One would think “Friends With Benefits” is just another of those formulaic rom-coms (romantic comedies) that are so common nowadays (boy meets girl, they fall in love, someone tries to get between them like a jealous ex-gf/bf, they falll apart, and come back together, rains roses, and they live happily ever after. THAT formula). This movie, in fact, starts off like such: both are, unfortunately, fresh from a breakup and were given a chance to be with each other. And here, it will get interesting. Both decided that they’re through living the common expectations for a couple. They’ve decided they’ll just be friends and have sex without complicating their friendship. A chance to fulfill physical needs and also, fulfilling their social needs. Sounds perfect, right?

I think, to some extent, the movie portrays the setup as everything perfect…as long as both parties know that it is that they want. It becomes less perfect and then, suddenly, obstructive, once it isn’t the goal of the relationship anymore. I’m not sure if the movie is able to fully answer this question of whether to be friends with benefits or not, as it seems to shift back to some familiar territory after it has ventured far to see what else is there in a relationship between two people who do not really want a relationship. But perhaps, what the movie wanted to convey is that there isn’t any just one answer. It will all depend on the situation and on the people involved.

I find that Mila Kunis have provided a refreshing take on a romantic comedy protagonist. Oh yeah, right, she’s sweet but, hell, she can be so naughty and strong-willed. I love how she smoothly transitions from one emotion to another and she surely can whip up some snappy one-liners without trying too hard. And I wouldn’t have guessed that Justin Timberlake can be THAT funny. He isn’t that handsome, but he’s got quite a charming on-film presence. Together, they’ve got quite a unique chemistry that I’m sure if these two were Filipino actors, they’d be a love team from now on.

Another person worth mentioning is Mila Kunis’ mother in this movie. She’s outrageous! I guess, with all her imperfections, being not-the-best-mother-out-there, she’d be the mother everyone dreams of having. I mean, who wouldn’t want a mother who’d politely excuse herself after she walks in her daughter’s room and saw her having sex with her friend and yet, manages to slip her phone number into this friend’s coat? She’s fucking awesome, I tell you. Kudos to Patricia Clarkson for bringing this character to life! And kudos to the one who wrote this character into the script!

This movie is full of laughs and its tender, sweet moments. If you’re tired of the usual rom-coms or if you’re really just in the mood for some fun and are not afraid to be honest with yourself regarding relationships and sex, you should go see this film.

My rating: 4.0 out of 5

Comedy / Horror
Director Jade Castro
Writer Raymond Lee, Michiko Yamamoto, Jade Castro
MTRCB Rating PG-13
Released by Origin8media

I haven’t really watched Pinoy films in such a long while. But when I received an invite from Geiser Maclang to a premiere screening of “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington”, I can’t help but say yes. And anyway, there has been quite a buzz about this film online. And it did not disappoint.

The film is about Remington, a typical provincial boy who falls in love with the girl next door and his childhood sweetheart. But he also begins to experience some strange occurrences: he dreams of a mysterious macho man running after him with a razor and then wakes up without body hair; he dreams that his tongue was pulled out and then woke up talking gay lingo; he dreams of the macho man with a tattoo of a butterfly on his chest creeping up on him in bed and wakes up with the same tattoo on his chest. Remington remembers that, as a boy, he was cursed by a gay man to become gay himself when he becomes of age. And all these changes and revelations occur in the background of another mystery: a serial killer in their town who targets gay men. In the end, in the middle of a zombie attack, Remington was able to make a self-discovery and sacrifices were made to make things right.

I love how films are made simple but the storyline is brilliant. This is one of those films that seem to be so superfluous and bubbly, and yet, in the end, will make you think so much about what it’s been trying to say, in the middle of the psychedelic contraptions. For me, it’s a reflection of how the society treats homosexuality and maybe how realizing our inner gay can make our world a more peaceful place.

