.e. it comes naturally) to the actor-dancers.
Joanna Ampil of course is a given, though now I think I would've loved to see how Kyril (correct spelling?) did her Maria.
By the way, what does "Teodoro" mean? I know that's Spanish for Theodore. But apparently, it was being used to mean something like "goodbye" or "see you again soon" or "I love you."
We got West Side Story tickets for just P500 and well, I saw Avenue Q by a different production outfit and starring Aiza Seguerra as Gary Coleman also for the same amount. It was worth all 50,000 centavos for Avenue Q. I cannot say the same for West Side Story.
Now talking about Aiza Seguerra. Through Avenue Q, I thought most Filipino actors are better theatre actors and less of film actors. I did say most Filipino actors. I think Aiza is one of those.
In any case, I liked having to watch these two and I would love to see more from Filipinos.
By the way, maybe it mattered that I watched West Side Story at the Meralco Theatre, where you can really see how short the actors are to be playing Caucasian characters (and you have larger expectations about the sound system - which failed). For Avenue Q, I saw it at the RCBC (Makati) Theatre which was much smaller than Meralco - but for the scale I think it was just right. :-D
Oh, I guess what makes West Side Story worth P500 is the live music played by... The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra? I forgot who. I guess they're the saving grace of the night (and the show).
Problem with Avenue Q - there's a little bit of sex there although it was hidden behind puppets and symbols. So it's not for everyone.
If you're an adult, Avenue Q is very entertaining, I give it a rating of 4 (must-watch!). If you do not yet have the mind of an adult, you might just say bad things about Avenue Q, so steer clear of it.
If you're not deaf, West Side Story is a 3; a must watch for theatre/stage/play/musicals lovers or for those who can afford it. Not worth it.
What can I say about this West Side Story? Christian Bautista is a good singer. That's it.
One word comes to mind. Stiff.
But, he's just the money maker in the group (to appeal to the masses). I would think if he does this more often, obviously he can make it big time... in acting and dancing. Of course, remaking popular ballads is the sure money maker. So doing this was a little bit of a risk for him. Kudos to him.
Anyway, I think the problem with Christian Bautista (I saw the very first showing on opening night) was that he was concentrating on his vocals. I would have thought that in stage musicals, the singing would be secondary (i.e. it comes naturally) to the actor-dancers.
Joanna Ampil of course is a given, though now I think I would've loved to see how Kyril (correct spelling?) did her Maria.
By the way, what does "Teodoro" mean? I know that's Spanish for Theodore. But apparently, it was being used to mean something like "goodbye" or "see you again soon" or "I love you."
We got West Side Story tickets for just P500 and well, I saw Avenue Q by a different production outfit and starring Aiza Seguerra as Gary Coleman also for the same amount. It was worth all 50,000 centavos for Avenue Q. I cannot say the same for West Side Story.
Now talking about Aiza Seguerra. Through Avenue Q, I thought most Filipino actors are better theatre actors and less of film actors. I did say most Filipino actors. I think Aiza is one of those.
In any case, I liked having to watch these two and I would love to see more from Filipinos.
By the way, maybe it mattered that I watched West Side Story at the Meralco Theatre, where you can really see how short the actors are to be playing Caucasian characters (and you have larger expectations about the sound system - which failed). For Avenue Q, I saw it at the RCBC (Makati) Theatre which was much smaller than Meralco - but for the scale I think it was just right. :-D
Oh, I guess what makes West Side Story worth P500 is the live music played by... The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra? I forgot who. I guess they're the saving grace of the night (and the show).
Problem with Avenue Q - there's a little bit of sex there although it was hidden behind puppets and symbols. So it's not for everyone.
If you're an adult, Avenue Q is very entertaining, I give it a rating of 4 (must-watch!). If you do not yet have the mind of an adult, you might just say bad things about Avenue Q, so steer clear of it.
If you're not deaf, West Side Story is a 3; a must watch for theatre/stage/play/musicals lovers or for those who can afford it. Not worth it.
[Movie Reviews] Adam Sandler x2
There is something about Adam Sandler movies.
On the surface, they are usually comedies. In Shakespearean parlance,
that is true. A play (in this case, a film) is usually a comedy (happy
ending) or a tragedy (people die, or something not desireable happens at
the end).
But like many good plays or movies and novels, comedies usually have a
theme - and a "moral lesson" to wit.
