Who Did It Best? part 5

It’s time for another American Idol poll! It has been almost a month since the last one, and it took quite a while for the tie-breaker vote to come in, which explains this delay. That single vote declared Bo Bice as the winner for his version of Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me. Thank you to all who participated. I am hoping for more votes this time haha!

Anyway, for this edition of Who Did It Best?, I am still featuring three Idols. I’ve been thinking of what song to feature, though, because it’s the Christmas month. So I said to myself that it has to be a happy or positive one. And one song stood out from my list: Somewhere Over The Rainbow. As far as my research is concerned, three Idols did sing the song. First, season 2’s top 3 Kimberly Locke, then runner-up Katharine McPhee on the 5th season, and Jason Castro two seasons ago. They all gave their own take, three different versions of a classic fairy tale song, so it’s up to you guys who do you think did best. Time to vote again!

First up, Kimberly:

Next, McPheever!

And finally, Jason:

Now it’s time to pick one! Here’s the poll

A very Merry Christmas, everyone! Happy voting!

5 Stars for “A Christmas Carol”

THE BOOK. I was able to finally finish reading it earlier today, and happy that I did. I think it was one of the few classic tales I got to read completely. I once tried reading Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell To Arms and For Whom The Bell Tolls, way way back, but didn’t really find the time to finish both. That’s why a smile painted my face right away upon finishing this Charles Dickens classic.

About a month ago, when I learned that Disney will release a movie adaptation for the novel, with Jim Carrey playing Ebenezer Scrooge and Robert Zemeckis directing it, I rummaged through our old book shelf and told myself that I’ve got to find our copy of that book before watching the movie. So there I was one Saturday evening, dusting through the book shelf, praying that I’d be able to find that book I am sure I’ve seen somewhere inside our house. Right after few minutes, there it was, its pages almost yellow, and seemed like I heard it summoned me to turn the pages immediately. First thing I noticed was the date: September 10, 1974. Yes, that explains the almost yellow pages. It is a 2 in 1 book, for it also includes one other work of Dickens, The Chimes (which I have yet to read). If my memory serves me right, my uncle bought it abroad and gave it to me and my brother some 10 years ago.

So, did I like the book? I have to say, yes! Aside from the fact I mentioned earlier that it was one of the few classic tales I got to read completely, there is really something haunting about the novel. In a good sense, that is. Probably because of it’s classic state, to put it simply. It was well-written, easy to understand, and won’t bore you. The characters were unforgettable and you’d really get drawn to them. I especially loved the Crachit’s. They’re just so lovable. And the story? It wouldn’t be a classic if the story wasn’t exceptional. I guess that word should do it, I might run out of words to describe it so I won’t even try. Bottom line is, it satisfied my reading pleasure.

THE FILM. I don’t know why but I had this strong urge to immediately watch the movie after reading the book. A friend of mine actually expressed the interest to see it few weeks back, so I texted her right after I finished reading it, and luckily she’s in Trinoma, making it possible for us to check the screenings. I right away fixed myself up then hopped in to, where else, Trinoma, and purchased LFS tickets for both of us. And to add more excitement, it’s in 3D! The last time, or more like the first time, I had my 3D experience was with the 20-minute preview of Avatar courtesy of Monster Radio RX 93.1, Season’s hottest. I think that was several months ago, that’s why I am excited to watch a film in 3D again. And what a movie it was.

I loved and enjoyed everything about the movie. The effects were amazing (well, of course the 3D helped a lot). It was adapted the way I imagined it to be, only more colorful and much alive. My most favorite part, I have to say, is when Scrooge met Marley’s ghost. The thing that did if for me is the effect on the chains and on the ghost itself. It was like so real, from the sound to the make up (?), and all. My most favorite Spirit was the first one, but I love how the second Spirit showed Scrooge the present. Amazing! I wish I had that power, too. And the Crachit’s! From the novel to the film, I love them all. Especially Bob, I want to pinch his cheeks every time I see him on screen haha!

I’ll give this film an A+! Definitely one of the best adapted movie I have seen. Great great job to the director Robert Zemeckis and all the people behind it. I hope everyone would be able to see how splendid this film is. Let’s all spread the Holiday cheers! Merry Christmas everyone! =)

It’s snowing!!!

Well, at least here in my blog haha! This is the first time I’ll be using the snow feature here in WordPress, and I love it! I tried it last year but it’s not working, until I checked a blog giving steps on how to actually activate the feature. Thanks to whoever posted that blog! I also changed my Theme, and loving it as well. I love, and will always love, the color black.

