Paradoxes

I got this from another site. Some of which are old, most are just plain brain twisting. Enjoy:

Liar Paradox (Eubulid or Epimenides Paradox)
This is a well known paradox written by the great stoical logician Chrysippos. The poet, grammarian and critic Philetus of Cos was said to have died of exhaustion attempting to resolve it.
A Cretan sails to Greece and says to some Greek men who are standing upon the shore: "All Cretans are liars." Did he speak the truth, or did he lie?
A week later, the Cretan sailed to Greece again and said: "All Cretans are liars and all I say is the truth." Although the Greeks on the shore weren't aware of what he had said the first time, they were truly puzzled.
If someone says "I always lie", are they telling the truth? Or are they lying?

Double Liar Paradox (Jourdain's paradox)
This version of a famous paradox was presented by English mathematician P. E. B. Jourdain in 1913.The following is written on opposite sides of a card:
Back side
THE SENTENCE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS CARD IS TRUE.
Face side
THE SENTENCE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS CARD IS FALSE.

Barber Paradox (Russell's Paradox)
Analogue paradox to the 'liar paradox' formulated by English logician, philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell. In a village, the barber shaves everyone who does not shave himself/herself, but no one else. Who shaves the barber?

Lazy-bones Paradox
If destiny designed a master plan which defines everything that is to happen, isn't it useless, for example, to go to a doctor? If I am ill and it is my destiny to regain health, then I will regain health whether I visit a doctor or not. If it is my destiny to not regain my health, then seeing a doctor can't help me.

SM Nagamall Update

Well this is shaping up to look like SM mega A already only that it is located in Cubao. The rounded entrance to the typical box type architectural design of SM malls makes SM City Naga a replica of the SM Mega A portion of Megamall. A friend even suggested that if you pronounced SM Nagamall really fast it will rhyme with that familiar SM branch.

Why located in Cubao? Well, we still have that Naga Colisuem perched on the middle like the ruins of Rome's Colosseum. Then, we have the Farmer's Market on the way and not be left out of the similarity is the already functional Central Bus Terminal. Already under heavy negotiations is the erection of the MRT at Panganiban Drive with initially proposed stations at Sampaguita Tourist Inn, Isarog, Mayon, Sol and of course, Casureco II. All we need is Gateway and we are all set!

Projected to open in January 2009, by no less than my boss who until now doesn't want to own up to his mistake mainly because we lost around 10 million pesos in contracted energy, the REAL soft opening was pushed back to April 2009. The impending traffic is what I am worried about. I can already envision myself taking Magsaysay and Diversion routes which are less or equally traffic heavy on my way to and from the office.

Anyway, what is a little sacrifice for commercialism? I am hoping for National or Powerbooks stalls, Filbars for my Magic the Gathering hunger, and of course the movie houses which were already confirmed (4 at that). Why else would we still plan trips to Manila? We now have our own mall to cool off to!

Below are some pictures taken during the construction phase:

The Reader: Reading between the lines

A May-December affair, which spans the length of almost thirty years, takes an unfortunate turn when lovers who expectantly part ways due to their complicated situations are again brought together by the most unconventional circumstances.

The film is about a sixteen year old boy who forms an affair a woman twice his age. The two cross paths when the boy is nursed by the older woman (Winslet) while he vomits at the building where Hannah lives. They form a very unique relationship where Hannah usually instructs the Kid (as she calls him) to read to him (novels such as Odyssey, etc.) before they make love. The summer romance is shortened when Hannah decides to take another job and leaves without any word to her lover.

Fast forward to a few years later, the Kid is a law student and part of his learning is the attendance in an actual court hearing which involves the case of Holocaust guards accused of letting 300 Jews die in a church fire. Hannah is one of the prison guards. During the course of the trial, the Kid realizes that Hannah loves to be read to because she is illiterate. This was revealed during her refusal to prove that indeed she wrote the report by providing a sample handwriting. Hannah is sentenced to life imprisonment.

During the latter part of the film, it is revelaed that the Kid is now a divorcee father of two who still hasn't let go of his attachement to Hannah, as attested by his words, "I haven't opened up to anybody." The Kid intuitively in an effort to remove himself of guilt or to satisfy his pity for Hannah, sends her recorded readings of several books. This prompts Hannah to self-study on reading and writing which she achieves. However, still no contact has been made between the two, much to Hannah's disappointment. Several days before her discharge, Hannah commits suicide to the Kid's surprise. (My God, after three paragraphs I have noticed that i have already written the synopsis which I don't usually do)

The movie is a well crafted story which easily moves from act one (young Kid and middle aged Hannah) to the third act (old Kid to grandma Hannah). It somewhat touches on the peculiar relationship of that May-December relationship and how these types of relationships linger in a person's entire life. In that aspect, it is beautifully and easily shown by Kate Winslet who exhibits a shot to the veins when she receives the tapes. Ralph Fiennes (the Kid) is equally effective in showing his deep pain and anxiety over finding closure with Hannah and himself.

This film tackles the Holocaust and maybe unintentionally, it tries to solicit mercy on the protagonist who is illiterate. It must be clear that the message that even if Hannah was illiterate it does not absolve her of her deaf ear and blind eye on the burning Jews in the Church. This message is summed up by the survivor of that tragedy who stresses that Hannah's illiteracy cannot erase the fact that she has been a part of those henious acts.

