Movie Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love

MOVIE INFO


At forty something, straight-laced Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) is living the dream-good job, nice house, great kids and marriage to his high school sweetheart. But when Cal learns that his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), has cheated on him and wants a divorce, his "perfect" life quickly unravels. Worse, in today's single world, Cal, who hasn't dated in decades, stands out as the epitome of un-smooth. Now spending his free evenings sulking alone at a local bar, the hapless Cal is taken on as wingman and protégé to handsome, thirty something player Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). -- (C) Warner Bros


Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
Directed By: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Written By: Dan Fogelman


Characters:

Steve Carell as Cal Weaver
Julianne Moore as Emily, Emily Weaver
Ryan Gosling as Jacob, Jacob Palmer
Emma Stone as Hannah
Jonah Bobo as Robbie
John Carroll Lynch as Bernie

Kevin Bacon as David

REVIEW:

Crazy, Stupid, Love is one the rarest Hollywood Romantic Comedy film that is sensible, melodramatic and funny.

I enjoyed watching the film as it tackles different kinds and situations about LOVE. Its not the typical Romantic films about couples. It goes into the context of Marriage and Mature Love. The film may actually work as a family drama as it focuses on the trials that Cal and Emily Weaver is experiencing as a couple and their relationship towards each other after Cal discovered that Emily was cheating on her.

The story progresses as Cal met Jacob (who became his best pal. Jacob played a vital role in Cal's life by teaching him to reinvent himself and find his lost manhood. The story of twist and turns makes Crazy, Stupid, Love a perfect ride of fun, love, and drama.

The plot at first might be quite sloppy but as the story progresses, it gets more interesting and worth-watching.

I love how the Director and Writer played with the script. Its not too cliche and fairy-tale type. It is actually more of realism where everyone could somehow relate. From marriage, to average love, to flings and even puppy love.

I loved the Characters of the story. They were great in their own terms. The casts is undeniably talented. Both Julianne Moore and Emma Stone are stunning. Steve Carell did great to his portrayal as a father who wanted to fight for his failing marriage. Ryan Gosling's presence added up a spicy flavor to the film with his Brad Pitt-inspired aura.

Overall, Crazy, Stupid, Love is actually a wholesome film about fighting for the one you love against all odds. The film teaches us to stand up for the persons we loved. They maybe our family, our friends and even our special someone.

It is a modern adult story that is somehow appealing to youngsters. Just right formula to be One of Hollywood's Most Sensible Romantic Comedy Film.

I totally recommend this film to everyone.


RATINGS: 4 STARS

SM City Davao 3-Day Sale (Oct 14, 15 & 16, 2011)

All roads lead to SM on October 14, 15 and 16, 2011 as SM City Davao opens its doors for the GRAND 3 DAY SUPERMALL-WIDE SALE!

Enjoy up to 70% off on great selections MALLWIDE! Shop and get a chance to win 1 of the 4 DeVant LEDTech TVs!

Mall hours are extended up to 12 MN on October 14 & 15 and until 10 PM on October 16.

Catch the first 2-Hour SMAC Sale (SM Advantage Card) for additional discounts on October 14 in SM Department Store, Ace Hardware, Surplus Shop, Levi's and Toy Kingdom.

All these and more only here at SM City Davao where we all come together. See you!

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 8238, Series of 2011.

Eco Bag Wednesday at SM Supermalls

"NO PLASTICS ON WEDNESDAY" - This is the theme to all SM Supermalls nationwide in cooperation with SM Cares. In this campaign, paper bags are used in the SM Supermarket in replacement to the usual plastics used during Wednesdays. This campaign aims to promote environmental awareness by decreasing the use of synthetic materials (such as plastics) in order to lessen pollution on the latter.

With the recent launching of the New Designs of the Eco Bag last August 2011 across SM Malls nationwide, the said environmental campaign is being intensified. That is why all SM Employees and Affiliates are encourage to use the Eco Bags in doing shopping or grocery every time they go at any SM Branch.

To quote a Message from the Management to all its Employees and Affiliates:

"Each Wednesday, we encourage especially all SCMC employees to bring and use eco bags to help limit our reliance on plastics and sustain a more environmentally sound SM company. This is to spearhead the green movement with our tenants and affiliates. We invite everyone to join us in this effort to promote sustainable lifestyle choices at work. Together, with everyone’s participation, we can decrease our carbon footprint and set good examples to promote a more environment-friendly future. I AM IN. I AM INVOLVED."