I do not know Martin Escudero before this film. But after watching him, a heterosexual portray a homosexual male with such pizzaz and flair, I’m quite excited to see what else he can do in other roles. I love how well he transitioned from a straight guy to a gay guy and then back again. Also, his psychedelic gay dancing is one of the scenes to watch out for. And, of course, his “award-winning” intimate moment with Kerbie Zamora, is one of the most kakakilig scenes. I just hope he won’t get stereotyped to doing similar characters. He’s also quite a cutie.

Eugene Domingo, who plays mother to Hannah (Lauren Young), the childhood sweetheart of Remington, is the funniest actress in the country. Even when she’s grieving, she’s still so damn funny. Not so many actresses can pull that off.

I’m going to wait for this movie to be available in DVD. Maybe this would be the first Pinoy film I’d ever buy in DVD. Gosh, I can’t wait! Please go see this in theaters NOW!

My rating: 5/5

I’m really not the type who’d go to movie theaters just to watch a romantic comedy film. Big screens are made for the action-packed, special effects-filled movies. But Crazy Stupid Love somewhat piqued my interest. Or I just wanted to do something at that time that I bought the ticket for it.

But man, it was the right choice not to wait for the DVD version just to watch it! Seriously, this movie is one film that I’d watch on screen, and watch at home for the nth time, maybe with friends or with a special someone. And maybe watch during some lull, benign times during hospital duty. Or in my iPad while in a coffee shop. I’d watch it endlessly like Anna and the King, The Wedding Singer, and Meet Joe Black.

This movie has touched on the different aspects of romantic relationships between a man and a woman: a couple about to divorce, a 13-year old boy in love with his 17-year old babysitter, a smooth operator encountering a “gamechanger”, a middle-aged guy trying to get back his mojo by living the bachelor’s life, a woman about to divorce a husband having second thoughts about it while, at the same time, being more confused about the decision because of a persistent suitor, a young woman finding herself attracted to a married man. All these stories interwoven and thoroughly played out by all the characters.

I disagree with the other movie reviews that said Steve Carrell has been outshone by his co-stars on this one. I just love how he played his usual role of the nice guy and being able to switch to that suave, ladies’ gentleman, albeit in such a way that the audience know it was only a facade and that he’s still truly his shy, nice guy self.

There are a lot of memorable moments in this film. But just to quote some:

“I should have fought for you.” (I definitely cried during this part)

“Seriously? It looks like you’re photoshopped!” (Emma Stone is at her freakin’ funny best.)

It’s a multi-faceted movie that will make you cry and laugh at the same time. Go watch it with your loved ones or even by yourself! Surely worth the money and time for seeing it in the movie theater. If the DVD comes out, buy one too! Or buy two and give it to your mom or girlfriend!

My rating: 5 out of 5

Everytime the word “Nestle” is heard, one would immediately think of milk or milk chocolate. This is just proof of how Nestle products have been very much a part of Filipino lives for the past 100 years. So in celebration of 100 years of good and good life, Nestle Philippines brings us 10 short films of life, love, and family, of which Nestle products have been very much a part of.

I was fortunate to have been able to preview these short films and I’m very thankful to Nestle Philippines for allowing me to do so. Here are the trailers of the ten short films:

Sign Seeker by Carlo Directo
Starring John Lloyd Cruz, Solenn Heussaff, Jun King Austria, Ricky Pascua, Peewee O’Hara, Rolly Halagao, Lot Gervacio

Possibly one of the best Filipino Romantic Comedy I’ve ever seen. The film is about a superstitious guy who’s been seeking all sorts of “signs” to tell him if he’s going to ask the girl of his dreams on a date. The end of this journey is not all the more interesting than the journey itself, how each “sign” manifested and what he did about it.

Tingala sa Baba by Henry Frejas
starring Arvy Cesar Viduya, Eubert Marc Dela Cruz, Aya Bundang

This, I think, is the best film in the anthology. Who would know that one can tell a great story using just two 8-year old kids and a see-saw? Two 8-year old kids are seen playing on the seesaw. One is a hefty, well-to-do child who wanted to be up on the seesaw, and the other child, a poor kid who longs to be on top. The conversation between the two eventually will lead them to the realization of the true value of friendship.