Overall, the movie has its merits specifically the performance of Kate Winslett who surprisingly
won for the Best Supporting Actress category in the Globes and SAG when clearly the role was a major one. This movie delivers, my only qulam was that it if ever unintentionally it tries to stress on Hannah's illiteracy as her excuse from her crimes against humanity.

8 out of 10.

2=1

I remembered this old problem solving technique from my 2nd year high school math teacher and found it quite amusing again. This is how he proved that 2 = 1!

Let a = b

Then a^2 = ab

Add a^2 to both sides of the equation,
Then a^2 + a^2 = a^2 + ab
Then 2a^2 = a^2 + ab

Subtract 2ab from both sides of the equation
Then 2a^2 -2ab = a^2+ ab - 2ab
Then 2a^2 -2ab = a^2 - ab

Factor out 2 from the left side of the equation
Then 2 (a^2-ab) = a^2-ab

Divide (a^2-ab) from both sides of the equation
Then 2 = 1!

Find the fallacy of this algebraic solution.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona: Why did they have to cut the threesome!

I loaned this DVD from my office mate with high hopes of witnessing a threesome between Javier Bardiem, Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johannson. It was mind blowing legendary stuff! Now I get why it got an X rating in the States, and was only brought down to an NC-17 when the threesome scene was removed completely.

Just kidding, there was no threesome or girl to girl action, just hints of it. Heck, not even a bed scene was given seconds of screen time. The name of the game is teasing, teasing and teasing.

Not to take away from Penelope Cruz's new breath of acting, or the quirky dialogue exchanges, or the sound stealing narrator, but I think this was more of a technical masterpiece. At times, I thought I was having a tour of Spain with the beautiful scenery which were shot marvelously by Woody Allen. Nevertheless, the film holds together with the simple plot, the sexual tension and that unconventional take on love and relationship.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona just teaches us that we can never be sure of what we want. Want changes, want evolves, want falters. I never saw love in the characters. Penelope Cruz's character was not in love with Bardiem. She just wanted him for he made her feel alive, artistic and productive. Bardiem was not in love with Johanssen nor with Rebecca Hall nor Cruz. He just wanted them for the experience of having them in and around. Johansson, herself, was admittedly not in love, nor she did not know what she want, only what she did not want. Hall was obviously just in love with the obsession that she was still unsure of her wants.

Overall, a good to great film on the tribulations of man and three women on their yearning to find a fulfilling and meaningful relationship, and more, life. This film triumphs to suggest that we may go lengths, travel to distant countries, and try weird threesomes but we will still be where we are at, with ourselves, where we started.

8 out of 10.

Why do smart people fail?

We all have one in our high school graduating class. The whiz kid who topped math Olympiads ending up as a taxi driver. Or the perennial honor student not finishing college and starting a family early. Or the valedictorian who now runs a successful business only that it involves regulated pharmaceutical products.

People expect so much. The academe nurtures these fine specimen, giving them countless opportunities to shine and hone their gifts. Parents pamper them with all the support in dreams of titles for their sons and daughters, Attorneys, Doctors, Pilots, Presidents, the list goes on...

Beside all these, why do smart people fail?

1. The Rude Awakening
Once the gifted child's alarm clock sounds off, he reawakens to the newer gifts of life. Love, sex, alcohol, drugs, friends are one of the many forms of these alarm clocks. An achiever finds his new opium in one of these, he sets aside his former ways. He devotes countless hours to be the personal school bus of apple of his eye. Late night studying is replaced by until early morning drinking sessions. Sex replaces, well, you know what it replaces -- the M word. There's more to life than just the report card. They eventually, wittingly conclude that you are not your grade.

2. The Threshold of Success
He has done it all, School President, National Science Quiz Bee Champ, Best Debater, Champion Orator, Valedictorian, The Natures Crusaders Founder and President. You name it, he's got it and the worse part is that he is not proud of it all. When the smart kid finds less and less meaning to all the accolades, he steps less on the gas and leans more on the brakes. Whenever all these achievements are for the satisfaction of the people around him and not even a slight for himself, the signs all point to disappointment.

3. Succumbing to Pressure
You know what they say about pressure, just apply what is right to achieve the right effect. One can argue that whiz kids have been dealing with pressure all their lives, the pressure to come out on top of the class, the pressure to win in the national press conference, the pressure to recite when nobody else knows the answer and classmates are all staring in the kid's direction. Imagine if this was to happen all throughout the kid's life, eventually he will break down right? Well some are just hard coded machines (you will recognize the stereotypes), and others are just not built for the long run and eventually succumbs to pressure.

4. Lack of Competition
When smart persons go out into the real world and are put under the noses of mediocre professors, bosses, colleagues, classmates, it is either they revolt against the situation or put on their poker no care face. The latter is the problem. Competitors as these smart persons are, the eventual rising to the apex where they are all alone may be the straw that pushes them toward apathy and mediocrity. The lack of a challenge may disinterest the achiever in putting on his best game face.

5. Theory and Application
This is the case of the brilliant chemist who knew all the formula but cannot even mix a passable margarita! (Ok bad analogy!) To rehash that: most brilliant minds are pure bookworms who have memorized all the theorems from cover to cover but alas, lack in the application department. They can memorize all the mathematical formulas in the world without finding any application for them. They can recite the Periodic Table in their sleep without having a clue why a faucet flows out a brownish fluid. It is so bad sometimes that they would rather hire a vocational electrician than change the bulb themselves. It is that bad, that sometimes common sense is better than the 165 IQ.