The one Adam Sandler movie that I recall - or actually the one line that
I've heard from one Adam Sandler movie that I always recall - is from
Big Daddy. It goes something like, "When you're in love, you change
schedules."
So true. I mean behind all the funny lines and sometimes slapstick
comedy, there's that lesson in Big Daddy. And that's just one. But if
you can recall from a very old prustrations post, I said something to
that effect: You might love basketball and you might be playing
basketball every Tuesday night, but when you have a family already or
for example when a parent is very ill, you might be playing less
basketball and all, and it's not that you love basketball less, but it's
just that other priorities come up. You might love your work, but when
Love comes, your work is still as important but it may take a back seat
and settle for a silver medal.
Now there's this other Adam Sandler movie which I expected to be a
comedy - a romantic comedy, in fact. 50 First Dates. Oh, from the
title alone, it feels like the perfect, feel-good date movie. I was
wrong.
Again, behind all the funny lines, it is actually a drama. It is a
must-see (a 4) on my scale, whereas Big Daddy might be for movie-lovers
only (a 3 on my scale). The theme of the movie? True love. By the dad
and by the brother. And by the former-playboy lover. Could you imagine
yourself loving someone like Lucy? Characters like Lucy are very rare
so it is difficult to answer that question. Instead, look at your
partner or your friend or your mother or father or your boss or whoever.
What "flaws" does he/she have? And can you live with that day-to-day?
I mean sure, if it is something that needs to be changed, you do
something about it. But what do you do? How do you do it? And what if
you can't change it?
The thing is, I like these movies that surprise me. This is one of
them. Go surprise yourself also, if you haven't yet seen this. :-)
Monday, September 29, 2008
[Movie Review] The Dark Knight
Great entertaining movie!
Lots of quotable quotes. Lots of philosophy behind it. In fact, it's the differences in philosophy between Batman, Harvey Dent (Two Face), and Joker that makes the plot revolve here. If you will read this other review of this movie, you will see what I'm talking about - just what sort of stuff you can get from this; what sort of questions and discussions you can make out of it.
A radio show here in the Philippines ("Good Times with Mo" on Magic 89.9) even played a game on their show called "Batman or (President) GMA?" The quotes from The Dark Knight could be mistaken as part of The President's SONA (State of the Nation Address) speech. And vice versa.
Another blog review I found says the same thing, that Batman and Joker epitomize two philosophies, one of Hope and the other of destruction. True. But this blog concludes that man by nature is good. Let's dissect that: I think we were born with desire for worldly things just as at our very core we are like animals born with instinct, but ultimately it is our God-given minds and free will, developed (or otherwise) through our social environments when we grow up, which decide which way to go. Because I think if we were naturally good, can you imagine what this world will be like? God would want us to choose the right, but he gives us that choice. I think then that we are born amoral, and it is very important for our parents and whoever brings us up in this world to teach us, to lead us to the "good way." But when we are born, we can't choose our parents/guardians nor what they will teach us; we can only choose what we teach the newborns and young ones - when we are the parents and guardians. Wow, this is so off-topic. We are talking about The Dark Knight and now we are talking about parenthood. This is what The Dark Knight does - it poses lots of questions, it creates discussions, it is Hollywood entertainment of a different kind. The kind that I think The Matrix (and sequels), and Minority Report poses. Well if you're not so dense about it. But yeah, on the surface, this is an enjoyable, entertaining movie. You can leave it at that.
[Spoiler alert on the next paragraph!]
Overall, I liked it. The Joker has been played well by the actor. Some funny lines in there actually. Funniest line must be that one in the end. "You complete me."
Some comments though.
It is a little bit of a funny thing that Batman's voice becomes hoarse when he is Batman, and it's normal when he is Bruce Wayne. The weirdest. And those motorcycle tires are huge. I can't imagine how that thing can go fast, lift itself up on walls, or maneuver itself like it did. Weird!
And if you will visit that same blog I was talking about above, you'll find a comment there from a Christian standpoint. My view on that is this: you watch any movie with newly sharpened Christian hearts, eyes, and ears. Or else you will get the wrong message. In this movie, there are good things and there are bad things. You pick the good things, and recognize the bad things so that you may avoid having to have them in your own lives. The good and the bad may come from one character. For example, given a character who does all that is good, except he uses the Lord's name in vain - you know from a religious standpoint that doing that (using the Lord's name in vain) is not right, so you don't do that. But for what other good he does, you take note of that. Get it?
