Kamera Obskura

Cinemalaya

I mentioned in my previous Cinemalaya review how Cinemalaya has now become the local equivalent of Fox Searchlight or Focus Features─that is, a vehicle for the film industry to try and dabble in art films. In case you didn't notice, the films which the Philippines sends to festivals abroad, from Cannes to the Oscars, come from the non-mainstream pool of Filipino films.

This film is no different. From start to end, this is an art film, but an art film worth watching.

Downton Abbey. Series 2 + 2011 Christmas Special

(For the purpose of this review, Downton Abbey Series 2 means its eight episodes and the 2011 Christmas Special. All right, let's get on to it.)

I'm just going to make this quick and easy (and because the third season has just begun this month). The last time we were at Downton Abbey, it was just announced that England is at war with Germany. And what did the war bring to people of Downton? Drama. Lots of it.

"Whatever do you mean, me dear? We are a drama series."

Doctor Who. Series 7, Episode 4: "The Power of Three"

BBC

This episode's title skin: cubes.

This episode shows what it's like to really love a show.

You know when you love someone, and that someone has some small habits that you just totally hate, like how they fart all the time, or how they make really loud slurping sounds when they eat? And yet you love that person, despite the flaws.

BBC

Would you love her, even if she always forgets your birthday, snores
when she sleeps, and doesn't flush the toilet?

The Mistress

The John Lloyd-Bea Alonzo combo never fails to deliver. I bet this was another blockbuster because I only heard about this movie through word of mouth (though I'm sure I've seen the trailer before, but it was forgotten into obscurity), and I've heard it from lots of mouths!

Rumor-mongering: better than the Internet!

Pridyider

Another local movie that fell under the "horror/thriller" category this year─these things are actually gaining ground in the movie industry and there's no signs of letting up.

Just like Carlo J. Caparas and his massacre flicks before.

Coming Soon: Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles

Origin8 Media

Here are three reasons to watch this film:

1. It is groundbreaking.
That's because this is the first Filipino film to be shot entirely on green screen. Yes, you heard that right. That's why it looks very much like 300 and Sin City.

Origin8 Media

The fields, the trees, the mountains, the skies─all CGI.

Ang Nawawala

YouTube

Question: When does a film cease to become an indie flick and cross over to mainstream cinema?

Or to phrase it differently: What are the characteristics of independent cinema?

Doctor Who. Series 7, Episode 3: "A Town Called Mercy"

BBC

See, I was right about the title skins. This one has a desert theme─layered rock sediments, not unlike the cross-section of the Grand Canyon.

The reason for the desert theme is because the TARDIS and its inhabitants have landed smack right in the middle of the Wild West. No, scratch that. It's not as "wild" as we are used to. Yes, there are duels, high noon showdowns, and galloping on horseback. But it's quite tame; not wild at all.

BBC

If you look closely, the Doctor is actually smiling.

Doctor Who. Series 7, Episode 2: "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship"

BBC

Actually, the title says it all. "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship".

BBC

Geronimo?

Katy Perry: Part Of Me. 3D

This was a fun documentary to watch. Obviously, it let us witness the journey that is Katy Perry.

Who's actually Katy Hudson,
but doesn't want to be associated with this lady.

The Expendables 2

I was waiting for Bruce Lee to suddenly show up, but I just remembered that he was dead. Sorry.

No Bruce Lee, no Expendables

Film Icons: Michael Clarke Duncan

Time

When you mention the name "Michael Clarke Duncan", people will usually say, "Isn't he the big black actor who looks like a huge gorilla?" The reason you people remember him as a gorilla is because he did play one in Planet of the Apes. But still, shame on you people.

Chud

He is more than an ape, people.

Doctor Who. Series 7, Episode 1: "Asylum of the Daleks"

BBC

*PISS OFF IF YOU HATE SPOILERS*

And finally, the long wait is over. Doctor Who is back on the air, bitches.

BBC

"About time, too."