10 posts tagged “actors”

To quote the general Critical reception

Based on 142 reviews collected by Rotten Tomatoes as of November 26, 2008, the film has received an overall approval rating of 44%, with a weighted average score of 5.3/10.^[63] In describing the critical consensus, it stated: "Having lost much of its bite transitioning to the big screen, Twilight will please its devoted fans, but do little for the uninitiated."^[63] By comparison, Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, calculated an average score of 56 from the 32 reviews it collected, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.^[64] Entertainment Weekly gave a positive review (B).^[65]

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^{SPOILER AHEAD! Do NOT read if you intend to watch the movie.}

I couldn't exactly say I like the movie, but for what the time and money was worth, the movie entertained. (NOTE: None of the books I've read, which has been translated to movie, was that great anyway.)

Marketing hype made up for the most part: the trailers, the posters and even they eye-candy actors/ actresses drew fans and non-fans alike.

Bottomline: it didn't exactly do justice for the book.

To be fair, there were scenes that captured some highlights of the book: 

early on part wherein Bella was 'bout to move to Forks/ Bella in bed realizing three things about Edward, p.195 of Twilight/ the whole "stupid lamb - sick, masochistic lion" thing between Bella and Edward/ Bella on the verge of dying, as James bite her to spread the venom;

Still, there were a couple inconsistencies, too:

Bella's computer wasn't suppose to be Mac, but a nasty old desktop one/ Eric being more dominant of a character than Mike, which supposedly should be more into Bella/ Alice not strongly established to be Bella's close vampire friend

Disappointed? Not totally. Again, I have to go back on my 'NOTE' how movies don't always match the books it has adapted. But in general, those who've read the book will just the same appreciate. After all, for Meyer's book to be done on-screen is obviously a huge deal ... like a sense of gratitude rendered to the author and her fans.

 

Saturday last week marks fandom. It dismays me, my personality per se, to admit that I succumb to the "mainstream" known as TWILIGHT.

Okay. Laugh all you want but dang, this admittance is a way to my recovery, y' people! Lol.

I'mmmm officially, uhm, aahhh, twiddle-dum a *sweats* ....

TWI-HARD.

Words won't be enough for now. Couldn't exactly say I'm up by one level to being a Psycho-fan (I'm not yet claiming to be Edward-Bella's #1 FAN. The DO or DIE level for most twihards.).

Nonetheless, I'm still a FAN.

Crap-crap-crap-crap-crap-crap-crap-and more of the word-CRAP. Sigh.

Anyhoooo. I like to be coined a Twilight Saga fan, as most would like to be classified under Star Wars', Matrix's, Harry Potter's, etc. There's the 'ideal-love fanatic' in me that screams each time I get to the part of reading lines from Edward and Bella's conversations (specifically Book One: Twilight).

Like I said in my previous posts, not all people would appreciate the writing style of the author (Meyer). Most people I know would even consider it amateur, sappy or plain. I might be all of those things and I couldn't care less. Alas!

The teenybopper in me has awakened. And thankfully, along with my other friends...

... who I shall tag along this coming Wednesday. Woot-de-woot!!!

(NOTE: and to all who've watched it already, please, PLEASE, shut up until we all do.)

(NOTE to NOTE: Pretty please. With cherry on top.)

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Is it me or is Kristen look more like a vampire than Robert? Hmmm.

 

QUICK POST, ONE WORD:

Barbershop (2002)

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I don't know why it took me months before popping this DVD in my player. Doesn't matter now, since at (LONG) last, I got to watch it.

Barbershop (2002) is a movie that revolves around the stories of the people who live and breathe in & out the... barbershop. Ice Cube (who plays the main role, Calvin) inherited their family barbershop only to sell it impulsively to a loan shark in their neighborhood. Within a day of realization of what he was about to lose, he tries to find ways of getting his shop back. Blah-blah-yadda-yadda-which-means "the rest I'm not gonna spoil."

The film explored a distinct work environment wherein tradition & values are cultivated from generation to generation. A certain slice of life in America was shown with class and style, no matter how the characters coin some situations "ghetto". (I generally think it classy, though.)