But this is definitely a must-watch movie (four out of four stars), but bring your newly sharpened Christian hearts, eyes, and ears to the movie house. Because there is a lot of philosophy in there; a lot of thought-provoking bits. You have to put yourself in one of them. You have to make a stand. You have to be someone.
P.S. I thought this line originally by Edmund Burke, an English philosopher, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing," came out in The Dark Knight. I am not so sure now. Maybe in Batman Begins? Anyway, when you do a search for this quote on Google, you will get a lot of Batman/Dark Knight reviews. I'm getting somewhere.
Lots of quotable quotes. Lots of philosophy behind it. In fact, it's the differences in philosophy between Batman, Harvey Dent (Two Face), and Joker that makes the plot revolve here. If you will read this other review of this movie, you will see what I'm talking about - just what sort of stuff you can get from this; what sort of questions and discussions you can make out of it.
A radio show here in the Philippines ("Good Times with Mo" on Magic 89.9) even played a game on their show called "Batman or (President) GMA?" The quotes from The Dark Knight could be mistaken as part of The President's SONA (State of the Nation Address) speech. And vice versa.
Another blog review I found says the same thing, that Batman and Joker epitomize two philosophies, one of Hope and the other of destruction. True. But this blog concludes that man by nature is good. Let's dissect that: I think we were born with desire for worldly things just as at our very core we are like animals born with instinct, but ultimately it is our God-given minds and free will, developed (or otherwise) through our social environments when we grow up, which decide which way to go. Because I think if we were naturally good, can you imagine what this world will be like? God would want us to choose the right, but he gives us that choice. I think then that we are born amoral, and it is very important for our parents and whoever brings us up in this world to teach us, to lead us to the "good way." But when we are born, we can't choose our parents/guardians nor what they will teach us; we can only choose what we teach the newborns and young ones - when we are the parents and guardians. Wow, this is so off-topic. We are talking about The Dark Knight and now we are talking about parenthood. This is what The Dark Knight does - it poses lots of questions, it creates discussions, it is Hollywood entertainment of a different kind. The kind that I think The Matrix (and sequels), and Minority Report poses. Well if you're not so dense about it. But yeah, on the surface, this is an enjoyable, entertaining movie. You can leave it at that.
[Spoiler alert on the next paragraph!]
Overall, I liked it. The Joker has been played well by the actor. Some funny lines in there actually. Funniest line must be that one in the end. "You complete me."
Some comments though.
It is a little bit of a funny thing that Batman's voice becomes hoarse when he is Batman, and it's normal when he is Bruce Wayne. The weirdest. And those motorcycle tires are huge. I can't imagine how that thing can go fast, lift itself up on walls, or maneuver itself like it did. Weird!
And if you will visit that same blog I was talking about above, you'll find a comment there from a Christian standpoint. My view on that is this: you watch any movie with newly sharpened Christian hearts, eyes, and ears. Or else you will get the wrong message. In this movie, there are good things and there are bad things. You pick the good things, and recognize the bad things so that you may avoid having to have them in your own lives. The good and the bad may come from one character. For example, given a character who does all that is good, except he uses the Lord's name in vain - you know from a religious standpoint that doing that (using the Lord's name in vain) is not right, so you don't do that. But for what other good he does, you take note of that. Get it?
But this is definitely a must-watch movie (four out of four stars), but bring your newly sharpened Christian hearts, eyes, and ears to the movie house. Because there is a lot of philosophy in there; a lot of thought-provoking bits. You have to put yourself in one of them. You have to make a stand. You have to be someone.
P.S. I thought this line originally by Edmund Burke, an English philosopher, "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing," came out in The Dark Knight. I am not so sure now. Maybe in Batman Begins? Anyway, when you do a search for this quote on Google, you will get a lot of Batman/Dark Knight reviews. I'm getting somewhere.
[Movie Review] A Love Story
Wow. The twist in this movie alone make me give this movie a must-watch. There are really good mainstream (i.e. not film fest material) Filipino movies out there. For what this innovates on in terms of... plot(?) or whatever, this is a good movie. I do think there was a point when the movie should have ended already (or was that another movie), but like many mainstream Filipino movies, it has to have a happy ending that everyone could understand what happens. Well, check it out for yourself. Maybe I am confusing it with another movie (talking about where it should have ended).