Anyway, this is also my first post for the merry month of December. I love the Holiday season! It’s my most favorite part of the year. Yes, more than my birthday. It’s like everyone’s happy, especially the kids. I can’t wait to see my relatives and  friends for our Christmas and New Year get together. And let me tell you, my Holiday schedule is beginning to look like another packed one starting next week! I have a reunion to attend to on the 13th, the twins birthday on the 12th, and our company Christmas party too! I hope I can fit all of those in the coming weekend. Plus, a lot of movies to watch as well for the rest of the month! So freakin’ excited!

So, I’ll probably cut this one short. I hope all of you are enjoying the cold December breeze and planning the Holiday accordingly. Oh, I haven’t started my Christmas shopping yet! Waaahh… Will probably do it next week. I still have a lot of stuff to attend to, and loads of thinking and contemplating to do haha! Let me be the first to greet you all:

Thumbs up for New Moon!

I wasn’t all positive about this movie because the book bored me, seriously. Plus the fact that the first adaptation was just ok, I really didn’t expect much from this film. Even the trailer didn’t do much good. Bottom line, I wasn’t excited at all to see it. It didn’t give me that exciting feeling of anticipating to watch a movie. But what’s surprising to know here, is that I was mistaken.

I actually heard from some of my friends, who also happened to be Twilight addicts, nice feedback about New Moon movie. One main thing is that it was way way better than the first one and that they adapted it really well. And when I finally checked it out with my friend just last Sunday, indeed it was way better than Twilight. Way way better!

It was such a relief that New Moon turned out to be a good one. It was adapted and brought to life in the big screen the way I pictured it inside my head while reading the book. Which is great! The director did a fine fine job. I hope the succeeding films would be like that, or even better. Viewers, and especially readers, I believe, will now expect a lot from here on. Seeing how well the second film was made.

Most of the parts I love in the book was included and was adapted the way I imagined it to be. First, was the old Bella in the mirror (I think that was the first scene in the movie). That really gave me goosebumps while reading it and I’m glad it was adapted really well. The other ones were the fighting scenes with the wolves and the one with Laurent. I remember myself being in awe imagining how big and humongous those wolves were while reading it, and I have to say, the wolves scenes were the best scenes and highlighted the movie extremely great. I also like the part where Bella jumped off a cliff, and the fighting scene with the Volturi. The effects were A+! And so does everything else. Dakota indeed is the deserving one to play the role of Jane.

See, that’s what you get when you don’t expect much from a movie. Especially from a movie adaptation. I actually thought of reading the book again after watching it, but I forgot that I lent it to my cousin. Anyway, again, good job to the director and everyone else who made New Moon a big success! Please make Eclipse a good one, too.

Raving Reviews 11

Let’s take a break from Who Did It Best again, shall we? I need to post several reviews here from my Multiply, just so I can update my WP haha! Nah, I’m still not in a blogging mode nowadays. I miss those days, though. The time where I won’t pass a day or a week without blogging. I don’t know, maybe blogging is not my thing anymore. I hope not. Anyway, here are some movie reviews I posted some place else. A documentary, two romantic/comedy one will definitely love, and an indie film which will represent our country in the next year’s Academy awards.

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Category:	Movies
Genre:	Comedy

This film made me love Amy Adams even more! I adored her in Enchanted, she’s just so lovely! And now, after watching Julie and Julia, gaaaad, I wanna hug and squeeze her everytime I see her on screen. She’s now my second most favorite actress. Next to my love Kate Winslet, of course hehe! I seriously think that Amy is one of the most finest actress in our generation. Julie and Julia is one shouting proof. I believe this achievement of hers is another feather on her hat. I love you, Amy Adams! Forever!

This film made me respect THE Meryl Streep even more. Maximum and highest respect, man! I mean seriously, can she play a role that would make anyone turn the player off or walk out of the movie house? The answer is a resounding no. Not Ms. Streep, not in our lifetime. She never ceases to amaze me, I tell you. And watching her in Julia and Julia is an understatement. Hands down to you, Meryl!

This film is a winner. This film offers acting in its grandest. This film is wow. This film is a must watch. This film will make you hungry. This film is no-nonsense. This film is unbelievable. This film I’m gonna watch again!

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Category:	Movies
Genre:	Romantic Comedy

No other romantic film has slapped me on the face and hit me so hard than (500) Days Of Summer. Seriously. This movie is painfully truthful and speaks about the harsh realities in life and love. It’s amazing how a film can actually do that.

I love the split screen part where they showed the Expectation and Reality. I have some similar instances wherein I ran that same scenario in my head thinking of what to do and what not to do in a certain time. I also loved the narration part. I kind of reminded me of the movie Amelie.

I have to admit that, yes, I nearly cried with some of the scenes. But my most favorite was the one when they were sitting on a bench, and then:

Summer: I woke up one morning and I just knew.

Tom: Knew what?

Summer: What I was never sure of with you.

Aaaargh, that really hits the spot for me! I think I’ll forever be a Tom Hansen, I just haven’t met my Summer haha! But yeah, I super love this movie. A friend told me that this is this year’s best film. I have to agree with him, because it’s true, relevant, with killer lines, and an exceptional one. I’d love to watch it over and over again. Thumbs up to all the people behind this movie!

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Category:	Movies
Genre:	Documentary

Was able to watch this much awaited film/documentary last November 1st with my mom and brothers. I don’t want to go through the hassle of lining up and I had to make sure we’ll get guaranteed seats, so I reserved our tickets a week before. And after watching it, I only have one word to sum up what I felt: SAYANG!

I still can’t help but feel sad about what happened to The King Of Pop. Especially after watching it. But that’s a shouting proof on how fleeting life is. Even if you’re the richest man, or in this case one of the most famous celebrity in the Entertainment industry, you’re still vulnerable. What MJ’s life taught us is that we have to make use of the remaining time we have here in planet Earth, and that we need to live life to its fullest.

Watching the documentary pains me. For some reason, it’s like part of our lives were also taken to the grave 6 feet under. I don’t know why. It just goes to show the impact he made to me, to most of us, be it your a fan or not. But I also felt good upon watching it. It’s because it showed us not just the star side of Jacko, but also his human side. He kid around, make funny gestures, and serious with performing. It’s like a relief to me, really. Seeing him that way.

Aside from the ending, which really gave me goosebumps all the way, my most favorite part was the Thriller presentation. It’s like watching an actual revamped version of the song’s music video. Hands down to all the people behind This Is It! And to Michael Jackson, again, you’ll forever be missed. We’ll see you someday.

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Category:	Movies
Genre:	Comedy

What better way to write a review about this film than today, All Soul’s Day! I have been wanting to catch this for a long time now. Too bad I failed to do so, when it had a limited run in theaters here. A friend told me, though, that it had a 5-week run in Megamall. Anyway, bottom line is, I finally get to watch it! Just last week, actually. And what a movie it was.

As what I have stressed out before, I love watching Indie films. And this one becoming our official entry to next year’s Academy Awards made me want to see it more. Each year, I have been feeling all positive about our entries, and Ded Na Si Lolo won’t be any exception. I am just so happy how a film can really mirror our traditions and culture in a perspective where most of us can relate to. I hope the Oscar jurors would give this one a chance. I strongly believe that this movie would be a stand out from the lists of entries. Let’s cross our fingers!

The cast was amazing! Roderick Paulate, Manilyn Reynes, Gina Alajar, Elizabeth Oropesa, Dick Israel. They all made the movie a breath of fresh air. I love how they made acting seem so easy. Most of us will definitely relate to each character. It’s like I can see my aunts and uncle watching them!

I love the story’s twist at the latter part. It made me teary eyed! And most of all, what I liked is that this film discusses about family ties. That despite what happened, family is always there and the love you have for them will never change. I will definitely watch this again. A good movie that will give you a good laugh, and a realization on how unique and distinct our culture is.

Who Did It Best? part 4

November is here! Next thing you know, it’s already Christmas! My oh my, another year is about to end. Another year just whizzed by. But don’t fret, Who Did It Best won’t end haha! Ok, I couldn’t think of a better introduction for this post. The first one for this month, that is. And I doubt if there’d be non-Idol posts coming any time soon. I am still not on a blogging mode.

Anyway, last post’s winner is, no doubt, Melinda Doolittle! I guess her fans took the poll too seriously, gave her 800+ votes and left Constantine with just, I think, 10. Let me repeat that this post is just for fun, and not to compare the two featured Idols. But thanks to all of you guys who voted and participated! I appreciate it so much.

And now for the much awaited fourth part, or match I should say. This time I am not gonna feature two but three Idols. Yep, you read it right. Three! I’d like to call this the “Battle Of The Runners Up” hehe! This week, it’s gonna be Clay Aiken, Season 2’s runner up to Ruben Studdard; Bo Bice, fourth season’s runner up to Carrie Underwood; and David Archuleta, Season 7’s runner up to David Cook. I guess, if you’re an AI fan like me, you’ve already guessed what the song is. Yes, it’s Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me. All three gentlemen gave their different take on the song, so it’s up to you voters who do you think did a much better job. So, let’s start the ball rollin’ then!