So, that is my simple explanation on plausible scenarios in which smart people fail. Nevetheless, everything is relative right as is success and failure. The taxi driver may be a success when he has zero accidents and no drunk driving arrests, right? Or the sex-happy teenage mama might be better equipped in childcare than anyone in her class, right? Or the prescriptionist is just happy about his new found ecstacy, right? Err, I don't know about that last one, but still, what is the measure of success? Maybe I will tackle that in a different entry.

Yes Man: No is Shorter

What if one person goes into mindless mode and just says Yes to everything? This is the premise of this new Jim Carrey comedy, Yes Man, the tale of one middle-aged, unattached depressed divorcee who would not want to commit to anything. The premise shows much promise as this is somewhat in the mold of one of Carrey's unique movies, Liar Liar (he can't stop lying).

With the self explanatory title, Yes Man seems to make me wanna say yes but ends up with me shaking my head in disappointment. While it may generate a few laughs here and there. It is like a dish which seems alright but has leaves much more to be desired. (On a personal note, the saving grace is Zooey Deschanel who I find very charming)

Certainly, I would prefer to see Carrey in different genres as he was effective in The Majestic, The Truman Show, and of course, my personal favorite, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He can still deliver the goods in comedies but it becomes all too familiar like the rubber face, quirky voices, and the slapstick styles. As more recently successful comedies attest, dialogues are way more effective than the slapstick route.

I would rather not categorically say No to Carrey's latest film as it is mediocre at best. So I will stick to maybe, and leave at maediocrity where it belongs.

7 out of 10.

Slambang Billionaire

What will we ever do for love?

A cliche of a question when put into a great story, a director who knows how to approach transitions, and actors who fit in like a glove to a hand becomes a rather compelling feel good story in Slumdog Millionaire.

This movie would have been as effective is shot in the Philippine slums. The first few scenes with the boys running from the police brought back images of the slums in Caloocan or in Valenzuela, having been a temporary resident. Rivers floating with garbage and dump going straight to wherever the river flows are just two things which I have seen firsthand. The movie simply shows that we are not alone. Poverty has the same results - pollution, uneducation, street smarts, and of course crime.

Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later) breathes a new kind of approach to this kind of film. Had it been that this was helmed by a Pinoy director, we will be deluged with melodramatic sequences, a wailing ceremony for the mother's burial, a lot of unnecessary rape scenes, and ultimately a Willie of Fortune type of treatment to the game show.

What we are served is a behind the scenes approach to the game show. The gameshow host plays it perfectly as the arrogant, controlling star who doesn't want to be overshadowed by an unlikely player. The player, Jamal, is the unconventional contestant who is unmoved and has this couldn't-care-less attitude on the 20 million pot. This is essentially captured when in a reversal of roles, Jamal asks the gameshow host, "Are you nervous?"

The storytelling of the flashbacks are done in the right taste. It does not glamorize nor it does not tone down. I was at the verge of vomiting when he jumped to a pool of poop just to get an autograph of Piolo Pascual's equivalent. And I was rooting when he was covered in the same poop as he jumped in joy at getting autograph. I was cringing when the crime lord who recruited street children to beg for alms was putting in lead to a boy's eye to make him a more profitable blind beggar. I was literally rooting for them to get on the train when they were escaping from the crime lord, or when Latika was running to get her phone to complete the Phone a Friend lifeline. It is rare that I get involved in movies, but Slumdog Millionaire brings me on the edge of the seat.

Maybe it is just our own similarities in life that we can easily root for the underdog. We have the same similar situations: impoverished people have all tried different ways to earn money, from collecting garbage, scrubbing floors, to joining game shows. What makes this more close to the heart is the universal cliche of moving mountains for love. Holding on to promises. Joining game shows just to be seen by the one you love. Giving your life for a brother. Winning all the money in the world to be with the one you love. Sounds cheesy, but nonetheless, all right to the taste buds.

9 out of 10.

The Stripper Show Spill

What goes on behind the closed doors of red light rooms?
What is so exotic about poles and splits and rhythmic grinding?
How can a dance disgrace a song as innocent as Hinder's Lips of an Angel or Roxette's It Must Have been Love?
More importantly, how much are the rates?

Yes, I have seen a stripper show. With the constant nagging to spill of female co-workers and pretending naive maniacs, it is apt to put into record what goes on behind the red light rooms. By and far, Metro Manila still has the best to offer with the Quezon Avenue smorgasbord. Classmates really has classmates for performers with the typical colegiala beauties. Mystique is the most shocking with already top to bottom nude performers walking the longest ramp (ala fashion mode style). Some others are more of the same here and there, some shows, some splitting and more stripping.

Naga cannot be taken for an underdog in this arena. (Actually, it is loosely termed Boundary by most of the male co-workers, with it lying on the outskirts of Naga and Milaor) The performers are less glamorous varying from the obvious mother of two with the screaming stretchmarks to the overweight has been star of the night who dances like its still the 80s. I was dumbfounded to note that the most shocking performance comes from a middle aged woman in Naga who plucked a hair from her youknowwhat and blew it to a nearby patron in a flying kiss like motion.

As a philosophy, I have quite maintained that going to stripper bars is a philanthropic act. It is our chance to financially endow upon the unfortunate daughters of Eve whatever we can set aside. At first glance, it is pleasing to see women undress at your behest but after a minute or two (for some a song or two), pity will creep in and all you can ask is how did she end up here? Most are just victims of circumstances, there's the abandoned wife, the solo parent, and the doting daughter.

