Changing Lanes



Starring: Samuel L Jackson, Ben Affleck, Toni Collette, Sydney Pollack, William Hurt


Directed by: Roger Michell


Synopsis:
It is a story of a lawyer and a father. The former was defending a case for his firm, and the latter wants his family back. Meeting in an accident that has changed their lives, both of them have conflicts that affected their personal beliefs. The lawyer was deeply challenged regarding his professional ethics. The other one was recouping for his family. In the end, they both find their own light and learned from their unexpected encounter.

Review:
Having heard from my friend that the movie was really great, I have had high expectations with the movie. Looking at how the movie was made, it was nicely done. Cinematography and the acting were well done. Tackling the plot is where I want to focus more. I feel that it’s preposterous that it will happen in the real world. Yeah it could somehow be plausible but not probable. It could have been solved right then and there. On second thought, without the concept of the film I guess the movie will not make sense. So thinking twice I somehow manage to say that it’s fairly good.

Points to Ponder:
Knowing that professional ethics is slowly depleting in most companies if not all, I was bothered after watching the movie. Scandals are present here and there. With that, I was deeply challenged to face the working arena with integrity. Now that I am already graduating and soon I will niche through a new environment. I begin to mumble that I will work honestly, and I will make sure that my money comes from clean sweat.

My Rating:
88%

The Man Who Wasn’t There



Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Frances McDormand, James Gandolfini, Tony Shalhoub, Michael Badalucco


Directed by: Joel Coen


Synopsis:
The film revolves around an introvert barber who day-by-day does his customary work with commitment to his job. Until he suddenly out of suspicion knew that his wife is having an affair. Coincidentally, his ideologies led him to grab the opportunity of wealth. It all started when he had a client who relates to him his methodology in achieving prosperity. Immediately, the barber thought about venturing into another business, partly to uplift his status in the society. Taking the risk to get the capital needed, he chose the dangerous road. Not knowing of the consequences he will be facing.



Review:
I have to say that the cinematography is above satisfactory, additionally because it is in black in white. There are fairly good actors and it is a good art film. I like art films but let’s just say it didn’t exceed my expectations plainly because of the reviews I have had. They say that it’s a sure bet in the Academy Awards. Though there are weird scenes, talk about aliens, I still appreciate the movie.

Points to Ponder:
How rude can life be if all of us are preoccupied with greed? Wanting to achieve our own interests might be dangerous if we do it in a dreadful scenario. Think twice before making a move. I remember those Rotary Club posters along the highway. In gives you a basis in testing if you did the right thing like, is it the truth? Is it fair to the one concerned? (It goes something like that)… In a nutshell, be contented with what you are. It’s better to be on the lower status of the social order as long as you uphold dignity. There’s nothing more terrible than committing something that was left unpunished. And even worse, the one you love has to pay for your own transgressions.

My Rating:
90%

Road to Perdition



Starring: Tom Hanks, Jude Law, Paul Newman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Stanley Tucci


Directed by: Sam Mendes


Synopsis: In Depression-era Chicago, hit man Michael O'Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is known to friends and enemies alike as the "Angel of Death". Uncompromising in his work, O'Sullivan is just as devoted to his private life as an upstanding husband and father of two young boys. But when those worlds collide, taking the lives of his wife and younger son, O'Sullivan and his surviving son leave their sedate home life behind and embark on a startling journey of revenge.


Review: The lighting, musical score, cinematography, costumes, setting, you name it! Everything is nicely made and definitely a bid for the Oscars. After I saw "Road to Perdition," I knew I admired it, but I didn't know if I liked it. I am still not sure. It is cold and holds us outside. The film started with the Michael Sullivan, Jr. wandering in the shores as to how his dad influenced his life. The film ended realizing that his father is really a hero for him. I was really impressed with the acting of Michael Sullivan, Jr. (Hoechlin).


Points to Ponder: The tragedy that happened to Michael Sullivan was really traumatic although on the lighter mode, it made the father and son close to each other. Like every father's wish, he wanted that his son would grow up unlike him. And every son looks up to his father as a hero regardless of what he has done on the past.


My Rating:
92%

After almost a year of being part of the Movie and Television Review and Classifications Board as a Deputy, I now lay down my task as an avid movie-goer. Though, i will still watch and critique certain interesting movies starting this October, 2002. So far, I have seen tremendous films and of course, low budget teen-flick movies. All of them have their own shares of pros and cons... Through watching movies, I have learned so many things about life. I recommend too that you watch movies every now and then, because it does not only entertain you but also gives you so many lessons in life.