I can actually see this as a possible one-act play. One only needs a stage, a see-saw, and two kids. It would be so simple and yet so heartwarming and enlightening.

Silup by Jun Reyes
Starring Sid Lucero, Gloria Romero, Edwin Nombre, Arsenia Mabilog, and Johnny Bernes

This film is urban drama involving a Manila cop and his daily life of crime fighting. The film highlights his mysterious routine of taking out a can of sterilized milk from the kitchen cupboard and replacing it with his revolver. Later on in the film, its symbolism is revealed.

Perhaps not so many people will appreciate the sadness and the heaviness of the film. However, it is a story meant to make someone ponder hard and deep on what keeps us living day by day.

Unplugged by Raul Jorolan
Starring Marvin Agustin, Kaye Abad, Eddie Garcia, Futkaleros, and Colegio San Agustin-HS football team

A football coach, played by Marvin Agustin, takes his HS football team to his grandfather’s home for some team building time. However, the young boys are so attached to their electronic gadgets that bonding as a team is almost next to impossible. However, coach’s grandfather, played wonderfully by Eddie Garcia, is determined to detach them from their gadgets and let them explore the “real life” and realize that the only way to reconnect is to disconnect.

This is one of the more popular of the short films. The beauty of this film can be found in the conversations between the grandfather and the grandson (the coach). And in the age of the rise of the new social media, the film is relevant especially those who find themselves so attached to their online presence.

Sali-salita by A/F Benaza
Starring Migs Cuaderno, Judy Chua, Bodjie Pascua (Yes, Kuya Bodjie!), Carmen Sanchez, Alvin Aguilar

This is a fantasy drama on how a boy finds the chance to create tales of heroes and villains when his grandfather, played by Bodjie Pascua, comes to their home. In an old milk can, they placed pieces of paper, each with a word written on it. They took turns taking a paper out of the can and thus creating a chain of little stories. And the touching part is how these little stories brought the boy’s mother back to his own son.

Downtown by Stephen Ngo
Starring Virgilio Que, Sherry Lara

This is a love story about a man who is learning to live his life without his beloved by his side. In the course of his daily life, amidst the chaotic bedroom, his messy hair, and disorderly kitchen, he begins to realize that he only need to get his act together to reclaim his love.

This must be one of my favorites in the anthology. This film just proves that one can tell a story with only a few words, an interesting background, and spot-on emotions. Truly, I love how the film ended.

The Howl and the Fussyket by Chris Martinez
starring: Eugene Domingo, Dennis Padilla, Kiray Celis, Timothy Chan, Tess Antonio, Cris Paturan, Ernie Concepcion, Madeleine Nicolas, Gerald Pesigan

This is a family comedy about perseverance, unity, and the real meaning of triumph. A 2nd grader boy is dead set on winning the grand prize in their school’s declamation contest. However, he has a problem with his speech, especially the pronunciation of “f” and “p”. His supportive mother, played by Eugene Domingo in her most humorous, helps him prepare for the role.

This is one of those short films that elicited the most laugh. Eugene Domingo is very much at her zone here and the newcomer Gerald Pesigan was very entertaining. This is the kind of comedy most Filipinos love to watch.

Cooking Mo, Cooking Ko by Chris Martinez
Starring Sharmaine Centenera-Buencamino, Nonie Buencamino, Isay Alvarez-Sena, Robert Sena, Dominic Roco, Eda Nolan, Roden Araneta, Angel Raymundo, Nene Ignacio

This is a comedic version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, with the lovers born instead into two-warring families both proud owners of their own local eateries. But the two lovers cannot be separated and with their love, they were able to bring back two families’ friendship together again.