First up, Clay:

Next, let’s hear it for Bo!

And last but not the least, Archuleta:

Time to vote, vote, vote!

Who Did It Best? part 3

Yes, it’s back! Sorry for a week of delay. I was not on a blogging mode, and I actually waited for more votes to break the tie for the recent post. But the one who got the majority of the votes is, hands down, Brooke White! Thank you for all who participated, voted, and commented!

And now for the 3rd match (hehe!). I lost my list but I remembered this one particular song sung by, again, two of my favorite Idols on their respective seasons. Season 6’s Melinda Doolittle, who I thought who’s gonna win, and 4th Season’s Constantine Maroulis. The song? Yes, it’s My Funny Valentine. I just love how both of them nailed the song and gave it their own style. But who do you think did it best?

First up, Melinda:

And now, Constantine:

Time to vote again! =)

Raving Reviews 10

Let’s take a break on “Who Did It Best?” because I have some reviews waiting for posting. I’d like to call this the Foreign Film Fest Reviews, the ones I was able to see in foreign language film festivals (well, there are two that aren’t, but I’ll include them anyway). I noticed that it’s becoming a habit lately. First one was for Cine Europa in Shangri La, then the 8th Spanish film festival Pelicula, and just last weekend at Cinemanila. I’ve been a patron of watching foreign language films and it pains me to realize that I only get to attend several this year.

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Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Me and two of my friends’ first time to watch Cinemanila. When I heard about it, I immediately checked the website and was surprised to see Michelle Williams in one of the thumbnail. And when I opened the link, her leading man is Gael Garcia Bernal! It really interests me to see them both in a movie, that’s why I made sure Mammoth would be the first on my list to watch. What’s more, Pinoys had a major part to boot!

What I love about this film is that it discuss the painful truth. The painful truth about how most of us struggle in one’s life. The painful truth about finding happiness. The painful truth about sacrifice. The painful truth about life itself, the irony of life and how can you accept and overcome it. The movie not only focuses on how well can a person enjoy a certain decision, but also on how it can consume him. Either on a good or bad way.

I love the climax and the story’s ending. I really thought that it would be another one of those which would end in a tragic way. Good thing it didn’t. Although at one point, it gave me the feel of such, at least we didn’t left the cinema with a heavy heart. Catch it at Cinemanila! It’s a must see!

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Category:	Movies
Genre:	Comedy

Was able to watch this movie last week, before watching a movie at Pelicula in Greenbelt. I just loooove Katherine Heigl! Sa Grey’s Anatomy pa lang, she’s my favorite doctor. So it would be given, that I’d love this one as well. She’s really funny and that made me love her even more!

I had a great time laughing my ass off the entire movie. And I’d have to say, Gerald Butler fits the role. I think he complements Katherine really well. It’s like the control freak meets her perfect match.

My favorite part has got to be the vibrator scene hahaha! Galing ni Katherine hehe! The characters I like were the anchor couple, they’re really effective in playing their role.

Overall, 3½ out of 5 stars. I seriously think that the story was just too good to be true. Really. Yes, the one that only happens in a movie. But I still liked it, anyway. Props for making me laugh and capping off my weekend in a happy note.

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Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Watched this yesterday with a friend and we liked it. It’s actually the one I liked the most out of the three that I’ve seen from the recently concluded Pelicula, the 8th Spanish film festival held at Greenbelt cinema for almost two weeks. The first one I was able to watch was El Truco Del Manco, which was, for me, the Spanish version of 8 Mile. The second one Casual Day, however, bored me to death haha! I was really planning to watch Dieta Mediterranea, but I was too late to get tickets for the 7pm screening. I also wanted to see Los Girasoles Ciegos, because it stars Maribel Verdu of Y Tu Mama Tambien, but there wasn’t any weekend screenings. But good thing I capped it off with Retorno a Hansala.

It was a good one. I liked the opening part. And as the story progresses, you’d get drawn to it. It’s the story of Martin, a struggling funeral director in Algeciras, and Leila, a Moroccan lady working in a fish factory, whose brother was found dead by the shore in Andalusia. Together, they started a journey that will change their lives, back to Hansala, Leila’s hometown.

What I noticed, though, is the similarity to the book I once read, Soledad’s Sister. Especially the part where they drive the corpse at the back of their car then things just went crazy! That concept was really similar. Well, probably it’s just me. What I liked most about the movie is that they introduced to the viewers a Moroccan culture most of us were unaware of. So aside from the Spanish side, it also has the Muslim taste to it. Like hitting two birds in one stone. Who wouldn’t want that in a movie?

I really hope to catch more foreign film festival. It’s addicting!

