"RKO 281" offers a vividly compelling presentation of the troubled history behind Orson Welles and his magnum opus "Citizen Kane." This historical drama about the so-called “boy wonder” helming a film inspired by the life of a powerful man highlights the ego clashes and politics surrounding Hollywood. As a cinematic offering, it frames itself as a dramatically sound genesis of what is often described as “The Greatest American Film of All Time” through its amalgam of fictional recreations and historical accounts partly based
Tag: reviews
Blu-ray Review: ‘Wreck it Ralph’ Collector’s Edition
"Wreck It Ralph" Collector's Edition houses a two-disc set containing the film's Blu-ray and DVD copies, along with a couple of extras. This is Disney's well-received 52nd animated feature that brings a heartwarming identity-crisis tale set in sprawling hub-worlds and video game locations. The story revolves around the supposedly villainous Ralph who simply wants some appreciation and self-worth. He ventures outside his '80s-era game to try to look for his ticket to heroism and happiness. However, he soon wrecks everything
Capsule Film Review: ‘Ang Larawan, The Movie’ (2017)
"Ang Larawan, The Movie" is a film for Filipinos — something to treasure for its artistic and cultural initiative of pioneering the musical film adapted from the work of an acclaimed Filipino literary artist, no less than a National Artist at that. Kudos to all those behind this ambitious cinematic endeavor, as the film, with both its strengths and forgiveable shortcomings, reflects the love and passion of the people who worked on it from start to end. This period piece may not
MMFF 2016: The Reelvolution
This Reelvolution is a mover and shaker in Philippine Cinema. Due to the rush of almost going straight to work upon arrival in Manila and until now still finishing the unpacking of a total of seven luggage, plus enjoying the time with the newborn (although currently minimizing physical touch due to my cold virus), I was only able to watch two MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) entries this year. Unfortunately, I had to skip the third one which I already had
‘Inside Out’ Film Review: Happy + Sad
“Inside Out” is a powerfully moving animated piece exploring the importance of emotions in people's lives. Daring to explore the existential crises of the human mind and the feelings affecting one’s life, this formidably ingenious film works similar to a thesis or research project. With a material that strikes as a reflection on the power of emotions, it targets the family audience, particularly those with ages ranging from pre-teen to adult. Packaged as a motion picture set inside someone's head and how
Blu-ray Review: ‘Heaven’ (2002)
Tom Tykwer's 2002 critically acclaimed film "Heaven" releases on a single-disc Blu-ray package via Echo Bridge Entertainment. This art-house offering is based on the screenplay co-authored by the late Krzysztof Kieslowski, the esteemed filmmaker behind the opus "The Three Colors Trilogy." As a brief history, the untimely death of Kieslowski halted the supposed new trilogy to be called "Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory." Nevertheless, "Heaven" managed to get produced with Tykwer at helm, and two other acclaimed directors, Anthony Minghella and
‘300: Rise of an Empire’ Film Review: Romantic warfare
"300: Rise of an Empire” doesn't top or equal the original, but this companion piece to the 2007 blockbuster "300" still offers some deliciously sly camp filled with the franchise's signature speed-ramping fights and bloody CGI gore. This time, the story utilizes love and vengeance for its central theme, while consistently delivering a sense of duality to the story and character elements presented in the "300" movie canon. The film is primarily set in the Greek waters where epic naval
‘Mga Anino ng Kahapon’ Film Review: The power on restraint
“Mga Anino ng Kahapon" (Shadows of the Past) — Alvin Yapan's entry to the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave Category — is a simple but affecting character study of the human mind and emotions. The story evolves from the physical to the spiritual to the psychological and mental as one family faces the unpredictable clash between a traumatic past and a series of recently alarming neighborhood events. This heartfelt tale examines the world of schizophrenia and its many hideous
‘The Hangover Part III’ Film Review: Hanging expectations
There are some moments to treasure, but Todd Phillips' "The Hangover Part III" mainly becomes less a comedy and more a contract obligation. In trying to be different from its predecessors, the backbone story of this third installment breaks away from the pattern that made the first film a surprise hit, which actually has its share of ups and downs. With no wedding, no bachelor party, and no drug-induced amnesia to offer in its basic premise, it avoids becoming a genetic
Blu-ray Review: ‘The Great Gatsby’ (1974)
Releasing on a single-disc Blu-ray package, the 1974 film "The Great Gatsby" serves as the third adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 classic novel about a handsome and enigmatic millionaire betrayed by the American Dream. The book's first film rendition was a silent movie from 1926, just a year after its publication. A second remake came out in 1949. A TV movie released in 2000 became the fourth adaptation. The fifth version is already set for a 2013 theatrical release. For