Oh Para Sa Tau Wa Yeah! by George Agcaoili
Starring Neil Coleta, Jillian Ward, Jessica Ferrer, Freddie Masiglat, Kristine Coleta, Meynroj Perez, Coleen Garcia, Vangie Catillo, Philippine All-Stars

This is one original musical comedy that will surely give everyone the LSS (Last Song Syndrome). The story is about a teenage guy who was so in love with a girl but can’t quite figure out how to court her and get her love. Seeing his son’s despair, the father disclosed that there’s a family heirloom, the Womanual, that enlisted the secrets of the men in the family on how they courted women. In the end, the teenage guy learned that he already actually know the ABCs of what women truly want.

Isang Tasang Pangarap by Sid Maderazo
Starring Ramon Bautista, Hector Camaso, Nani Naguit, Manuel Papileira, Arash Tamadon

The film is one of those comedic reliefs in the anthology. It features Ramon Bautista as a local in a poor, chaotic town who suddenly became a “Coffee psychic”, after an enlightening encounter involving his favorite shiny, red coffee mug. The film is actually a homage to the award-winning, popular film, “Himala”.

I’m sorry if I wasn’t able to find a link to the trailer. But take my word for it, this is a comedy of epic proportions, just something one should expect in anything that involves Ramon Bautista.

If these summaries have interested you, you can watch these films for FREE (yes, it’ll be screen for free!) at SM Megamall Cinema 3 this June 11-12 (Southmall Cinema 6, Rosales Cinema 1, Davao Cinema 1 and Cebu Cinema 7). If you want heartwarming, tastefully and artfully done films, WATCH THESE!

My rating: 4 out of 5

Addendum: Nestle also published a recipe book entitled Celebrating 100 years of Cooking with Nestlé. It features many easy-to-prepare and tasty Filipino dishes using Nestle Products. There are only few thousand copies of these so I hope you get to have your own copy soon!

X-Men: First class is the recent installment to the X-Men movie series, a prequel, to be precise, and directed by Matthew Vaugh of the highly-entertaining Kick-Ass movie.

Movie’s central theme is origin: how the life experiences of both the young Charles Xavier (played by James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr, the young Magneto (played by Michael Fassbender) shaped the events that led to the beginning of the X-Men and Xavier’s school for mutants. It was set in the 1960′s, when the world is at the brink of a World War III, and learns for the first time the existence of mutants living among humans. The movie began in the 1940′s when Xavier was still a boy living in a mansion in New York who has known of his mutant abilities and yearns to meet others who are like him and Lensherr was a Jewish boy who had to suffer a prolonged agony after seeing his mother killed in front of him in the Nazi concentration camp. The two crossed paths when Xavier was already a young professor specializing in gene mutations and Lensherr was searching for his tormentor/creator, Dr. Schmidt, who had renamed himself as Sebastian Shaw, to kill him and avenge the death of his mother. To stop Sebastian Shaw’s plans of world domination by mutants under his leadership, Xavier and Lensherr joined forces, together with some other newly discovered, young mutants, including Xavier’s adopted sister, Raven, also known as Mystique (played by Jennifer Lawrence), a shapeshifter. It is in this setting that relationships among the mutants, especially between Xavier and Lensherr, were bonded and broken, and the results gave birth to Xavier’s school for mutants and Lensherr’s Brotherhood of Mutants.

Initially, I didn’t think James McAvoy could fit in the young Charles Xavier role because I had envisioned someone who looks more “cerebral” and brooding, and honestly I didn’t think anyone could ever replace Patrick Stewart as Xavier. However, since this is a younger Charles Xavier and we cannot possibly let Patrick Stewart play this younger role, it was one tough dilemma. I must say, though, James McAvoy did a good job of it and after watching him play the role, I realized that this choice made all sense. McAvoy’s version of a young Xavier is that of a smart guy who knows his abilities and, being typically young, college-educated, sexually-inclined guy, has used these abilities to get women’s attention. And there is an optimism in McAvoy’s aura without overdoing it by being overly jovial or enthusiastic.