P.S. This is different from the 1970 American movie, "Love Story" - you know, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Although here, that same line applies.
P.S. This is different from the 1970 American movie, "Love Story" - you know, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Although here, that same line applies.
[Movie Review] A Very Special Love
This is a movie which I did not have any expectations on and yet it surprised me with the good and appropriate acting, and the appealing pop love-romance script/plot. It is a fun, feel-good movie worth every penny, when all you're looking for is... fun. and to feel good. :-)
[Movie Review] For The First Time
This is not my review. But because of a friend's "review" of this movie, I am not watching this movie. Maybe you might be convinced that your money is better spent on important or more interesting things. Here is her review (paraphrased):
Richard can't act. This doesn't have the same appeal as "A Very Special Love."
Richard can't act. This doesn't have the same appeal as "A Very Special Love."
Monday, September 15, 2008
[RAW] Web access via e-mail
This might be confusing for some of you - Google gets confused itself about this.
When I was searching for a web-to-mail service, all I got from Google was links to mail-to-web services such as, well, www.mail2web.com, and Gmail, etc.
Somehow, somewhere, maybe through Google also, I was able to find www.web2mail.com. It's a relatively new service and in fact, the same website didn't used-to-offer the service; it was providing other services. Nonetheless, I could now shout:
"Eureka!"
At the office, I am not able to access the web because management saw other people opening up their Yahoo! mail during office hours. Well, you still can't check your Yahoo! mail through this service, but you can get other (static) web pages which contain much needed (or much wanted) information!
Downside? It only downloads the HTML (the text); it doesn't download images. I hope they upgrade this soon.
[CPC websites]
When I was searching for a web-to-mail service, all I got from Google was links to mail-to-web services such as, well, www.mail2web.com, and Gmail, etc.
Somehow, somewhere, maybe through Google also, I was able to find www.web2mail.com. It's a relatively new service and in fact, the same website didn't used-to-offer the service; it was providing other services. Nonetheless, I could now shout:
"Eureka!"
At the office, I am not able to access the web because management saw other people opening up their Yahoo! mail during office hours. Well, you still can't check your Yahoo! mail through this service, but you can get other (static) web pages which contain much needed (or much wanted) information!
Downside? It only downloads the HTML (the text); it doesn't download images. I hope they upgrade this soon.
[CPC websites]
Saturday, February 02, 2008
[Movie Review] Anastasia (1997)
I got the chance to see Anastasia, a 1997 film by Warner Bros. I think.
With my mind wandering around a bit at the start of the movie watching, the first thing that came to mind (as it has come to mind when I first heard about this movie) is that "oh it's another Disney movie."
Watching the film closely, I came to realize it's not a Disney movie. And suddenly, my appreciation for Disney movies grew exponentially.
Anastasia is not a great movie. Not by my Disney-movie standards.
Story-wise, it's fine. But I guess it doesn't also meet Disney movie standards, that's why it's not a Disney movie. How it was crafted - there are some good points for a movie created back in 1997. But overall, no thanks.
I rate it a 2/4: watch it only if you have free time, out of curiosity maybe.
By the way, I'm slightly revising my ratings system as follows:
1 - DON'T BOTHER TO WATCH, IT'S A WASTE OF YOUR TIME.
2 - Watch it only at home on DVD or if you have absolutely nothing else to do.
3 - DON'T PAY TO WATCH THIS MOVIE if you're not a movie lover, or well, it's a MUST-WATCH FOR MOVIE LOVERS.
4 - MUST WATCH FOR EVERYONE! GO WATCH IT NOW! :-)
[sub-label: CPC general, CPC movies]
With my mind wandering around a bit at the start of the movie watching, the first thing that came to mind (as it has come to mind when I first heard about this movie) is that "oh it's another Disney movie."
Watching the film closely, I came to realize it's not a Disney movie. And suddenly, my appreciation for Disney movies grew exponentially.
Anastasia is not a great movie. Not by my Disney-movie standards.
Story-wise, it's fine. But I guess it doesn't also meet Disney movie standards, that's why it's not a Disney movie. How it was crafted - there are some good points for a movie created back in 1997. But overall, no thanks.
I rate it a 2/4: watch it only if you have free time, out of curiosity maybe.
By the way, I'm slightly revising my ratings system as follows:
1 - DON'T BOTHER TO WATCH, IT'S A WASTE OF YOUR TIME.
2 - Watch it only at home on DVD or if you have absolutely nothing else to do.
3 - DON'T PAY TO WATCH THIS MOVIE if you're not a movie lover, or well, it's a MUST-WATCH FOR MOVIE LOVERS.
4 - MUST WATCH FOR EVERYONE! GO WATCH IT NOW! :-)
[sub-label: CPC general, CPC movies]
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
[Movie Review] I Am Legend
I will rate movies according to a scale of 1 to 4:
1. don't bother. it's a waste of your time.
2. put on your to-watch-when-i'm-free list (no need to watch except if you have nothing to do).
3. must-watch for movie lovers.
4. must-watch (now! on the big screen!) for everyone!
I Am Legend, starring Will Smith, is a 3. It's a 1 for those who do not like watching "horror" films. This isn't one, but... You might get nightmares because of this.
The movie poses a philosophical question: what if the long-awaited and much-needed cure for cancer or some other centuries-old-uncurable disease has been found, but has very serious consequences? In this case, it was almost magically found... And as we humans tend to not be able to do - predict the future - we do not know that it has a genocidal effect on the whole human race as we know it.
I guess that's one thing this movie should remind us. We might have little success as "predicting" the future, but we really can't. Not accurately at least.
And that's where the movie suddenly "injects" (pardon the pun) its magical healing serum: that about the existence of a higher being, "the" God, the one and only, the Almighty, who has everything perfectly planned, and who only really ultimately desires the salvation of all his creations, and most especially the human race. Some groups and authors (Christian groups and authors in particular) might say, that's what God does. He puts us under the burning sun, so that we can appreciate the cold. He puts us to carry heavy burdens, so that we can see that what we often times consider as "heavy" is only really pebbles for others. Apparently, what this movie might imply is that, there is a reason - God has a reason - for everything. The cure, the virus, the loss of loved ones, being helped by an unknown friend, death, and so on.
Sometimes, we might think, "we" have found the cure. But have "we" really? Or someone (i.e. God, nature) has had it for so long, and we just didn't pay attention. Should "we" take credit for something we didn't really create? Should we take credit for our "intelligences."
Wow, it is only now I see the philosophical undertones of this movie. While I was watching it, I was enjoying it. It is a movie after all. And now, I write these things...
I've seen such kind of philosophical undertones in other great movies - like Minority Report, The Matrix, etc. Oops, I give I Am Legend a rating of 4. It's a great movie, inside and out. Go watch it now!
[sub-label: CPC general, CPC movies]
1. don't bother. it's a waste of your time.
2. put on your to-watch-when-i'm-free list (no need to watch except if you have nothing to do).
3. must-watch for movie lovers.
4. must-watch (now! on the big screen!) for everyone!
I Am Legend, starring Will Smith, is a 3. It's a 1 for those who do not like watching "horror" films. This isn't one, but... You might get nightmares because of this.
The movie poses a philosophical question: what if the long-awaited and much-needed cure for cancer or some other centuries-old-uncurable disease has been found, but has very serious consequences? In this case, it was almost magically found... And as we humans tend to not be able to do - predict the future - we do not know that it has a genocidal effect on the whole human race as we know it.
I guess that's one thing this movie should remind us. We might have little success as "predicting" the future, but we really can't. Not accurately at least.
And that's where the movie suddenly "injects" (pardon the pun) its magical healing serum: that about the existence of a higher being, "the" God, the one and only, the Almighty, who has everything perfectly planned, and who only really ultimately desires the salvation of all his creations, and most especially the human race. Some groups and authors (Christian groups and authors in particular) might say, that's what God does. He puts us under the burning sun, so that we can appreciate the cold. He puts us to carry heavy burdens, so that we can see that what we often times consider as "heavy" is only really pebbles for others. Apparently, what this movie might imply is that, there is a reason - God has a reason - for everything. The cure, the virus, the loss of loved ones, being helped by an unknown friend, death, and so on.
Sometimes, we might think, "we" have found the cure. But have "we" really? Or someone (i.e. God, nature) has had it for so long, and we just didn't pay attention. Should "we" take credit for something we didn't really create? Should we take credit for our "intelligences."
Wow, it is only now I see the philosophical undertones of this movie. While I was watching it, I was enjoying it. It is a movie after all. And now, I write these things...
