sourapple Reviews

The Break-Up (2006)

predictable, some parts funny though

[1/10 · 5 June 2006]

It's predictable, and I'm the type of person who actually likes formulaic movies. But ehh.. "The Break Up" was not for me. Although Vince Vaughn is a funny man (absolutely), he got stuck with the blandest leading lady Hollywood can think of: Jennifer Aniston.

There simply is no Jennifer Aniston movie that I liked. In "Derailed", what started as a great suspense movie (with Clive Owen, of course), ended as a disappointment. But then I said, don't' give up on Aniston. She must have talent hiding around. However, after her recent list of movies, I've lost hope.

Vince Vaugn delivers his line in his usual candor, and that's practically the highlight of the film. Oh, and Ann Margret, and of course the lovely Jon Favreau! They actually bought light to this yawn-worthy movie. It's a good thing character actors were able to deliver. I love it! Maybe a little tweak on the script and overall execution would've made this a more tolerable movie to watch.

Between last year's Hitch and The Break Up, give me Will Smith and Eve Mendes any day. They had CHEMISTRY. Vaughn and Aniston did not. They looked like kissing siblings/cousins in this movie. In my honest opinion.

Digression: Oh, Aniston! You're simply a mess.

Rent (2005)

RENT - a beautiful mess

[10/10 · 2 March 2006]

The movie RENT is better heard than seen. I am a fan of the musical (although not yet deserving to be called a RENThead since I haven't seen the actual stage production) and I loved the new recording they did for the movie. So I'm going to refer to Rent (2005) as "the movie" and the musical as RENT :)

I didn't like how the scenes were slightly choppy and some of the musical numbers in the movie had a corny "music video" feel (What You Own), unlike other musical to movies like Chicago. The movie gives off the feeling of a copy-paste version of the Broadway production. I am only basing this from the original Broadway cast recording, since I've never seen it on stage.

The movie also became somewhat comical because most of the lines in the movie were originally sung in the obc recording. So I kind of guessed what they were going to say next. The least they could've done was change the lines.

In my honest opinion, I think it's the fault of Chris Columbus (as usual). He ruined Harry Potter by staying too faithful to the book. He also ruined RENT for also staying too faithful to the musical. I love that he didn't cut a lot of songs from the actual musical, but overall the movie was a slight mess. Baz Luhrmann or Rob Marshall could've done a better job than this guy, hey, even that guy who directed The Phantom of the Opera would've been a good choice.

Chris Columbus doesn't have the artist in him to make a good film. He failed to capture any of the emotions RENT has. Columbus should stay away from material that he doesn't have a clue on. He should stick to his usual formula of Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire.

But hey, I enjoyed it because I *finally* saw the movie! And it was fun seeing the original actors perform as if I was watching them on stage. Pascal, Rapp, Martin, Thoms, Menzel, Diggs (character was not developed that much), Heredia and Dawson were a great cast. However, they were overshadowed by an awful director.

No day but today!

Derailed (I) (2005)

something missing

[2/10 · 13 November 2005]

Being a FRIENDS fan, I was curious on how the cast handled their career after the hit series. I'm not a fan of Jennifer Aniston, but since she had her share of fanfare publicity these past few weeks, I grabbed the chance to get advanced tickets to this movie. It was, sadly, a complete waste of money.

No spoilers, just comments on the film. Clive Owen,as always, is dashing and sexy. But there is no chemistry between him and Aniston. Owen shines more than Aniston. And when I see Aniston on the secret, I hear "Rachel Green! Rachel Green!".

Although Jennifer Aniston's role is interesting, she played it in a "Rachel Green-on-Valium" kind of way. She's too pretty, and she's too talked-about that one can't help see the gossips/rumours instead of the character she attempts to bring to life. Maybe it's the script as well, I didn't find it that good.

Story and cinematography was interesting, directing so-so. Actors, so-so as well. A few minor changes in the script and the actors (hint hint) it would've been a better film.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

finally, a Harry Potter film with sense!

[9/10 · 11 June 2004]

I am a Harry Potter book fan. And I also loved the first two movies. But the problem with the first two movies was that it was too detailed. I don't mind scriptwriters butchering a novel just as long as its justified. And this Harry Potter is a perfect example.

It's a longer book, but Alfonso Cuaron has managed to cut it in 2 hours (and something minutes) with such beauty. While watching the film, I thought I was viewing a "computer-graphics-infused art film". Cinematography was brilliant. I wouldn't say Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a masterpiece, but it has shed it's child-like "commercialized" coating found on the first movie. Definitely a great improvement. It's darker, has more sense than the first two movies and definitely a feast for the eyes. And you have to admit, it's funnier!!!!

The only problem is will the next director succeed in Mr. Cuaron's version of Harry Potter? Hopefully, it would meet the fans (especially MY) expectations :D (spoiler) One negative note is that there's too much chopping of scenes in the last part. I was extremely disappointed that they also left out the Quidditch championship. But in all, it was a good entertaining movie.

Characters: They are such beautiful people. Great casting. This is what makes Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban stand out. The cast. Daniel Radcliffe has shown much growth in his acting. Compare his acting from Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, and you'll see what I mean. Maggie Smith's role was minimal. More on Snape, Lupin and Sirius.