Michael Fassbender as a young Magneto is also someone to watch out. I’ve never seen an actor who can look positively sincere and sinister at the same time as he did in this movie. I’m almost Team Lensherr althroughout this movie. There were two instances in this movie that I loved him most and both instances involved big ass metal things and “that point between serenity and rage”.

X-Men: First Class may have merited mixed reviews, with some praising the movie for reviving the X-Men series, while others criticizing it for its lack of wit and soul. However, for someone like me, who enjoys both the movie and the comics series but not yet a true-blooded fan, the movie is already an entertaining watch. So let the fan boys roar, while I enjoy watching it again and again with popcorn in hand.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Burlesque is a delicious visual feast of feather boas, pearls, and shiny, shimmering, splendid curves. Add to that a stage that held Christina Aguilera and Cher…it’s an entertaining movie musical or a musical movie, whichever you like it. It’s a movie that has to be played over and over again in my iPod or TV.

I don’t really agree with some of the more negative reviews. I have totally enjoyed the movie and I’ve been playing back all my favorite parts:

1. The highlight of the film is when Ali (Christina Aguilera) is finally given the chance to dance some more of the major parts.  And finally, sing! Damn, she’s one talented singer.  Her version of Tough Lover is really a prime show.  And damn sexy too.
2. Cher’s low seductive voice singing “You haven’t seen the last of me”.  Only Cher, a lonely stage, and the spotlight.  But brilliant.  Just brilliant.  Too bad she was limited to singing two songs in the movie.
3. Cam Gigandet and a big box of Famous Amos Cookies.  Just Cam and a big box of Famous Amos Cookies.  I’m not kidding, all right?!  Too bad he was casted in the role of a jerk (Jack).  I don’t understand why Ali took him back so easily.
4. Christina Aguilera and some strings of pearls.  Boy, this girl can blow and strut her stuff!  I can’t take my eyes off her especially in this part of the movie.
5. The fantastic dance productions.  I disagree with the other reviews that they find it irksome that the mood was changed from classic burlesque to 21st century pop as the movie progressed.  I think most people would find it boring if the music were burlesque all throughout.  A modern twist to burlesque would be quite welcome.
6. Eric Dane.  McSteamy.  Who wouldn’t want to be wooed by someone like that?

I’m quite confused with Kristen Bell’s character, Nikki.  She’s Burlesque Lounge’s star dancer until Ali arrived.  Yes, I understand the jealousy and insecurity part.  And yes, one can expect her to be bratty and mean.  But to suddenly turn 180 degrees as the movie is about to end?  She didn’t even do anything more mean to Ali during the entire film after she pulled out the music during Ali’s dance.  I was hoping for some more skirmishes between the two way before the resolution of the film, just so to have enough reason to be convinced that Ali kicked Nikki’s ass.

Also, I find the resolution to the conflict a bit weak.  I was hoping for a bit more of a showdown between Marcus (Eric Dane) and Tess (Cher), maybe like Marcus doing something illegal and drastic to get what he wants.  And yes, Jack coming back to Ali didn’t cut so well.  And if Jack is a songwriter, as this movie claims, why wasn’t he given a chance to show off his musical prowess by playing an instrument somewhere in the movie?  Was he too busy being a waiter?  And why was his relationship with Natalie (Dianne Agron) so vague in this film?  I wished the movie expounded a bit more on this so that we could further see the conflict between Natalie and Jack, in contrast with Jack’s progressive interest in Ali.

There are a lot of loopholes in the movie’s plot.  And some of the lines are somewhat cliche.  However, the music and the dance are enough to keep my interest.  Good for iPod playlist too.  Maybe there’s another movie out there for Cher and Christina Aguilera to star in so they could both show their acting and singing prowess.