SM Supermalls also encourage all its shoppers to use the Eco Bag which is sold at Php 35.00 each and comes in various colors. These Eco Bags are sold in both the Department Store and Supermarket Section.

Photo Courtesy of SM City Davao during the Relaunch of the Eco Bags
at SM City Davao Event Center

Doing the Pledge to Support the "I AM IN, I AM INVOLVED CAMPAIGN"
Photo Courtesy of SM City Davao

Furthermore, the "I AM IN, I AM INVOLVED CAMPAIGN" of SM Supermalls must be practiced everyday not only on a Wednesday. This simple act of environmental awareness will surely go a long way if all of us will do our part and share in preserving Mother Nature.

And with the Entry of SM City General Santos next year, the Generals will be able to take part on this Green Campaign towards a more "MAGANDANG GENSAN"!

Go Green Generals!

San Miguel Street Opening and the Unveiling of the New SMGS Mall Perspective

Last September 19, 2011 (Monday), the Widened San Miguel Street (a.k.a SM Street), was formally opened to the public. The said short program held on the Center Portion of the San Miguel Street started at 11 am. The program was spearheaded by none other than, Mr. Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Incorporated President and the son of the Retail King and the Richest Man in the Philippines - Mr. Henry Sy. This event was also graced by Ms. Marissa Fernan (VP-SM Prime Holdings Inc.) and SM's Regional Managers, Ms. Debby Go (VP for Operations in Mindanao) and Mr. Russel Alaba (Group Marketing Manager for Mindanao). The said event was also participated by our friends from the Print and TV Media both in Davao and GenSan. 

Of course, the Opening of the San Miguel Street, which is one of the Projects donated by SM to the City, was also graced by our very own Mayor, Honorable Darlene Antonino-Custodio, our beloved Congressman, Honorable Pedro Acharon Jr., and various Department Heads.

The stretch of the San Miguel Street

Mr. Hans T. Sy in an interview with the Media before the Program

Mr. Hans T. Sy answered with accuracy all the questions thrown by the Media

Ms. Debby of SM Supermalls and Mayor Darlene were the one who gave speeches and were both positive to other future partnerships of the Local Government of GenSan and SM City General Santos uplifting the lifestyle of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region and even enlivening the booming status of General Santos City.

The Highlight of the short program was the Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting wherein Mr. Hans T. Sy, Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Congressman Pedro Acharon Jr., rode on a White Pick-up and passed by the Blue Ribbon as a sign that San Miguel Street has finally and formally opened its doors to the public.

Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio giving her Speech

Ms. Debby Go giving her speech on behalf of SM Prime Holdings Inc.

SM also turned-over the Eco Bags, one of the Projects of SM Cares that encourages its shoppers to use Environmental-friendly things that may help lessen Pollution such as using this bag instead of plastics.

Mayor Darlene together with Mr. Hans and Ms. Debby during the Eco Bag Turn-over

Meanwhile, aside from the Opening of the San Miguel Street, the New SM City General Santos Mall Perspective was also unveiled to the public.

Here's a glimpse of  your favorite Shopping City which is set to open early next year in the City by the Bay and Home of the Champions - General Santos City.

The New SM City General Santos Mall Perspective

Few more months to go, and SM is on its way on bringing your Shopping Experience to the Next Level.  What more can we ask for! Indeed, Magandang GenSan!

Movie Review: Friends with Benefits

MOVIE INFO

Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis) think it's going to be easy to add the simple act of sex to their friendship, despite what Hollywood romantic comedies would have them believe. They soon discover however that getting physical really does always lead to complications. -- (C) Sony

Genre: Romantic Comedy
Directed By: Will Gluck
Written By: Harley Peyton, Keith Merryman, David A. Newman

Characters:

Justin Timberlake as Dylan
Mila Kunis as Jamie
Patricia Clarkson as Lorna
Bryan Greenberg as Parker
Richard Jenkins as Mr. Harper
Jenna Elfman as Annie
Woody Harrelson as Tommy

REVIEW:

Friends with Benefits is one of the greatest Hollywood Romantic Comedy film to date.