I like the flick because it shows a part of the Western culture wherein people relate to people without inhibitions nor fear getting in the way. They (the characters) discuss, debate and argue for the most part; yet at the end of the day, they are family altogether. To add, most lines delivered are witty and funny, thanks to the scripwriter and the characters who complicate each other's persona on-and-off screen.

I checked online and saw that this also has a Part 2. I don't have it yet, but I'm thinking of checking it at the local video store. I'm wondering whatever happened to the shop...

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Part Deux.

 

... and to Michael Ealy (who plays as Ricky) whom I find charming and cute. I checked on the net and was wondering if he's dating or married. Couldn't get that detail.. just yet. LOL.

(Talk about getting all teenybopper-ish!)

I do realize the need to collect the Twilight series.

Remember when I said I'd prioritize this? I DID.

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NOTE: It took me two days finishing this book, as I juggled reading its pages between breaktime (at work), supervising my team, eating, sleeping, among many other routinary habits a 26-year old yuppie have...

...And I have come to the conclusion that I LIKED IT.

Twilight (2005), Stephenie Meyer

The story revolves around a 17-year old teenager (Isabella Swan) who captivates the heart of an immortal 17-year old Edward Cullen. It took place in Forks, Washington, a city gloomy enough for the fictional plot to be actually possible for vampires to live in.

Main character Bella (Isabella) was raised in Phoenix, but due to her mom's relationship with a new man, decides to move in with her father in Forks, Washington. She believes that she was bound to live a miserable life there, only to find out the contrary: she meets Edward.

Edward, the 108-year old vampire, is instantaneously drawn to Bella. Despite his initial attempts to avoid her, a series of twisted events always draw him back to her.

Then the rest, I leave up for you guys to read.

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Twilight establishes how everything began between the two main characters, as Meyer moves forward to sequels on: New Moon (Book 2), Eclipse (Book 3) and Breaking Dawn (Book 4).

I checked online about the rants and raves about the book, and so far, the book received its fair share of critics. I won't digress any longer, dropping out hoolabaloos and comments from other readers. Yet, I have to agree with a friend's sentiment that the way Twilight was written is "unforgiveablely simple & comprehensive enough even for grade school kids".

(I have to coin another term, you see.)

Let's face it: Meyer intended the book for young readers. Meyer caters to an audience who'd go for light reading. Although she uses tons of adjectives, which is beyond the definition of run-on sentences, she still gets to the core of the story. Strangely enough.

Her description of some things are way repetitive, that you encounter the words (almost) in every chapter. But then again, for me, the book's salvation mainly goes to its classic (sappy and romantic) storyline:

Mortal running away from the familiar, and into a bizaare dimension. Vampire opting for the greater good & blends well with society. Mortal drawn to the mystifying effect of the opposite gender, the Vampire. Vampire meets a cunningly fresh flesh, becoming ever more dangerous. Mortal wanting the unknown. Vampire falling inlove with a mortal. Mortal with a life on constant danger. Vampire on the constant lookout for his distressed damsel.  Mortal, on the low key, falling in love with a vampire.Vampire, also on the low key, putting a "meaning" on his immortality.  

The book is set for a movie this year, November 21. Meyer's Twilight got the attention of Summit Entertainment. What else is there to say? It captured a large market that they decided to make a film out of it.

So I'm all "giddies" for November. I SERIOUSLY CAN'T WAIT! 

I haven't been a fan of Kristen Stewart (I only heard of her in this movie); but Robert Pattinson?

Let's say I'm a fan of his face. *insert teenybopper giggle here*

I was suppose to blog something that came to mind a day ago; but after acquiring my daily dose of omg!news, I suddenly lost enthusiasm for it.

Bernie Mac is an actor whose humor comes off naturally. So after reading the news, sadness came off... naturally for me, too.

What can I say? He did start up as stand up comedian, so there's no doubt how well-crafted his talent for comedy is. But you see, what I admire most from the "Mac" & his funnies is his passion. Passion, both for his family, his career and acting.

To me, it is remarkable how he shared an innate gift for the whole world to see.

I find the news weakening. I'm a fan and strangely enough, I feel a pang of loss... let alone his family and friends.

I can only imagine :-\

Another fine actor who went ahead for something eternal. Something more blissful.

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Rest in peace, Bernie Mac.