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

A follow-up to his 2003 The Zombie Survival Guide, Max Brook’s World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War gives us insight on the possible effect of a world war against zombies on humanity.  Rather than a straight narrative, Brooks presents a collection of individual anecdotes of people from different countries and different walks of life as a report to the United Nations Postwar Commission.  The personal accounts describe the new religious, geo-political and environmental conditions during and post-Zombie war.

Based on the arrangement/timeline of the narratives, it seemed that the spread of the zombie infection started in China.  The news came about not as a country folklore, but as a written account of a Chinese doctor, perhaps trying to lend credence to the “myth” of a zombie invasion.  It also makes sense that for an infection to have spread that fast (and seemingly via direct human-to-human contact), it should be in such a populated area.  And spread, it did: from China to the Amazon Rain forest to Vostok station in Antarctica.

There are no explanations as to the origin of the zombie infection.  Rather, the author focuses on the stories of human struggles.  In different voices, he tried to describe how the Great Panic went: people barricading their homes, stealing things from other people who either been killed or too weak to fight, some going against the flow of running refugees to save their loved ones, others seeing their apartment neighbors eaten alive and soldiers even forced to kill some of the living to save the many.  Brooks also takes it to a macro level.  Through the different interviews, he illustrated how the usual military tactics failed to stop the zombie invasion and affected diplomatic ties all over the world.  He describes a world where your money means nothing, but rather, your status in the new society will depend on what survival skills you have.

One of the coolest stories, perhaps, is that of a Chinese submarine on the run being attacked by zombies underwater.  Sounds farfetched?  Think of a big school of fish and replace that with zombies.  Now that’s something that could wreak havoc to a submarine.

But World War Z is not just an endless string of human drama set on the backdrop of a zombie invasion.  It’s a subtle criticism of some of problems we have today like government inadequacy and disaster unpreparedness.  There are even references to the 9/11 and Hurrican Katrina.  Add to that the political landscape set by the powerful countries, which, surprisingly did not flourish in the post-zombie war era.  It would be suffice to say that the zombie war turns everything 180 degrees.

This is a book not just only for the zombie genre fans, but also to those who like war stories and movies.  With so many dramas and action happening in many places at any one time, it’s epic in scope.  And the stories are those that have to be reread again and again.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Part zombie history, part zombie anatomy and physiology book, and part survival guide, Max Brook’s The Zombie Survival Guide is one great book that appeals both to the serious, die-hard (no pun intended) zombie genre fans and to the parody/satire fans.

In this book Max Brooks outlines information on how zombies were discovered, their physiology and how they figured in our history.  You have to tread carefully here though.  He ain’t cracking up the facade here and there were moments right there when one would think if this madman Brooks is actually telling the truth.  And when he discussed the different weapons that can be used to battle zombies, I was actually thinking very hard on how I might possibly use those.  I was already, for a time, musing about my possible hiding places if there would be indeed an outbreak.  It is as if, for a while, Max Brooks can actually convince you that there’s an impending zombie apocalypse and you should prepare for it.

I’ve read this just when I was about to immerse myself in the Walking Dead TV series.  I think the creators of that TV series have probably read Max Brook’s book cover-to-cover.  And if you’re a zombie genre fan like me, then I think you should read this too.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

***SPOILERS GALORE! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!***

Movie starts off following the lives of two alien babies: one, a blue, big-headed, misshapen baby with a mutated fish in a glass bowl filled with water as his “minion; the other, a human-like baby, except that it can fly and do amazing superhuman things.  It seemed that the superhuman baby was destined for greatness, being raised by a rich family and generally loved by everyone in the society for his good-naturedness and amazing feats while the blue baby, raised by prison inmates, was shunned by his peers, despite his intellect and powers, because he did “evil” things.

The babies grew and became bitter rivals.  One became Megamind, embracing the role the society has given him, the city’s supervillain and the other, Metroman, the superhero.  Both lives molded by the environment in which they grew up.  And as always, Megamind begrudges Metroman for being always the winner.