I've seen such kind of philosophical undertones in other great movies - like Minority Report, The Matrix, etc. Oops, I give I Am Legend a rating of 4. It's a great movie, inside and out. Go watch it now!
[sub-label: CPC general, CPC movies]
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
[Book Review] On Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad
This will sound negative, but I lay it down on the table here on my blog, hoping to generate some reactions and discussions. Oh but I've forgotten if I've said this before. But I wanted it "written down," so here it is.
During the first time I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad, I felt the same way I felt when I attended this network marketing seminar. The one similar thought that came to mind during each of those two experiences was: what if everyone was doing the same thing because the book or the network marketing company was 100% successful - everyone selling the same product, and so on. Who would buy? That's the problem, at least with some network marketing companies - they're almost nothing more than a membership shopping club.
In the stock market, those who know how to "play" it break some but make more. The rest, they base their decisions on emotions, "tips," the bandwagon, etc. Most of them do not earn from the market, or earn as much as they could. But, what if everyone knows how to play the market? It won't ever move, or it might move up or down so fast - emotions will start to set in again. Feelings of excitement, greed, hope come in.
So really, the question to ask ourselves is: which side of the market are you on? Is what I'm into really what it is? How do things really work around here?
Kiyosaki, as some might say, is not a personal finance guru at all. But certainly, Kiyosaki has been a spark plug in good and maybe also in bad. People love him or hate him. Me, these are the things he has caused me to think. I know now how to play the market. Now, I just have to do it, and learn to control my emotions. Yep, Kiyosaki has caused me to think that.
[sub-labels: CPC books]
During the first time I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad, I felt the same way I felt when I attended this network marketing seminar. The one similar thought that came to mind during each of those two experiences was: what if everyone was doing the same thing because the book or the network marketing company was 100% successful - everyone selling the same product, and so on. Who would buy? That's the problem, at least with some network marketing companies - they're almost nothing more than a membership shopping club.
In the stock market, those who know how to "play" it break some but make more. The rest, they base their decisions on emotions, "tips," the bandwagon, etc. Most of them do not earn from the market, or earn as much as they could. But, what if everyone knows how to play the market? It won't ever move, or it might move up or down so fast - emotions will start to set in again. Feelings of excitement, greed, hope come in.
So really, the question to ask ourselves is: which side of the market are you on? Is what I'm into really what it is? How do things really work around here?
Kiyosaki, as some might say, is not a personal finance guru at all. But certainly, Kiyosaki has been a spark plug in good and maybe also in bad. People love him or hate him. Me, these are the things he has caused me to think. I know now how to play the market. Now, I just have to do it, and learn to control my emotions. Yep, Kiyosaki has caused me to think that.
[sub-labels: CPC books]
Sunday, July 01, 2007
[Movie Review] [Blog Review] Transformers (2007)
(This is a reaction to a critic of the movie at http://mikeabundo.com/2007/06/28/optimus-prime-was-robbed/)
I’m a Transformers fan, now in my 30s, and I liked this movie very much, because it is very 2007. And yeah, I’m just an ordinary guy who loves movies, like the rest of us, and I’m no movie/film critic like you are because to do that is difficult. I just give thumbs up or thumbs down or thumbs sideways to movies. I just either say, “I like the movie,” or “I don’t like the movie,” or “it’s an ‘okay’ movie.”
This is now one of my (personal) favorite movies. But I’d have to watch it again (on the boob-tube), because the original Transformers The Movie of the 80’s doesn’t feel as high-impact as when I first saw it. Maybe because it’s the 21st century now.
From your previous posts, it seems that you dislike Hollywood and its creations. I think one thing (not the only thing) that Hollywood is about is business and making money by providing entertainment, and here they are with a movie that will enable them to do just that. In that sense, they are going to achieve their goal and are thus successful with this movie, and kudos to that. I think it is unfair to look at all Hollywood films with the same eyes we use to look at an art film or paintings and so on at an art gallery. We’re free to do that, but I just personally think it’s not fair.
I also noticed the product placements and I see (and have read) that this is the future (read: 2007 and beyond) of advertising. I don’t see nothing wrong with that.