I'm pretty impressed with this film considering that is so refreshing to see Justin Timberlake on the big screen plus a charming Mila Kunis in a feel-good movie that has a credible and sensible plot.

The story focuses on a simple rule of NO STRINGS ATTACHED, JUST SEX thing that is somehow one of Hollywood's cliches in Romantic Comedy Genre. But, what this film differs from all other Romantic Comedy films is the artistic blend of the Characters with their emotions plus an undeniable chemistry of Justine and Mila adds up to its moderately amusing and smart-tilted scheme.

It may have some naughty and semi-obscene moments or scenes, but I find the movie to be a wholesome ride of love and friendship. What I love about Friends with Benefits is that it somehow depicts the reality among young lovers nowadays. The reality that speaks about the role of SEX in determining how truthful and sincere a person is for the one he or she loves. It may be kinda off to conservative ones but this film undermines the emotions of every person who has the feeling of affection and love and by which, the feeling of lust or sexual desires are being eliminated on the latter.

I so commend Justin Timberlake's performance. Justin can really act. His singing moments in the film is just so cool. I also commend Mila for blending well with Justin. They really have a good chemistry on screen. They also effectively delivered their roles and played a vital role in making this film worth-watching.

I really admire how the Director and the Writer blended several romantic Movie cliches but still managed to make it distinct and fun all throughout.

I also love the setting of the film in Los Angeles and New York. The camera angles were great. I love the texture of the film and as well as the Cinematography.

The film is a great combination of comedy, drama and excitement of being IN LOVE with someone else.

In the end, aside from enjoying the film, you'll be able to learn something.

RATINGS: 5 STARS

Movie Review: Rogue (2008)

Synopsis:

A handful of tourists looking for adventure get more than they bargained for when they cross paths with a massive man-eating beast in this thriller. Pete McKell (Michael Vartan) is a writer for an American travel magazine who has been assigned to write a story about vacationing in rugged Northern Australia. Pete signs up for a cruise along a river that's home to a large crocodile population, with tough but pretty Kate Ryan (Radha Mitchell) serving as guide. Pete soon finds he's roughing it in the Aussie wilds with an eclectic variety of travelers, including Russell (John Jarratt), who is dealing with the death of his wife; Simon (Stephen Curry), a tactless amateur photographer; and Allen (Geoff Morrell), a member of the British upper crust making the trip with his ailing spouse (Heather Mitchell) and their rambunctious daughter (Mia Wasikowska). While Kate's former husband, who also works on the river, makes a pest of himself in the early stages of the voyage, the travelers soon find they have more to worry about when their craft is attacked by a massive 25-foot crocodile, who is just clever enough to know how to trap its prey before enjoying them for dinner. Rogue was written and directed by Greg McLean, who made a splash among horror fans in 2005 with his debut film, Wolf Creek. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi


Genre: Mystery & Suspense, Horror
Directed By: Greg McLean
Written By: Greg McLean

Casts:

Radha Mitchell as Kate Ryan
John Jarratt as Russell
Sam Worthington as Neil
Geoff Morrell as Allen
Heather Mitchell as Elizabeth
Stephen Curry as Simon
Mia Wasikowska as Sherry

REVIEW:

Rogue is a the greatest and most silent Creature-Croc Movie to date!

Thanks to this film for saving a handful of disappointing Creature and crocodile-inspired films. Actually, ROGUE is way better PRIMEVAL and LAKE PLACID.

What this movie possesses is a stylish direction and a plot that may look like cliche but its well-written and implemented. The movie ROGUE is about a handful of tourists having a boat tour in the Australian Outback. As they were about to go home, their attention was caught with a signal flare from a distance. The tour guide ( Kate played by Radha Mitchell) decided to look after a supposed to be distress signal. When they arrived at the what-they-call a Sacred Place. Suddenly, a 25-foot crocodile bumped on their boat. Luckily, they were able to go on a small island found within the lake before the water gets into the boat. The dilemma is now on how to escape the fierce of the huge crocodile who is just waiting and lurking around the lake...waiting for its human flesh meal.

ROGUE is a satisfying thriller and suspense without much gore and violence. The horror and the tension in the whole film is very dominated by a stylish plot that gave emphasis on the struggle and the emotions of every characters who wanted to live and survive. This is a film geared in the idea of suspense and selective thrills without showing much of the EATING SCENES. I just love how the Director combined the elements of surprise, horror, hope, disappointments, mild gore and suspense all in one PACKAGE.