A magazine photoshoot, inspired by the movie, "Grease"

These kids presently are Walt Disney's largest stars, thanks to the successful High School Musical 1 & 2 TV-broadcasted films. Now, with a theatrical movie release this October (if memory serves me right), these actors are constantly on the move for promotions and advertisements.

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My younger sister and brother were hooked with the first two Disney originals (HSM 1&2) so I couldn't imagine them not watching the movie. And truth is, them includes me.

However over-the-top film acting it maybe, I liked watching both films. Maybe it's because, "Hey, it's a Disney production"... Maybe because these actors aren't as "Hollywood" glam as most child stars are when they started... Or maybe because it releases my inner child.

But this one reason why I like it is because of the bonding moment I shared with my siblings. Now, that's priceless.

Personally, I don't think these teeny bopper movies can ever top my favorite Disney film, Beauty and the Beast. (Heck, I've watched the film a hundred times over, memorized the songs and never get tired of it!) 

But the thought of ever bringing a flick such as HSM who subtly aims to bond families these modern times must be "something".

Really. Something.

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So how do I LO(athe)VE thee? Let me count the ways:

 

TDK

Dark Knight has received lots of raves, all of which were pretty good. Wait. Come to think of it, all of them were awesome. What can I say?

 

The movie was pure awesomeness.

 

I watched it last Friday, alongside my caped crusader kind-of friends. And sans the tiredness from work, I enjoyed the flick. An all-time high, I must say.

 

Just this week, my colleague and I were discussing stuff we saw from the flick. Crazy, really. We have theories and all, but according to some Batman fanatics, the movie stayed loyal to its comic story.

 

Christopher Nolan did an excellent job on directing the film. I liked how he directed Batman Begins and I have to affirm that he did it “again” : the gloominess of Gotham City, the movement of the camera and the seemingly mystical overall effect were something that needs to be credited, aside of course from the obvious choice of actors.

 

Which brings me now to the actors – a delightful mix of ‘em meshed into one awesomeness of a flick?

 

I

Am

Stunned.

 

I’m guessing that most would agree that Heath Ledger has gone (no pun intended!) to be the most charming* villain there is. At least for 2008. His portrayal of Joker is, in fact, no joke at all considering the splendor that he brought into life & into the film. Move over Jack Nicholson, Ledger just raised the bar ...like gazillion times!

 

* Seriously, when I say charming, I meant it in the most gruesome, scariest, psycho-est kind of way… The way Joker should be.

 

As for Christian Bale, aside from his visibly good looks, his character as Batman is good as well. He slightly toned down from his original buff of a body. That observation, of course, is in comparison with Batman Begins. Main point? He looked better for his reprised role. If you ask me, Bale best fits the Batman character. I like how he transformed personalities, and how he mixed the rigidity (Batman) of his attitude with compassion (Bruce Wayne).

 

I only have a slight problem when he transforms into Batman: his voice. No offense, but he did sound like a "drunk who gargles and plays liquor in his mouth". (Like I said, no offense!!!) It was bizaare. I know that his changing of voice came along with the transition from Bruce Wayne to Batman, all to distinguish personas and avoid recognition…

 

... and I know that his “gargling” voice intends to give the scary-oomph factor… But heck?!

 

I need (and most people I know who’ve watched it!) a subtitle each time Wayne goes Batman.

 

Other notable actors include Gary Oldman (James Gordon), Michael Caine (Alfred Pennyworth), & Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox). Veteran actors that they are, their characters on the film were certainly justified. Onto Aaron Eckhart (Harvey Dent/ Two-Face) and Maggie Gyllenhaal (Rachel Dawes) --- well, their execution was average. As a couple (Harvey and Rachel), their chemistry simply just didn't cut for me. And as individual actors? They’re just “okay”.

 

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So Dark Knight was Batman (Bale), as confirmed by the end of the movie. Yet, contemplating about it, on how Joker (Ledger) was beautifully executed on the film, Dark Knight could also refer to the villain: refreshingly cunning, pure evil and a perfect opposition from anything good. No exaggeration, but Ledger's portrayal of Joker definitely was the Darkest's Finest.

 

Legendary-Ledger

(And I say these things not because I’m siding everything evil… it’s just…WOW. Heath Ledger should receive one of Hollywood's prestigious awards. Or more.)

