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Catch Me If You Can



Starring:Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Garner, Martin Sheen, Christopher Walken

Directed by: Steven Spielberg


Synopsis:
Frank Abagnale, Jr. (DiCaprio) worked as a doctor, a lawyer and as a co-pilot for a major airline - all before his 18th birthday. A master of deception, he was also a brilliant forger whose skill gave him his first real claim to fame. At the age of 17, Frank became the most successful bank robber in the history of the United States. FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks) had made it his prime mission to capture Frank and bring him to justice, but Frank is always one step ahead of him, baiting him to continue the chase.

Review:
Great cast and a tremendous cinematography are the elements of an Oscar-award-winning movie! The movie depicts prevalent check fraud that can happen given the weak internal control on these negotiable instruments. The movie didn't fail to elicit incredible
acting. And again kudos to the incredible director, Mr. Speilberg. i really appreciate the film.

Points to Ponder:
Again, it's a question of ethical professionalism! Are you contented in getting success through unethical conduct? People dream of getting rich and I for one want to become someday. But then again, one thing you would compensate is the feeling of triumph over difficulties. Yeah, you can attain your endeavors outright but you miss the fun of having it the hard way. And the most important thing is the feeling of having money without guilt. So before doing monkey business, think again!


My Rating:
94%

One Hour Photo



Starring:Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan, Dylan Smith, Andrew A Rolfes

Directed by: Mark Romanek


Synopsis:
This enthralling movie captures the very meaning of suspense. The acclaimed actor, Robin Williams, plays a role of Sy (pronounced as "SAI")who is an obsessed film developer. His passion towards photographs has enabled him to depict life in the purest form. His job has led him to feel the people in the photographs. Wanting love and a sense of belongingness permitted him to be absorbed by an-almost-perfect family until he realizes the flaw in the couple’s relationship. Then, he was fired from his job because of irregularities he has committed. His troubled-mind continued to erupt until he has taken an extreme measure which unravels his frustrations.

Review:
I entered the movie house 30-minutes late and I wasn’t able to grasp the gist of the movie. Since I cannot relate to the subsequent scenes I walked out of the movie house and decided to watch the next screening, which was a last full show. I made a good decision since the movie was worth watching. It deeply touched my heart because I feel the frustrations of the character. Time and again, Robin Williams has proven his expertise in acting and I am so much overwhelmed by his performance. I feel agitated as I was watching the film simply because I feel the character he portrays. It’s one helluva movie and I recommend this film strongly for those who appreciate art films simply because it tackles about human behavior and life of most film photographers.


Points to Ponder:
The life of film photographers revolves around the mini tube in which the film is rolled. They consider it as a precious thing simply because the finished product would amount to pictures that will make the customers happy and so excited. Photographs show happy moments that we want to remember and it is a sign that we exists in a particular moment. Although so much of an obsession can lead to a disastrous event. In some point, there is privacy in these pictures but then again the Sy has to do what his instincts tell him. He doesn’t have a family. And the only persons he cared for are on the verge of deteriorating. But in my humble opinion, I think there is a thin hairline that separates us from our customers and we should utmost respect their individual confidentiality.

My Rating:
92%

8 Mile



Starring: Eminem, Kim Basinger, Brittany Murphy, Mekhi Phifer, Eugene Byrd

Directed by: Curtis Hanson


Synopsis:
The film is about a frustrated rapper who is living a sophisticated life knowing the boundaries that define life and his struggle to find strength and courage to transcend. Jimmy, who was fondly called as Rabbit, was about to venture in his rapping career through a battle against black rappers until he was scoffed at by the audience. This lowered his esteem but his situation led him to be fierce in pursuing the battle. Tormented by family matters and the stereotypes against rappers, he battled towards the fulfillment of his dreams.

Review:
The movie was rather overrated yet critically acclaimed. I began to race myself towards the nearest mall just to check this film. Although with high expectations, it generally didn’t left me frustrated upon watching the movie. Indeed, this is a film that Eminem should be proud of. The man knows how to act. Although the story line is rather thin which in my opinion is because it’s an underground nigga’ language and endless cheap riots, it still didn’t fail to project the intensity of the theme.

Points to Ponder:
The main thing about this movie is realizing your dream. Do not be afraid to fight for something that you love doing the most. Although there may be some hurdles to overcome there is always a silver lining in the sky. Dare to be audacious even if the odds are against you for they don’t know what you got until you show them your worth.

My Rating:
90%

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.

In lieu of my old movie review blog found at blogstudio.com, i now formally open my new movie review blog. It has already been awhile since i posted my movie reviews since i was not able to master blogstudio.com. I've decided to get another account here at blogger.com in which i admire its functions. Without further words, i know present to you my third movie review blog... :)