There came a day though when, finally, Megamind defeated Metroman.  And he had everything he wanted.  But he was lonely.  He found no purpose.  And to gain back that purpose, he created a superhero to become his rival out of a seemingly ordinary and clean individual named Hal.  When Hal was imbued with superhuman powers, he became Titan.  However, because he did not get the girl, the beautiful reporter, Roxanne Ritchi (touted to be Metroman’s girlfriend), he became a villain and tore everything that crosses his path.  Both Roxanne and Megamind, after discovering Metroman faked his own death to escape the monotony of living a superhero life, begged that he return to the city to defeat Titan.  He was, however, too absorbed in his new-found passion, music.  In the end, Megamind had to step up, in order to defeat Titan.  In an interesting twist of events, the supervillain becomes the hero.

This “supervillain-turned-hero” kind of movie seems to be the trend nowadays.  Too bad Megamind actually came after Despicable Me.  I love the lesson learned in this movie, compared to Despicable Me.  Megamind was able to illustrate that he actually felt bad about doing the evil things he did and went far enough to correct it.  In Despicable Me, I don’t remember Gru being remorseful about stealing the moon.  The moon was returned, only as a consequence of having to save the orphans he’s grown to love.  In contrast, Megamind have realized the wrongness of his deeds and took it as his burden to correct it.

Also, this is one of those films that unexpectedly brought me to some existential conundrum.

We know that despite having our natural temperaments, the environment in which we were raised influence much how our values were formed.  A child raised by criminals may not necessarily turn out to be a criminal.  Unless he chooses not to follow in the footsteps of his mentors, he has a tendency to become a criminal too.  It’s just the same with a child raised by an honorable family.  He may choose not to follow what he has been taught.  However, the tendency to become like his mentors is greatly increased.  And such a belief and observation prods us to look for the best schools/teachers for our kids.  But then, the key word here is CHOICE.  What if the child chooses not to become like his mentor?  Was it because of his natural temperament?  Or was it because of his environment?  Why are there people who turn out to be sociopaths even if they seem to come from healthy, well-meaning families?  Can we really choose who to become?

This movie also illustrates how one can easily turn good from bad and vice-versa.  Hal is supposedly the straight-edged guy: no criminal records, holds a job, and is generally a good member of the society.  However, given the right opportunities (the super power of Metroman) and the right motivation (revenge for being jilted by a girl), he easily turned into a villain.  So perhaps, we shouldn’t be hopeless about the “rotten apples” in the society after all?  Then, of course, here comes the issue again on CHOICES.  Do we really have a choice?

So, this movie got me thinking for maybe 30 minutes or so, after the last scene.  It was a good pensieve moment but not something that really lasted.  However, I still give this movie a good rating for the good, clean entertainment it provided.  Not something I’d watch over and over, though.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I wouldn’t call Evelyn Salt as the female James Bond.  Salt doesn’t need to ensnare the men to accomplish her goals.  This film is all about Jolie as Evelyn Salt and all the ass-kicking stunts and thrilling car chases.

Evelyn Salt is a CIA Intelligence officer  who has been accused by a Russian turncoat, Orlov (Daniel Olbrychski, who’s not a Russian, by the way) to be a Russian spy and a sleeper agent.  Salt runs from her colleagues to find ways by which she could clear her name.

Or did she really?  Or maybe it was all part of a grand plan, called Day X, a day supposedly when a grand-scale attack shall be orchestrated by Russia against the United States of America.  Or something like that.  I’m not really quite sure if Day X exists or if America thinks that Day X is something it should prepare for.  I just think, though, that sleeper agents are definitely possible and part of the techniques employed to gain information across countries.

Never found a boring scene actually.  Everything seemed connected, even the memory scenes with her German husband, Michael.  I especially love the part when she had to come back for her dog, put him in her backpack, and gave him to the little girl to be taken cared of while she’s on the run.  Evelyn Salt is a good person, whatever her past or present is.

Well, in the end, she’s the one who awesomely kicked all their asses.  And she’s quite poised for Salt 2, definitely.

My rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars