Chernobyl (HBO) Episode 1 TV Review: More than a drama but a story reflective of grim reality

Chernobyl (HBO)

Now that Game of Thrones ended, my fix would be to find a new show to watch on HBO. Luckily, Chernobyl premiered and I watched a delayed viewing on the cable channel. I thought I was watching a simple dramatization just like every true-story does but the first scene where the lead character Legasov played by Jared Harris committed suicide really caught me off guard. Then, what the hell is this about then?

To my surprise, it is a very moving and careful dramatization playing behind the horror aesthetic of dread and scene-chewing, dark and delicious cinematography. Every scene of the film plays integral part on how it would play out on the next episodes. The episode titled "1:23:45" which was the time that the Nuclear 4 reactor exploded and you can see the complete denial of the Dyatlov (Paul Ritter), the bravery of other engineers to make the necessary fix for the incident despite being futile and useless as compared to their effort. The politics going on and their devotion to Soviet Union, really boggles my mind on their level of commitment to their country no matter what is the cost.

The main takeaway in this episode is when people around you are in sync to make it look like a simple problem when in reality it is not would always comes back in a disastrous way. Chernobyl is a necessary series for this flooded market of great TV shows and after all that, I would still remember this show as the one that I could re-watch next year just to admire its beauty and sadness.

Chernobyl Episode 1 1:23:45

In my view, the show does not put an incessant blame to this people because they all suffer on the events that transpired. It managed to humanize everyone, from those firefighters not knowing what was happening or how dangerous the encounter they just had. Hell, after watching it, I could not even imagine how radioactive elements damages you because you can not see it. HBO has done another feat with this series and I am so sure that the upcoming Emmys would put this on the top.

An accompanying Podcast where the the writer and creator Craig Manzin talk in depth here.
Chernobyl Podcast: 1:23:45


Chernobyl Episode 1 TV Review: "1:23:45" - a rating of 4.5 of 5 (excellent opening episode for a limited series)

MMFF 2016: Vince Kath and James Review

MMFF 2016 really offered quality this year with Vince, Kath and James. Being an entry from a big film production makes me really wonder what is different in this film that it made the cut. I was not expecting much from this film as I just got fed up from recent rom-com films offered this year (except Always Be My Maybe) for its pretentious cliché and unbelievable plotting. What surprised me the most after watching the film is that, I know this could stand the test of time in the current generation of carefree millennials.

It centered among three main character, Vince (Joshua Garcia, who is great in this movie), Kath (Julia Barreto, which is a revelation showing evolving craft in acting) and James (Ronnie Almonte, who needs more acting workshop enough to justify any future projects for him). The characters are well-written except for some supporting characters who just pop-up and completely gone the next with no layer or in-depth at least. Yet, what carry the film and put it on the pedestal of good rom-com film is that, despite being predictable, the film manages to infuse great characterization and impeccable acting (Ronnie Almonte, kind of put the three down yet serviceable at least).

Vince, Kath and James is a rare feat which linearly play the structure in an organic way without resorting to implausible death, sickness or stupid decisions made by main character. The natural rapport and effective chemistry among the leads not just amplify the kilig factor on the film but make you feel love is in the air again.

I am giving this film an 8-glaring smiling emojis out of 10 so go watch this for those who want to be in love and have faith on whatever you believe to be in love.

***MMFF Prediction

> Joshua Garcia might be in the run for Actor Nomination

> Barreto Might snag an acting award too.

> Maris Racal might be in Supporting Actress category. She is fun and bubbly but sometimes over-the-top.

MMFF 2016: Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2 Movie Review

Following the success of the first Ang Babae sa Septic Tank film last 2011, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough, my review for this MMFF 2016 entry is at least to say, the most unconventional comedy in the history of recent festivals. Gone is the day that a comedy should stick to slapstick jokes, crude humor and brainless wit for a refreshing, self-aware and on-point satire of the current rom-com porn in the Filipino film industry. Septic Tank 2 brings back the original cast with Khalil Ramos as replacement for JM De Guzman, where the director Rainier (Kean Cipriano) and Jocelyn (Cai Cortez) meet up with Ms. Eugene Domingo to talk about her comeback film “The Itinerary.”

With the lines, “What do I know, I’m just an actress” and other puns, Eugene Domingo effortlessly carry the film all throughout until the intimidating finale. This is the point where I get to check on the “meta” of the film itself. The comedy comes from self-awareness and proving that what’s popular and accommodating to mass film consumers are just an escape act to get by. In the end, the film depicts a crucial examination on how Filipinos tend to not appreciate artfully made entertainment just because it is not palatable enough to get them out of the dream-state of thin hope and expectations.

Kean, Cai and Khalil provide subtle background to the out-of-the-world suggestion and vision of Eugene Domingo. She wants to have that grasp on the current trend of rom-com films tackling subjects of heartbreak and love with a lot of stupidity and unrealistic provision which sells movie tickets and greata box-office returns. (Hi current rom-com films, please stop it and be more realistic.)

All in all, it is a delight to watch this film and no wonder the other entries might turn up good as well. Watch this as soon as you have the chance because you would surely love the 3 levels of hugot lines. MMFF 2016 is a needed change for our films right now. I am so glad I watched this.

Rating: 9 out of 10 munchable cookies.

***Best Actress to Eugene Domingo

***Best Supporting Actor to Kean Cipriano

MMFF 2016: Be Excited to Watch

This year's MMFF 2016 made a drastic move of choosing quality films over commercially viable ones. In fairness to the new Committee, I really applaud what they have done because we can see their desire to make a change. Let us be united on the coming opening day of the film festival so that we could truly celebrate the quality of Filipino films.


Personal Picks

How To Be Yours Movie Review: A Great Filipino Romantic Film from Star Cinema

Let me just say that in this movie review of How to Be Yours by Star Cinema, my reservation and cynicism in the romantic movie genre of Filipino films were completely taken away. So I watched it last night in a modestly occupied cinema and I really loved the film. This is a rare film where I get to fully understand each character arc and motives throughout the runtime. I definitely recommend it for you to watch and enjoy. I am not kidding, I literally got home feeling happy and believe in love again and in the romantic Filipino movies.

A Scene from How To Be Yours; Star Cinema, Gerald Anderson, Bea Alonzo

Spectacularly played by Bea Alonzo as Anj and Gerald Anderson as Niño whom pretty much started off the movie with the familiar tropes of every Filipino cheesy rom-com movie, this one did not veer much from what we are expecting. Yet, for all its storyline and ingenious structure, the focus is on both the main character and the development of their relationship. The story itself is character motivated and the gravity of the story is how much it is reflective of our everyday choices. Career and having an intimate relationship with someone is both a tough choice to bear, but hey, this is their story and we cannot judge their actions if it is right or wrong.

Gerald Anderson and Bea Alonzo; How To Be Yours Star Cinema

This would be a no spoiler review and basing on the run of the movie, I was definitely hooked and started to care about the character, especially on how realistic and natural their chemistry was. There were scenes that played out like a commercial photo shoot but, the grandeur of emotion you would feel is real and not just shoved down on your viewing style. They act as if, we as moviegoers take a glance on their relationship and reflect on how would we be dealing in case some of it happens to us. Yes, there are tears and the director, Dan Villegas expertly crafted the emotion by not inserting background score and you can hear the actors talking without any distraction. The supporting cast was not doing much except for being just the observer and point guard to stir more realization between the lovers.

How To Be Yours knows its target audience and they would surely be satisfied with how it unfolds. Forget about the cliché and formulaic events sans death, disease, third party or drama tropes that are unnecessary and unbelievable. This is truly one of the best made Filipino romantic films I have seen for the year. Do not miss this and watch while it is still available. I hope we get more of this type of films as they are presenting the story in a way that everyone would go home and ponder what the hell is going on with our lives. Are we just there for the relationship or we just need more of what we already have? Emptiness is painful by the way. Hugot pa more!

The Conjuring 2: Movie Review; It Is Way Scarier and I Love It

After James Wan turned down a big deal to direct Fast 8 scheduled to be released next year, he came back to his roots of film-making - horror. The Conjuring 2 stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, a couple trying to help a family in Enfield, London believed to be haunted by a dark vicious spirit. The film begins with the Warren attempting to find out what really happened at the murder in the infamous Amityville Haunting. Going into details as to the how the film progresses throughout its more than 2 hours runtime, I never get bored and I am satisfied with my craving for real suspense and sheer tension that every horror fan should feel whenever they are watching a Horror Movie.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Famiga - The Conjuring 2: Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.