So this is the sad tale of expressionless eyes who graze the unglamorous stage, hugs the unhygienic pole, and looks for reflection at the unforgiving stage mirror. And I get to play the part of the unmoving spectator who condones her fate by settling my bill.

Most Anticipated Movie of 2009

WATCHMEN

The R-rated movie "Watchmen" is based on the 12-part DC Comics series written by Alan Moore and featuring art by Dave Gibbons and is directed by Zack Snyder, whose last film "300," was the first movie box office blockbuster of 2007.

It all begins with the paranoid delusions of a half-insane hero called Rorschach. But is Rorschach really insane or has he in fact uncovered a plot to murder super-heroes and, even worse, millions of innocent civilians? On the run from the law, Rorschach reunites with his former teammates in a desperate attempt to save the world and their lives, but what they uncover will shock them to their very core and change the face of the planet! Following two generations of masked superheroes from the close of World War II to the icy shadow of the Cold War comes this groundbreaking comic story - the story of "Watchmen."

STARRING: Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley, Matthew Goode, Billy Crudup, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Malin Akerman, Stephen McHattie
DIRECTOR: Zack Synder

My Take:
Watchmen is the superhero story which is anti-superhero. Graphic novels are slowly creeping into Hollywood with recent hits like 300, Batman, and now, Watchmen. I could never imagine the movie actually mirror the greatness of this masterpiece from Moore and Gibbons but after seeing some teaser trailers, I am much impressed. It tries to capture a dark alternate universe of 1980s where the cold war with the Soviet Union threatens to wipe up humanity. A retired superhero take matters into his hands by instigating a series of events that will unite mankind and stop them from self-destruction. Quite a complex story right? This is aside the visual galore that is sure to salivate all graphic novel fans! Next up, I am waiting for the Sandman movie, cmon Neil Gaiman, give it a green light!

Out March 6, 2009.

(More Photos Below)

2nd Most Anticipated Movie of 2009

2. Avatar

Oscar winning director James Cameron's return to the big screen with "Avatar Movie," will be twelve years, yes, 12 years, in the making. James Cameron who was responsible for the biggest box office - and (almost) Oscar winning film in history, "Titanic," is hard at work on a CG animated film as his follow up to "Titanic."

"Avatar" is the story of a wounded ex-marine, thrust unwillingly into an effort to settle and exploit an exotic planet rich in bio-diversity, who eventually crosses over to lead the indigenous race in a battle for survival.

STARRING: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Wes Studi, Lola Herrera, Peter Mensah, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Laz Alonso
DIRECTOR: James Cameron

My Take:
No, this is not the anime, Avatar, the Last Airbender (that one is being helmed by M. Night Shyamalan), but rather a different concept altogether. This is a story of a man who tries to make his way as a miner by combining with an alien during an interplanetary war in which aliens can make themselves manifest by possessing human bodies – avatars. James Cameron only makes movies at least once or twice per decade and this almost 10 year movie in the making is making us salivate at the prospect of anew universe altogether, a new star wars possibility! I am bracing for great special effects (after all Cameron envisioned Terminator), a great story, and sequels! I am already looking forward to the playdate, am I giddy already?

Out December 18, 2009.

3rd Most Anticipated Movies of 2009

Hugh Jackman ("X-Men Movie" franchise) returns as Logan/"Wolverine," a mutant with regenerative powers, three sharp claws on each hand and a skeleton all laced with the rare metal known as adamantium. Logan struggles to find the secrets to his past. After learning little information through the help of Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), Logan takes his search even further by learning the full truth of his origin, while also heading in a bold, new direction.

Leading up to the events of "X-Men," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" tells the story of Wolverine's epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe.

STARRING: Hugh Jackman, Dominic Monaghan, Brian Cox
DIRECTOR: Gavin Hood

My Take:
We can never get enough of X-men specially after that crapfest called The Last Stand. Brett Rattner should never be allowed to touch another X-men movie ever again. Unlike the Avengers who showcase each hero in a single movie before pitting them against each other. X-men started out with a ensemble cast before going back to roots. We get to see weapon X, sabertooth, and Gambit! in this latest installment from the one guy who can portray Wolverine best, Jackman. I am expecting explosive fight sequences, and a plot that centers on the origins of this cold mean brute slashing and dicing X-men.

Out May 1, 2009.

4th Most Anticipated Movie of 2009

In "Harry Potter 6," yes, it's the sixth in the series of eight "Harry Potter Movies," (the seventh and final "Harry Potter" book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Halllows" will be divided into two movies), war against Voldemort is not going well; even Muggle governments are noticing. Ron scans the obituary pages of the Daily Prophet, looking for familiar names. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses. And yet...

As in all wars, life goes on. In "Harry Potter 6," the sixth year students learn to Apparate - and lose a few eyebrows in the process. The Weasley twins expand their business. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Classes are never straightforward, though Harry receives some extraordinary help from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince. So it's the home front that takes center stage in the multilayered sixth installment of the story of Harry Potter. Here at Hogwarts, Harry will search for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort - and thereby find what may be his only vulnerability.

* "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Movie" has had its release date pushed back three seasons - to Summer 2009. Originally scheduled for a November 2008 release, "Harry Potter 6" is currently set to open, worldwide, July 17, 2009.

STARRING: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent, Jesse Cave
DIRECTOR: David Yates

My Take:
Yes I am turning 30 and I am still into Harry Potter films. The Potter franchise is nearing its conclusion and I am hoping that the new film takes on the route of the book, darker, more character development and more Voldemort. Yes, I am more interested in Voldemort than Potter. In this film, no other than Ralph Fiennes' nephew will play the young Voldemort as Haryy and Dumbledore enter the pensieve to look into the Dark Lord's past. Surely, another treat for all Potter fans worldwide.

Out July 17, 2009.

5th Most Anticipated Movie of 2009

5. FIVE - UP

"Walt Disney's Up" - From the Academy Award-nominated team of director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”) and co-director Bob Peterson comes “Up,” a comedic adventure taking off (and lifting spirits) in summer 2009. Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. “Up” takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure next summer – look “Up.”

Simply put, "Up" is a "coming of old age" story, where a seventysomething hero, alongside his clueless wilderness ranger sidekick, travels the globe, fighting beasts and villains, all while eating dinner at 3:30 in the afternoon.

STARRING The Voices of: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Jordan Nagai
DIRECTOR: Pete Docter

My Take:
If you are looking for a summer film to take your whole family to, Pixar always has something to offer. And most of the time, these types of film appeal to both the young and old alike. Pixar again takes the bold route and abandonds talking animals or robots and focuses on an old man who wants to fulfill a lifelong dream of travelling around the world. This is with style, as he is dragged UP by the balloons he sells. Definitely another visual feast to mesmerize young and olds alike.

Out May 29, 2009.

6th Most Anticipated Movie of 2009

6. SIX - TRANSFORMERS:REVENGE ON THE FALLEN
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" is a 3D release. "Transformers 2" is the sequel to the 2007 worldwide movie box office blockbuster, "Transformers," which was the first live action Transformers film. Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg return respectively as director and executive producer, while superstar Shia LaBeouf reprises the role of Sam Witwicky, the human caught in the war between the heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons. Michael Bay gives "Transformers 2" a bigger budget for a global scale and better characterization for a larger cast of robots.

STARRING: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Isabel Lucas, Rainn Wilson
DIRECTOR: Michael Bay

My Take:
Forty (! ) robots are gonna be in this film, Constructicons, more role development for Starscream and Bumblebee and Megatron in tank form. Sadly, no Dinobots in this one and new weird female robots. The story will also explain the origins of pyramids and hieroglyphics which are connected to the Cybertron mythology. Forget about the storyline which was pretty much shallow in the first installment, I want more robot action, and less of that who is fighting who. I need more defined action, I wanna see transformation after transformation and less of those hide and seeking robots. Cm on can a machine as big as that can ever hide beneath a tree?

Out June 26, 2009.

7th Most Anticipated Film of 2009

In Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Bastards" During World War II a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds" are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds soon cross paths with a Jewish teenage girl (whose family was exterminated by the Nazis) who works at a movie theater in Paris - owned by a kindly old lady who has taken her in - which is targeted by the soldiers. The girl finds herself in a unique situation when an infatuated German war hero persuades his superiors to screen their latest propaganda film at her theatre. Will she seek revenge?

STARRING: Brad Pitt, Til Schweiger, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth, Simon Pegg, BJ Novak, Samm Levine, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Bruhl, Mike Myers
DIRECTOR: Quentin Tarantino



My Take:
After the mild disappointment of Grindhouse, Tarantino assembles the largest ensemble cast to play a bunch of World War II veterans on a mission I was mildly disappointed to hear that Michael Madsen, Adam Sandler, Leo di Caprio, Tim Roth will not be able to join the cast due to scheduling conflicts. Still, I am delighted at the prospect of a tarantino war film in the mold of saving private ryan with comedic ingredients.

Out May 2009 (Cannes Filmfest).

8th Most Anticipated Film of 2009

"Fast And Furious 4" - Vin Diesel and Paul Walker reteam for the ultimate chapter of the franchise built on fast cars -- the fourth Fast and the Furious movie; "Fast And Furious 4." Heading back to the streets where it all began, they rejoin everyone's favorite Latina lesbian, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster to blast muscle, tuner and exotic cars across Los Angeles and floor through the Mexican desert in the new high-octane action-thriller. When a crime brings them back to L.A., fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker). But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmaneuver him. And from convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of what's possible behind the wheel.

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker shot to fame upon the release of the first "The Fast And The Furious" movie in 2001.

STARRING: Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster
DIRECTOR: Justin Lin

My Take:
My guilty pleasures include fast cars and women. The fast and the furious franchise offers both, so pardon me for my 8th choice. While the past two installments have both been disappointments, I have great expectations with Vin Diesel coming back to the franchise. never mind lifeless Paul Walker or lesbiana Michelle Rodrigues with her seemingly endless anger management problems, we will get cars, cars and more cars. So start the engines, and let's get ready to roll!

Out April 3, 2009

9th Most Anticipated Movie of 2009

9. NINE - Terminator Salvation

The latest installment of The Terminator film franchise, set in post-apocalyptic 2018, Christian Bale stars as John Connor, the man fated to lead the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators. But the future Connor was raised to believe in is altered in part by the appearance of Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a stranger whose last memory is of being on death row. Connor must decide whether Marcus has been sent from the future, or rescued from the past. As Skynet prepares its final onslaught, Connor and Marcus both embark on an odyssey that takes them into the heart of Skynet's operations, where they uncover the terrible secret behind the possible annihilation of mankind.

In "T4," McG's take weaves science fiction and horror elements into a state-of-the-art action film: "The camera always moves, the imagery is raw and kinetic, the pace is insane. The creative challenge for me will be to bury the effects into the photography but to still protect our big visual moments," he says.

STARRING: Christian Bale, Anton Yelchin, Helena Bonham-Carter, Common, Sam Worthington, Josh Brolin
DIRECTOR: McG

My Take:
Arnold Shwarzenegger is saying hasta la vista, baby to the franchise and is letting the new guy, Christian Bale take the helm. Bale reportedly agreed to do the role of Connor, as the movie will be more character based and will rely less on CGI. This is sort of similar to the route that the reboot of the Batman franchise took. In this film, Connor is not yet the leader of the rebellion and is just on his way to that path which is an interesting take since most films are using that treatment to give longevity to their franchise. There are two new Terminator films lined up for the franchise.

Out May 22, 2009.

10th Most Anticipated Movie of 2009

I wanna rest a while from all the movie talk and focus on more movies. Yes, this is a simple list of my most anticipated movies of 2009. This is gonna be a busy year for torrent leechers such as yours truly. Sadly, not many franchise superhero films are gonna come out like Batman, or Spidey or Superman but still there are loads to anticipate. Here is numero Diyes:

10. TEN - Funny People

George (Adam Sandler) is a very successful stand up comedian who learns that he has an untreatable blood disorder and is given less than a year to live. Ira (Seth Rogen) is a struggling up-and-coming stand up comedian who works at a deli and has yet to figure out his onstage persona. One night, these two perform at the same club and George takes notice of Ira. George hires Ira to be his semi-personal assistant as well as his friend.

And that's not all...

Expect something much more from the creator and director of "40 Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up" - Judd Apatow!

STARRING: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, Eric Bana, Andy Dick
DIRECTOR: Judd Apatow

My Take:
After Rogen's collaboration with Kevin Smith, he's gonna go the happy madison route and team up with funny man Adam Sandler. Sandler is best known fopr his splastic crude humor while Rogen more for his comedic dialogues. I am expecting loads of laughter, quotable quotes, and unforgettable characters from this group of actors - Leslie Mann (Hooters girl in Sandler's Big Daddy, Heigl's sister in Knocked Up), Jonah Hill (that fatso in Superbad who bumped heads with his crush and gave her a blackeye), Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore guy and villain in Slackers), and Eric Bana (!). We will see also a semblance of dramatic elements as the story deals with a dying man (Sandler) passing on his legacy to an up and coming young stand-up comedian (Rogen).

Out July 31, 2009.

Twilight: Puts why in the light

You would expect me to watch Twilight and make a review of it?
No, but I do have a pirated copy at home.
Tempting but no.
Robert Pattinson puts the patties in the cheezyburgers!

Burn After Reading but DO NOT Burn After Watching

Coen brothers movie.
Simple yet complex plot? Check.
Non-stereotype Characters ? Check.
Unexpected death scene? Check.
Subtle intelligent quips? Check.

Burn after reading should be kept after watching, mainly because you need to watch it again, to get the missed punchlines, the plot, and the sublime references to other Coen movies.

Where can else you get a Brad Pitt dimwit who is all looks and no brains and effectively carry out that role?
Or an aging Frances McDormand who is so obsessed with trying to stop her sagging hips and with finding the right guy from e-dating? (Why would these men resort to e-dating if they're not loserssss, right???)
Or John Malkovich play John Malkovich? Okay, I've seen him in Rounders, Being John Malkovich, and Con Air.

The movie's plot is as dimwitted as its characters. A CIA agent (Malkovich) resorts to writing a memoir and heavy drinking on the side after retiring, actually after being fired from the CIA. His colder than a dead fish of a wife (Tilda Swinton) who is seeing another man (George Clooney) accidentally copies the memoirs along with other documents as she prepares to file her divorce from his husband. The cd is accidentally misplaced in the gym that Swinton goes to and falls in the hands of the intellectually challenged Pitt. Together with her insecure officemate, (McDormand) they plot to blackmail the author of the content (Malkovich). What happens is a series of events that eventually lead to unexpected turns of comedic proportions.

The movie has some obvious plot holes put in there, well, just for the sake of putting it in there, like the self-sex machine Clooney was working on in his basement, or the pair of idiots going to the Russian embassy to sell the cd.

The movie worked mainly because of the characters. If it was not Brad Pitt who played that character, the idiocracy would not have worked wonderfully. If Malkovich did not play himself, a cursing foul mouthed character would have been less hilarous while he hosed down Pitt in the telephone conversation, or when he unexpectedly punched his nose. On a side note, Tilda Swinton was characteristically cold as ice just as she was Queen of Narnia as she was in this one. It was so cold that the sex scene was cut and all we see is Clooney coming out of the bathroom, obviously from puking.

All in all Burn After Reading is a worthless fun filled two hours of my time. It's the kind of movie that when someone asks, "Is it good?" I would automatically say "Yes" yet I am not sure why. Surely it will have the same effect on you, liking it for not having anything to like at all.

8 out of 10.

Zack and Miri Do in Make a Porno

Harry and Sally posed the ultimate question on relationships, "Can man and woman be just friends?"

Zack and Miri make a porno tops that with the question"Can a man and woman DO and be just friends?" the answer is still unsurprisingly, a big N!O! Platonic relationships died a long time along with the philosopher it was named after.

As someone I know said, there are only three types of women in this world for him, women he f*cked, women he will f*ck, and women he will never f*ck. Talk about masochist pigs. Anyway, not swaying too much from the topic here is a simple review.

Kevin Smith (Mallrats, Clerks, Dogma) must be salivating at the thought of making a movie about making a movie, a porno at that. I know, I am also salivating at the prospects, the endless play with the movie titles has boundless possibilities - Forrest Hump, Pussies of the Carribean, Shaving Ryan's Privates, The Hand Job and The Day the Dick Stood Still.

The movie's premise is the story of two "platonic" friends Zack and Miri who are caught up with their financial troubles. Upon attending a high school reunion, they come upon a bulb lighting idea from suprising cameos Justin Long and Brandon Superman Routh to make and star a porn movie. (spoiler alert: Justin Long has the best cameo in the film with the frog like voice; coupled with his unexpected smack with superman). The prospect of going into the porn business is further invigorated by the numerous hits of the accidental youtubing of Miri's butt by two teenagers.

From there, these two friends recruit weird looking actors from the no holds bar Jay (whom I finally noticed after his third appearance mainly due to his haircut) , Traci "bubble girl" Lords (who puts on the most lifeless performance from all of the actors), the real porn star who displays her ogling boobs onscreen (according to google), the cameraman (that guy from Clerks) and the random black dude who screened the ladies with a disclaimer that he was just doing the job.

Zack and Miri delivers the usual Kevin Smith F-bombs and awkward moments from the gay kissing scene, to the pumping scenes, to the usual cameos, and the random Star Wars references. Seth Rogen well is Seth Rogen, that lucky guy who gets to sex Elizabeth Banks and Katherine Heigl. How lucky can you get! Elizabeth banks shows her versatility from playing Mrs. Laura Bush to Ziri who was supposedly gonna show her bush. Apparently we get no sighting of any nip slip here from Miss Banks, which was my only disappointment in the film.

So Zack and Miri do and things go awkward from there. They realize feelings which were never there. Hey Zack you were living with a gorgeous woman and all this time you never knew how special she was, you moron?!? They part ways, realize they love each other, and under the stars run towards each others arms and kiss passionately. How cheesy can you get!

Err no. The film's mushiness inthe end is saved by the parting scene of Jay with Seth who explains that putting your hand on the arms of the other dude while you jack him off is no gay thing. Mainly because you are not touching dicks! Kevin Smith gets my vote yet again for crude crass and tastless brand of humor.

8 out of 10.

Body of Lies: no truth here

I had much hope going into this movie with big names such as Russell Crowe, Leo di Caprio and Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Black hawk Down, Matchstick Men, Aliens).

There is an incrementing list of war on terror films being made over the past few years like In the Valley of Elah, Rendition and Lions for Lambs. Most of which have failed to produce a realistic or even a gritty depiction of the war on terror. Sad to say, the most that has made its impact is the documentary, Farenheit 9/11 by Mike Moore. So, as I have said awhile back I had great expectations.

Body of Lies starts with fast paced sequencing coupled with quirky camera action. During the course of the movie, one may get lost in the direction of the plot or doze off due to its formulaic approach on spy-thriller movies. What hopes to keep the movie together is the powerhouse acting of Crowe and Di Caprio which delivers little to less chemistry, a bit of shouting there, raised tones there but rather an often familiar picture of teacher-protege arguing over protocol, morality and strategy.

Body of Lies fails in capturing the essence of the war on terror movie. (Surprisingly, a movie that does well which comes to mind is The Seige, a film made in the 90s long before the WTC attacks.) This Ridley Scott thriller fails to thrill with its oftentimes expected twists, dialogues, and phasing. I actually dozed off a bit and woke up to the Leo di Caprio torture scene without missing much (after rewatching the bit). A film to watch when you have ample time and sleep to spare.

7 out of 10.

Blood Diamond: a jewel to die for

Leo di Caprio painted Kate Winslet wearing only a diamond, the Heart of the Ocean. Fortunately that was not the last diamond he would be associated with, for he would chase another diamond, one tainted with blood.

In Blood Diamond, Leo plays a diamond smuggler who teams up with a local who finds a rare pink diamond while he harvested in the diamond fields for rebels who traded the jewel for ammunition. Banding together with different objectives, Archer (Leo) after the diamond, and Solomon (Hounsou) after the completion of his family torn by war, they set together at this unusual partnership which seems to be a financial agreement at first but eventually turns out to be more.

The film though flawed at times due to its flaccid writing is bound together by great acting performances by the two main protagonists. Leo is impressive as he abandons his boyish charms and takes on the route of sensible and deep characters. His choice of projects is commendable considering that he could have taken the matinee route after he has been catapulted to superstardom by Titanic.

Blood Diamond showcases a man's transformation from a dog eat dog mentality to someone who shows compassion and a yearning to change the system. Easily one of the best films of 2006. (Just saw this again in HBO for the fourth time I guess justifying the late review.)

9 out of 10.

Adam Sandler's attempt at General Patronage

Any Adam Sandler fan knows any Adam Sandler film is formulaic. Some Screaming and cursing, some farting, more screaming and cursing, more headbanging, some more screaming and cursing, some slapping, more screaming and cursing, credits roll.

In Bedtime Stories, Sandler's first collaboration with the Walt Disney film outfit, he tries to put in a wholesome approach to his comedy using slapstick humor with toned screaming and no cursing, egg throwing with less screaming and no cursing, out of this world stunts and did I mention less screaming and no cursing?

It just did not do it for me without his usual mindless jokes like farting in Knight Rider's face while he's time frozen in Click, or peeing in public places in Big Daddy, or fighting and cursing that guy from the Price is Right or wrestling a Buddhist monk to the ground in Anger Management.

All these shell lacked, what we get is a predictable feel good, underdog story of a man who looks like Adam Sandler. I'm guessing here that he made some promise to his kids to take them to a movie he's starring in that they can get into. Well he triumphs on that part. The bland story is eereily similar to some notable films wherein stories come to life like Inkheart an upcoming film from Brandan Fraser.

Bedtime stories, a mildly enjoyable film with some grins here and there much like when you read Archie comics, can really put you to sleep if its midday and you've just eaten a full lunch. If you are a Sandler brand of movie fan, the cameos of his usual gang are hard to miss, Rob Scheider, Crazy Eyes from waterboy and several others make a notable appearance on-screen. Of all the actors, the best performance comes from that guy who played the lover of Sarah Marshall. Never mind seeing it at the movies, just wait for the pirated dvd copy.

Rating : 5/10

No need for age defying products

I am not a film major, did not even had a crash course on film appreciation. The thing is i love movies, I see maybe ten to fifteen films in a week. I follow a ton of tv series. And another proof is that once the remote passes by HBO, I would instantly guess the title of the movie. That's how geeky I am when it comes to movies. Still, I am no expert and I just want to throw out in the the ocean my two cents on certain movies I've seen recently. This is my first attempt.


David Fincher's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Some backgrounder here: I am a Fincher fan dating back to Fight Club and eventually to his more popular films like Se7en, The Game, Panic Room and Zodiac. So this reunion with Brad Pitt made me all giddy and excited knowing this one is special.

To sum it up, the movie is about the story of a man who ages physically backwards. Benjamin Button is born old in appearance and regains his youthful look as time goes along, all the while trying to live life normally amidst romances, wars, and time. This premise is actually far fetched but the way it is handled is subtle and unsensationalized that it is like telling a simple story of a man with a disability who tries to cope much like Forrest Gump or Sam in Sam I Am.

Some would say it really has a lot of similarities with Forrest Gump. One - with the way the story is being told, a narrator telling the story to a listener. Two - both characters being raised by a solo parent. Three - both having disabilities. Four - both characters having a captain of a boat as bestfriend. Fifth - the theme of living life to the fullest not knowing what will happen next. And Last - both inheriting some fortune unexpectedly. I know there are some more, but I don't mind. The tones of the said movies are different, with Forrest Gump being lighter in nature and Benjamin Button taking the more dramatic route.

The whole length of the film approximating three hours goes by swiftly with interesting characters ranging from the old lady who taught her how to play the piano, as the man who got struck by lightning seven times (easily the best laugh in the movie), her mother who I think delivered the best performance and of course Daisy, played by the immortal Cate Blanchett.

Pitt delivers a good to satisfying performance here good enough to probably earn a nomination here and there but not enough to win it. I still think he needed to show us the struggle inside experienced by an old man in a boy's body and of the teenager in an aging man's body. Not much was shown by Pitt in that aspect, but in other areas like his unwavering love for Daisy, I am much satisfied.

The directing and technical greatness of the film, (makeup, lighting, cinematography) makes this an astounding movie. One who has watched the film can certainly feel the transition from age to age from the beginning of the first world war until it progresses late into the 80s, 90s and forth. The writing also delivers with interesting sub-stories like the watchmaker and Daisy's accident stealing some screentime. Overall a great film to watch, I rank this behind Zodiac and Seven as Fincher's greatest works.

9.5 out of 10

Ghey Heroes

One of the fortunate tidings that drinking gatherings can give is is the expansion of our knowledge, err gossip, slash information for verification. It would be earth shattering to know that most of the people I revere the most, people you put in pedestal, men you dream about growing up turn out to be not the men taht they are, or worse, they are literally ex-men.

So let's put a a list here o those x-men and may you refute tham or strengthen these new found information for verification. ladies and gents, your Ex-Men!

Ian Mckellen - Magneto/Gandalf/Leigh Teabing
Patrick Stewart - Professor X/Captain Jean Luc Picard
Keannu Reeves - Neo/Ted
Neil Patrick Harris - Barney Stinston/Doogie Howser
Wentworth Miller - Michael Scofield
Brandon Routh - Superman

On a side note, supposed men discussing closet queens over bottles of beer is eerie? right. Right. Rihgt.Rgiht!

Alumni Homecomings

I had random meetings with some high school batchmates during the holidays which was inevitable considering they all went back to Naga for the long vacation. Conversations usually rise with excitement and falter into bland pleasantries after three minutes max. After you've exhanged business addresses, meaningless phone numbers which you will probably only contact in never, and recounted archaic high school connections, there's not much to reminisce.

I have only attended a high school reunion once. I have no qualms of expressing my regret of attending. I was hosed for 200 pesos as contribution for supposedly drinks which became two shots of emperaning. It was a night of endless questions of current ventures and meaningless trips to memory lane. It was liked being forced to a conversation with an ex, a dissatisfaying one night stand/fling, or your boss during the occasional office mandatory night outs.

During the rather compromising times I chanced upon these batchmates, I know it was unkind of me to constantly promise them I would be there in the reunion, only to make up a lame excuse if and when someone asked for an update if I was coming. In fact, I ignored text messages that night as if the network had some trouble.

I think I will probably attend some sort of renuion of sorts during a time when we all have grown up kids, probably arrange for their marriages with well to do batchmate's families. Or when I have to ask a favor from an influential politician who happened to copy my answers in our final tests way back in third year math classes. Right, now it just doesn't do anything for me other than the meaningless power rankings which serve nothing as of the moment. Maybe in the future those rankings will mean more, and that's the time I will probably reconsider reunitng with old "pals."