 

That’s how great Dark Knight flick is.  

Watched Little Rascals yesterday since I don't have work. I loved it whilst I was young and to reaffirm that it's just not because of my used-to-be-age, I'm gonna say it again: I LOVE IT!!!

The lines of these "rascals" goes way beyond funny and witty--- the lines are classic. 

The He-Man Womun Haters Club definitely shared more than just girl-hating bond... obviously, the story goes beyond that. And the "ladies", certainly posh! Plus, Petey the dog is such a well-trained darling!

...And to go with the Memorial Holiday's flow... I'm sort of doing a "memento" of the 1994's The Little Rascals flick. The remake on-screen of the 1920s/30s sitcom definitely marked a spot in my "happy" childhood memories. It's just about time** to start thanking these guys for being a part of the 90s kiddie-pop era:

**A couple weeks back, I was wondering where the heck these guys are! Thank God for internet!

 

Bug Hall as Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer

"..."

Alfalfa: Normally I'm a lover, not a fighter, but in this case im willin' to make an exception!

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Alfalfa: All knights ride into battle wearing the colors of their lady fair!

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Alfalfa: [to Spanky] Don't talk to me you Benedict Arnold! You, you Judas Priest!

 

Travis Tedford as George "Spanky" McFarland

"..."

Buckwheat: Hey, Spanky, me and Porky have an idea.

George "Spanky" McFarland: Keep it, you might need it when you grow up!

Buckwheat: Oh-tay.

Zachary Mabry as Eugene "Porky" Lee

"..."

Stymie: Porky, you sure know how to make a sand-wich!
Porky: That wasn't sand, that was kitty litter.
Buckwheat: Don't worry, it's pretty fresh.

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Buckwheat: Hey, my mom's here!
Porky: [sarcastically] Whoopi!

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Porky: We gotta learn how to read (trying to figure out an upside-down letter) 

 

Jordan Warkol as Billy "Froggy" Laughlin

"..."

Froggy: Synchronize swimming!!! 

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 Froggy: Our lives are over. 

Sam Saletta as Butch

"..."

Butch: Nothing beats a buck and a duck (on tricking Porky and Buckwheat so they can steal The Blur, go-kart of the He-Man Womun Haters Club)  

 

Brittany Holmes as Darla Jean Hood

"..."

Waldo: We just moved into town. My father bought the oil refinery.

Darla: That explains why you're so refined!

Alfalfa: Yeah, and so oily!

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 Darla: Alfalfa, that's a part of you I've never seen before! (part when Alfalfa got naked on the pool) 

Guess what? I've watched Blast from the Past (1999) with Brendan Fraser and Alicia Silverstone as main characters of the flick.

The movie was okay. I've watched it before and to be honest, I thought it was plain. Brendan Fraser's role as Adam Weber was pretty much convincing though (for a guy who lived several feet under the earth's surface). Alicia Silverstone, on the other hand, doesn't cut to me. But I must admit, they do make a cute on-screen couple.

This entry isn't about the whole movie though. It's more like me wondering WHATEVER happened to Brendan Fraser. I remember, late 90s/ early 00s, Fraser is one of those actors I usually see on-screen. Then came a long pause.... which brings me HERE to searching what the actor's up to.

So I typed in my ever reliable source: wikipedia.org and here's what I found out:

There goes the THIRD installment.

I'm surprised that Universal Pictures decided to have a part 3 of the movie. That "surprise" came to me in a good kind of way. After all, I LIKE THE MUMMY. The second one was a different story though.

I just hope he can still live up to his character as Rick O' Connel and kick those bad ass mummies. And yeah, I don't mind seeing more of Imhotep (at least when he's not the decaying psycho of a mummy priest!)

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Long overdue Christmas pictures over Renaissance Hotel Makati. I was with my brother and sister-in-law, leaving my beautiful niece with the grandparents.

See these people GORGE!

SO DON'T WONDER WHY I GAINED WEIGHT. The Coffee Shop's HEFTY buffet includes: lobsters, sushi, caviar, more seafoods, tropical fruits, indulge-to-your-limit-desserts, veggies, steaks and all the food works!

Outside the HOTEL. Outside the COFFEE SHOP. See my extruding gut?

Because a gigantic Christmas tree like this is meant to be posed upon.