I did not notice how much more of the humans were shown, more than the Transformers. But I personally don’t find anything wrong with that. That’s what they wanted, they (the producers) risked money to do that, and again we’ll see if it was worth the risk - which will be determined by the “vote” of the millions who will watch the movie and buy the DVD in the future. Plus, I think it’s also a ploy to make us want to see more of the Transformers - and it seems it’s working - and they already actually have plans for a sequel.
Optimus Prime getting robbed? Again, I don’t see nothing wrong with that. I think Optimus Prime beating up Megatron and sacrificing his life to save mankind - that’s so Transformers cliche and I think that’s what we all expected. So Sam “saving” Prime and the world was a twist, and perhaps, the twist of this 2007 movie. Was that insulting to Cybertronians? Well, I wish I could actually read minds of Cybertronians, but I can’t.
My concern right after the movie was - because I so want to see a sequel - is… what is going to be the story in the sequel? And who’s going to be there? Is it going to be as interesting as this one? When is it going to come out!?? It ought to be better, of course, because it’s the second one. Actually, I want them to create a series! But, that shall be their decision. Maybe if I had money, I can tell them what to do and not to do.
By the way, what Hollywood-produced live-action movie of comics or cartoon origins has been faithful to their original comics or cartoon characters or stories? I’m not good with movie trivia, but right now, I don’t remember any.
My overall thoughts on your comments: Welcome to 2007.
Oh, and I congratulate you, because your post is so controversial - that’s how to make money on the web with blogs. I wonder now if that was partially your intention? If so, congratulations! I honestly dream of writing my own controversial blog post in the future myself. :D
[sub-labels: CPC blogs, CPC movies]
I’m a Transformers fan, now in my 30s, and I liked this movie very much, because it is very 2007. And yeah, I’m just an ordinary guy who loves movies, like the rest of us, and I’m no movie/film critic like you are because to do that is difficult. I just give thumbs up or thumbs down or thumbs sideways to movies. I just either say, “I like the movie,” or “I don’t like the movie,” or “it’s an ‘okay’ movie.”
This is now one of my (personal) favorite movies. But I’d have to watch it again (on the boob-tube), because the original Transformers The Movie of the 80’s doesn’t feel as high-impact as when I first saw it. Maybe because it’s the 21st century now.
From your previous posts, it seems that you dislike Hollywood and its creations. I think one thing (not the only thing) that Hollywood is about is business and making money by providing entertainment, and here they are with a movie that will enable them to do just that. In that sense, they are going to achieve their goal and are thus successful with this movie, and kudos to that. I think it is unfair to look at all Hollywood films with the same eyes we use to look at an art film or paintings and so on at an art gallery. We’re free to do that, but I just personally think it’s not fair.
I also noticed the product placements and I see (and have read) that this is the future (read: 2007 and beyond) of advertising. I don’t see nothing wrong with that.
I did not notice how much more of the humans were shown, more than the Transformers. But I personally don’t find anything wrong with that. That’s what they wanted, they (the producers) risked money to do that, and again we’ll see if it was worth the risk - which will be determined by the “vote” of the millions who will watch the movie and buy the DVD in the future. Plus, I think it’s also a ploy to make us want to see more of the Transformers - and it seems it’s working - and they already actually have plans for a sequel.
Optimus Prime getting robbed? Again, I don’t see nothing wrong with that. I think Optimus Prime beating up Megatron and sacrificing his life to save mankind - that’s so Transformers cliche and I think that’s what we all expected. So Sam “saving” Prime and the world was a twist, and perhaps, the twist of this 2007 movie. Was that insulting to Cybertronians? Well, I wish I could actually read minds of Cybertronians, but I can’t.
My concern right after the movie was - because I so want to see a sequel - is… what is going to be the story in the sequel? And who’s going to be there? Is it going to be as interesting as this one? When is it going to come out!?? It ought to be better, of course, because it’s the second one. Actually, I want them to create a series! But, that shall be their decision. Maybe if I had money, I can tell them what to do and not to do.
By the way, what Hollywood-produced live-action movie of comics or cartoon origins has been faithful to their original comics or cartoon characters or stories? I’m not good with movie trivia, but right now, I don’t remember any.
My overall thoughts on your comments: Welcome to 2007.
Oh, and I congratulate you, because your post is so controversial - that’s how to make money on the web with blogs. I wonder now if that was partially your intention? If so, congratulations! I honestly dream of writing my own controversial blog post in the future myself. :D
[sub-labels: CPC blogs, CPC movies]
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