'Boyhood' A Quiet Introspective Masterpiece

It was great to see that there was a sizeable audience to 'Boyhood' last night, kahit last full show na sa Gateway cinema. I think director Richard Linklater has a sizeable fan base here in Manila even though his movies would put to sleep many of my friends, so unless they like movies where people just talk, don't bother to invite them.

'Boyhood' is a movie where people who are raising children (that's me yes!) can relate so much and teenagers who just graduated from high school and is now entering college. It's also a movie for single mothers who would surely love this movie and would may be cry from time to time, depending on the scene they're watching - maybe even OFW fathers who only get to spend a little time with their kids (kasi Ethan Hawke's role here is basically an every other weekend Dad).

I found myself reacting to many scenes in the movie, especially because parents sacrifice so much (time, money, their dreams) just to raise their children and make sure they don't turn out to be serial killers.

My favorite scene happened towards the end when the lead actor was leaving and taking all of his things since he was going to college and Patricia Arquette kind of breaks down and cries. I think that scene alone should get Arquette an Oscar nom. I wouldn't be surprised if the lead actor and Ethan Hawke would also get one.

The movie is currently sweeping most of the Best Picture and Best Director critic awards in the US right now and it's a sure shoo-in for those Oscar noms. The movie is long at 2 hours and 40 minutes but it's a beautiful snapshot of someone's life since he was around 5 years old until he gets to college.

Diamonds and Haute Couture Save Nicole Kidman in Grace of Monaco

Diamonds and Chanel and Dior haute couture save Nicole Kidman in her movie Grace of Monaco. 

If you want to be a fashion stylist and want to see how real glamour looks like, better watch the movie Grace of Monaco, which is showing now in Manila theaters.  It's fashion and diamond pornography at its best.  It's like watching the movie version of Sex and the City, only this time, you are in the south of France, in the principality of Monaco.

I rarely watch movies here in Manila when they're screened on the first day, but I was a bit worried that Grace of Monaco would disappear the next day, I had to call Mama and we both watched Nicole Kidman essay the role of the elegant Princess Grace.

Well, although the historical events and all those famous figures hovering around the movie would've made for compelling and interesting cinema, this movie's one big yawn.  What kept me awake were those exquisite diamonds Nicole was wearing - and those fabulous clothes the costume designers asked her to wear!  

Grace Kelly was a major icon of her era - so to see her and her royal court lavishly and slavishly recreated in the big screen was such a treat for me!  Wouldn't be surprised if this movie snagged a nomination for Best Costume Design in next year's Oscars.

One Night of Fun with the Airdance Troupe

Once in a while, I get to attend intimate performances which allow the audience members to be at a close proximity to the performers.  What made the dance performance of the Airdance troupe more special was that it was a modern contemporary dance performance, which is a rare occurrence in Manila, as most of the shows that are related to dance here are either of the classical variety or the ones you see in popular noontime shows like Showtime.

I am not an expert on dance technique but I was very impressed by the performance of the group - the fluidity of their movements, the fearlessness of their performance, the diversity and the heartfelt themes that they chose which young people could easily relate to, the relative youth of the troupe, the interesting choices for their music and background, and the wealth of talent in the group.  This is actually in stark contrast to the modern dance performances that I see abroad where I sometimes leave the theatre bewildered and wondering what the hell the dancers were trying to tell me.  I don’t read the prepared synopsis kasi until after the show since I want to figure out things for myself rather than be conditioned to expect something.

It is no surprise that the Airdance dance troupe was also chosen to represent the country in an international dance event in Singapore.  They move very confidently and it’s as if their instrument is hardwired to their hearts.

It's a pity I wasn't able to invite more friends to watch the show as I believe many of my even younger friends who love to dance hip hop would be able to appreciate the show and see another form of dance - a more pure expression of one's emotions and feelings.  I believe that with a strong foundation in modern contemporary dance, these kids can contribute more to improving their hip hop moves than just copying what they see in Youtube.

Thanks Ely Bautista for giving me the invite.  It was also fun to see some of my friends Honey Mata and Heidih Pang really enjoy the performance.

Hard Talk with Jessye Norman: My Most Favorite TV Show This Week

I rarely see opera diva Jessye Norman get interviewed, so it was such a thrill for me to see her get interviewed in BBC World's Hard Talk.  Norman was a very refreshing guest to watch as she recounted her days during the segregation in the American south.  She also downplayed the snooty nature of opera.

Here are my ten favorite TV shows for the week ending October 3, 2014 -

#1 BBC World - Hard Talk with Jessye Norman

#2 CI - Evil Twins - twins defrauded the US Department of Defense

#3 AXN - Amazing Race 25 - US Virgin Islands - 3 teams can't use compass

#4 beTV - Everybody Loves Raymond - Muhammad Ali letter lost

#5 beTV - Hollywood Unzipped Stylist Wars - black book photo shot

#6 beTV - Hollywood Unzipped Stylist Wars - t-shirt - artistic integrity

#7 GMA-7 - Front Row - burn victims bata

#8 beTV - Men at Work - beautiful woman writer

#9 CI - Deadly Wives - 61 year old woman puts her husband in a carpet

#10 Cinema One - Gina Alajar - Cherie Gil - white men boyfriends

Dennis Trillo in Ang Katiwala

I'm watching Ang Katiwala on Fox Filipino with Dennis Trillo as the katiwala - and it's this slow, plodding movie that's supposed to be a horror story.

Such a waste really.

If I were the producer of this movie - with Dennis Trillo as the only main character portraying a katiwala - he'll be shirtless most of the time - in various stages of undress in his scenes - and the movie will be a psychological horror thriller bordering on soft porn.

If I have to shell out half a million pesos for an indie movie like this, might as well get my money's worth! Why waste the talents of a hot actor who can also act!