James Wan is a master of tense-filled imagery and clashing expectations of what would happen before your preconceived notion of what was supposed to happen. The cinematography playing with your sense of dread and subconsciously building images that isn't there or going to happen just really played you well. Then comes the performances from the characters. They are not acting per se, but it is like you are following what is going on with them and you feel helpless and emphatic on what is going on with them. Skepticism and endless questioning whether they are for real is just as painful and frustrating. The Conjuring 2 is effective and an absolute thrill ride because it would not stop on playing with you. Yep it is somewhat formulaic but the execution is all that matters. The movie give itself justice and nothing more.


One scene that stands out for me was when Janet (played by Madison Wolfe - and I do hope they consider acting in horror movies nowadays because she is just brilliant), totally embodied the weary, tired and totally helpless, hopeless and rock-bottom individual. She was having a conversation with Lorraine on a swing and she just blew me away.


As the movie build-up, more scares are coming up and boy the theatre gets wild with shouting, using their phone as a distraction and lots of guys enjoying their time being held by their girlfriend or boyfriend if there are. Well my lady friend was hiding in me all throughout but hey, the thrill is she's scared.


The Conjuring 2 is really for every horror fans looking for a breather on gory, violent and misogynistic approach nowadays on this genre. So, thanks James Wan for another installment of the movie and I would definitely watch The Conjuring later. You should check this out with a lot of friends and feel happy when the movie is over because, yeah, who would have though a horror movie could be fun. Am I right?

Warcraft Film Review: The Warcraft Movie is Awesome; As Said by My Brothers and My Dad and Why I Kind of Agree With It

First of all, I am not saying Warcraft has the chops or recognition in rank of prestige acting, story telling and clear connection to the general audience. My whole family watched it on 3D because some dumb theatres still can't show the film in IMAX for whatever reason. As the film started, well you know, the people whispering knows what is going on and whatever place, name or character form of characters that are popping out of the screen. So to say, my brothers are all gamers of the movie adaptation and I have tried playing it once and I totally sucked at it so I stopped and moved on. My dad can't stop to enjoy it because he only wants a movie with a lot of action scenes whatever the story or whatever is happening as long as the screen shows fight scenes and explosions.


Not that I am complaining, I have a very high expectation for this film because of Duncan Jones whom directed the movie Source Code which I think I have watched at least 10 more times. That film is so good that when I followed the development of this film, all I can say is that, this adaptation is worth the wait and all I can say is that, I would treat my entire family with this one. Then, before I hit the theatres, I read for reviews and they are scathing like hell. Well, I still have to see it and keep my promise to my brother although I am kind of veering not to see it anymore.

Durotan played by Toby Kebbel; Image Courtesy of Universal

One thing I can truly say is that, if I would chose, this is way better than the last Transformers movie and other video game adaptations like Dwayne Johnsons' "Doom" which is cool enough but not with this one. I really had fun with this and now I totally would defend this film because, Mr. Jones tried his best to integrate the film in a way that even non-players would understand it at once. The film is done and it is irreversible if critics would say he should have done this and that. If that is the case, then why don't this critics went on the storyboard and then tried to fix the story if they wanted to be pleased. Huh, sorry but I really like the film. My friends would tell me Gods of Egypt is great but I would be a total 360 degrees with them and say "Hell no! That is the worst!"


This film has true gamers at its core and yet, to please all of them has to be a lot of burden for the creative team. They have done it well but not well enough to be appreciated by the general audience like "The Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter" series. But hey, those are literary masterpieces and the writing is there already with all the story cohesion, subtle commentaries and general appreciation from all.


Video game movie adaptation is the worst idea to be put into in a film because not all are gamers and the complicated storylines, interweaving character development and a lot of aspect are all considered unlike for book adaptations, where it is all linear and the story is already set. Correct me if I am wrong with my assumption and I would gladly hear it.


Suffice to say, for whatever reason, this film deserves another look and a second chance for a sequel because maybe that would sort out the curse of video game adaptation (I am looking forward to you too, Assassins Creed.) So go to the theatres showing this and raise a clan for them to appreciate this. Now I sound pitiful. Seriously, I love this film to have a sequel and yeah, the actors need to improve on their role, like seriously, I can't root for anyone of you, except for the baby with the Moises story-like arc.