The film is a slick flick of survival that effectively delivered much of its emotional aspects to the viewers. The pacing of the story was progressive and not boring.

I also love the Australian Outback Setting of the place. The film showcased the luscious Aussie forests down to the creepy rivers and lakes. Which is by far, one of the best setting of any crocodile film.

The characters were also great. Even though majority of the castings weren't A-LIST Hollywood Celebrities at all, but they delivered well in this film.

The film's editing is also commendable. Its sharp and realistic. Its inventive and visually-appealing. I love the night scenes of the film. Rogue is a perfect ride of enough scare, thrill, chill, suspense and a mixture of whole some gore minus overrated violence and idiocy.

So far, this is the BEST CROC-INSPIRED Film to date!

RATINGS: 5 STARS

Movie Review: The Hangover Part II

Synopsis:

In The Hangover Part II, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don't always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined. -- (C) Warner Bros

Genre: Comedy
Directed By: Todd Phillips
Written By: Craig Mazin, Scott Armstrong, Todd Phillips

Casts:

Bradley Cooper as Phil
Zach Galifianakis as Alan
Ed Helms as Stu
Justin Bartha as Doug
Ken Jeong as Mr. Chow
Mike Tyson as Himself
Mason Lee as Teddy
Sasha Barrese as Tracy
Jamie Chung as Lauren

REVIEW:

The Hangover Part II is a complete carbon copy of its predecessor but still has the the fun and mystery of what happened during the night that they are all f***ed up!

Well, surprisingly, The Hangover Part 11 delivered well in living up to its premise on putting together all the clues in finding the lost character after a night of drinking and merriment. Which eventually led to uncertain circumstances and involvements that really added spice to the whole film.

This time, after conquering Vegas, they invade Thailand. Its kinda refreshing to know that they have chosen an Asian country as their setting. The epic characters from the Part 1 are still up. And now, with the addition of Teddy's Character who happens to be the brother of Lauren (which is Stu's Fiance), the comeback of Mr. Chow and the special participation of monkey really gave a more or less new and refreshing look of the second franchise.

The plot revolved around Stu's wedding in Lauren's native land - Thailand. Lauren is Stu's new girl after a failed relationship as shown in the first film. Of course, who could ever forget the WOLF-PACK (Stu, Alan, Phil and Doug) and now with the addition of Lauren's brother, Teddy who completed the Hangover gang.

Their visit in Thailand is primarily because the wedding is set on Lauren's land as request of her parents who happens to be not so amenable on Stu. The hangover started when the boys (including Teddy) decided to have a drink on a bonfire at the seashore. Then, the rest was history. (of course, I won't spoil what happened next)

The Hangover Part 2 brought a lot of cliches from the First film. Actually, its just merely the same aside from its location and series of events that occurred during that night. It might feel dejavu on the fans of The Hangover watching this second installment but for me, it brings the same level of fun and excitement as the story progresses. What makes Hangover series appealing is the fact that you wanted to know what happened last night. Aside from finding the lost character, the remaining characters is now caught and in dilemma with circumstances and activities they can't even remember doing because they are all drunk last night. For me, I don't care if they copy the plot on their next franchises, but hey, its the HANGOVER THING that made this film unique and at par to any other films in Hollywood.

This time, the whole thing happened in THAILAND. I really commend the Production setting of this film. Aside from it is shot in an Asian Country, it showcased Thailand's culture, people and tourist spots as well.

The characters were also great. I so love every attitude of the characters that really blended well in the film's genre and delivery. Of course, I love the character of Alan... a weirdo yet subtle person who just wanted friendship and acceptance. The director really did well in correlating all the characters in terms of emotions and connections with each other. Teddy (the new addition) also gave an average performance, enough to compliment the riot cast.

For me, Hangover 2 is good. It is much complicated and suitably funny than the first but it failed to give excitement. For fans, they'll be more or less disappointed to the second franchise but for first timers, they would be pleased. however, expect lots of surprises and revelations in Hangover Part II.

And who could ever forget the epic ending of the first... The closing credits turned slideshow presentation of all their pictures during the time that they were all f***ed up! Don't worry! You'll get another dosage of it on Hangover Part II.

RATINGS: 4 STARS