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Category:	Movies
Genre:	Horror

I am not a horror freak, but I liked this film. This is also special for me because it’s the first I’ve seen from a foreign film festival(if that’s what you call the recently concluded Cine Europa). I just love foreign language films. And if back then I’d be satisfied by just watching it on dvd or renting a copy from a video store, this time I had to make sure I catch one in a movie house when I heard about Cine Europa.

So much for the intro. After waiting in line for almost 3hours with my twin brothers, who weren’t allowed to get inside the cinema because of the film’s rating (ok yes, blame me for not checking), I decided to watch it alone instead. At first, it was a bit dragging. But as the story progresses, it became a ride to hell for most of the viewers. It was titled REC, short for Record, because the entire movie was shot as if it was recorded for a tv show. It just so happened that the host and the camera man got trapped inside an apartment where the firemen rescued. The said apartment, however, is actually being quarantined and observed for some health purposes, but all the tenants were unaware of it. Suddenly things got weirder, messier, and scarier as they gradually learned what’s the reason behind it all.

Ok, did that made sense? haha, sorry I’m darn sleepy! Anyway, it was a bit gross but scary enough for me. The scene with the naked old lady crept me out! And the latter part is a scream fest! People just can’t stop screaming and screaming. I nearly ran out of breath with that, I tell you.

I wish to see the adapted version, Quarantine. But a friend told me it’s not worth the watch. Well, I’d probably take her word for it. I liked REC so I guess it would be nice if I won’t let anything ruin my thumbs up for it.

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Category:	Movies
Genre:	Comedy

Never have I laughed so hard watching a comedy movie, so I give major props to Eugene Domingo for this one. She’s hilarious! Really. I was actually hesitant to see it because I thought, after seeing the trailer, that it wouldn’t be as funny as many claimed it to be. But I was mistaken. Eugene can now be called a comedic icon because of this movie, her first major lead movie. 5 stars for her!

It was great that I broke a 2-month-of-not-watching-a-movie streak with this one. Notice the absence of movie reviews lately? Due to budget constraints, that is. And I’m glad that it was a Filipino film worth the acclaim, so to speak. It was not the typical comedy film that uses or focuses more on the usual way of telling the audience what is funny. The story line was good, the other characters were funny too, and it was refreshing to watch new ideas on comedy films being introduced here.

My favorite part has got to be, and this is where I laughed the hardest, when Dora pretended to be her sister Kimmy. That was just so funny, I can’t hardly breathe after that scene with his dad. Crazy! Way too crazy!

So, there. I might be late in watching it but it was worth the wait. Kudos to the team for doing a great job in making us laugh our asses off the entire movie!

Who Did It Best? part 2

I’ve been receiving nice feedback for the first part of this post, so I won’t hesitate to post a second one now, and more in the succeeding weeks. As I’ve mentioned, this will be a weekly post. Last week’s winner is Anthony Fedorov’s version of I Surrender, by just one vote! Thanks for those who participated and voted. Keep doing so for the next ones hehe!

This week, I will be featuring two Idols I love so much. Season 4 grand winner Carrie Underwood and 7th season’s Brooke White. Can I just say that I am a Carrie-holic haha, although I rooted for Bo then. Brooke’s such a darling and I believe she should have been the last girl standing during their season. Anyway, the song would be Love Is A Battlefield. Both ladies gave different renditions, so it’s up to you who you’d choose. Again, let me just repeat what I said on the previous post that this is just for fun and not to compare the two Idols. Thanks and enjoy!

First up, Carrie:

And now Brooke’s version:

Vote, vote, vote!

Who Did It Best?

Being a rabid American Idol fan that I am, I noticed that some songs have been sung by the finalists several times. One good example is the song Alone by Heart. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood sang it at the Top 11 Billboard #1’s week. Three Idols did the same a couple of seasons after, I believe. First was Season 6’s Gina Glocksen, then Carly Smithson (on Hollywood Week) and Ramiele Malubay both from Season 7. So then came this lingering idea I’ve been having for a week now, which is to post a weekly entry asking people to pick who they think did a better rendition of a certain Idol song. This would be just for fun ok, and not to compare the ones I will be featuring on. I will be posting videos of both performances, and a poll at the end of the entry.

So I guess it would be great to start this thing with the first ever Idol, Kelly Clarkson. And on the right corner hehe, Season 4’s Anthony Fedorov. For this week’s song pick: I Surrender. Both rendered two different versions of the song, so let’s see who will people think of the much better one.

And now, Anthony’s version:

Enjoy! If this post/poll would become successful, it’ll be a weekly one. =)