50 First Dates (2004)

breath of fresh air... in a weird way

[9/10 · 18 March 2004]

50 First Dates is a very entertaining movie. I was surprised that it actually had a storyline! I thought it was going to be some fun gag movie by Sandler but obviously, it proved wrong.

What I like about this film is the way comedy was infused with more "serious" issues like brain damage and commitment. Bottom line, it was a great movie. The Sandler-Barrymore team-up works, and Schneider, as always, is a fantastic addition to this film. And ahem, Sean Astin. Last movie I saw with him parading his muscles was in Memphis Belle. Funny cast. Great music/soundtrack.

Although the storyline has a fairy-tale-like approach, it makes you believe in something you don't see everyday... Feel good film, all in all I give it a 8/10.

Young Americans (2000)

Shame on WB!

[10/10 · 18 March 2004]

I first heard about this show back in 2000 because of Rodney Scott and his guest appearance at Dawson's Creek. I am not a fan of Dawson's Creek, but there were a lot of articles on Seventeen/YM/Teen on this "summer series" and articles related to the show and DC, and so I got intrigued when they finally aired it in here. It was fresh, funny and extremely interesting. But I didn't know that it suddenly got canceled without WB finishing the story. After seeing the 8th episode I thought, "Well, I hope they air the next season!" To my dismay, there was no next season. ARGH. Agonies of life. If they were going to cancel it, at least close the story! Open endings suck.

Anyway, this is a really unique show. The characters are interesting, although the only storyline I'm REALLY interested is Jake and Hamilton's story.

It's such a shame that we'll never know what happened to Jake and Hamilton, Scout and Bella and the dramatic life of Will Krudski. Please make a DVD!

Helen of Troy (2003)

Good miniseries... but not quite

[3 March 2004]

As people have mentioned in their comments, it lacks on details. Particularly on how the movie makes people side with the Trojans rather than the Greeks. The movie made the Greeks look like stupid war crazy idiots, although it was great how they made Agamemnon a despicable villain. Still... details details!

And Paris. Why is Paris suddenly the more skillful warrior than Hektor? Hektor jumps around and ends up staked to death by Achilles (aka WWF wrestler) just like that. Achilles is not that dumb, and Hektor is a great warrior. Where are the heroic scenes which Homer gorgeously crafted? Where are the gods? Why does Helen look like Claire Danes-Meredith Monroe? Why does Paris look like a young Warren Beatty?

And why god WHY are there endless scenes with people's asses?? (Helen, Agamemnon, Achilles)

Then again, the world is not perfect and this is just a made for TV. So I'm giving it a break. The only thing I liked about it is the set and production itself. Oh, and James Callis (Meneleus). And that guy who played Theseus. But all in all, it's a pretty far-fetched movie. For accuracy, I give it 4/10. For entertainment, I give it 8/10.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Who could not like this movie?

[10/10 · 7 February 2004]

Except for the romantic-comedy-genre haters, that is. This is MY favorite movie of all time. I got to watch this for the first time when I was barely a teenager.

Meg Ryan's charm is fading at the present time, but in Sleepless in Seattle I could just hate her for being so funny. Tom Hanks. Well, what can I say? The greatest actor in Hollywood. So much to say.. this is a great film. One should not miss this.

Freaky Friday (2003)

Great family movie

[8/10 · 27 January 2004]

I watched this film for just about 6 times and I didnt get tired of it. You know why? Because Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are worth watching. Unlike other films, like...let's say Lizzie Mcguire the Movie..I mean, please.. Hilary Duff was so unnatural and she exaggerates too much with her acting. Anyway, I gave this film an 8...not the best, but it's good.

Lost in Translation (2003)

nice little indie film

[1/10 · 31 December 2003]

But believe me, NOTHING SPECIAL. Bill Murray plays his most decent role yet although I found him funnier in his Ghostbusters days.

Sofia Coppola is "i want to be like daddy so i want to have a camera" kind of person. But one way or another, she excels in it. But not that much. I've seen movies with so much more substance than this film. Bravo because it's an independent film and it can stand on its own. Boo because critics praise this little movie too much. It's boring often times, the story is good enough but all these praises? Too bloody much.

I hope Return of the King wins. I'm so sick of top award shows giving awards to these kinds of films. Hopefully they'll do something "dramatic" like last years winner, Chicago.

Cold Mountain (2003)

cold film

[1/10 · 31 December 2003]

Someone wants her Oscar badly. The film itself is horrible. Ok, I may be biased because I hate these kinds of films. Drama. Lukewarm romance. Annoying actresses. What else is new?

What's amazing in this film is Jude Law. Nothing more. Oh yes, and how they were able to get Renee Zellweger to do this movie. And well... the story is great. Several notable moments but all in all, this is a dull film. Thank god I just saw this at my friend's house. Paying for the movie ticket would be a crime.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Better the second time around.

[10/10 · 26 December 2003]

When I first saw this, it was boring and long. But Johnny Depp rules. The second time I watched Pirates of the Caribbean, it was better. And Johnny Depp rocks.

The only problem with this movie is Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightley. Too much screen time for such unimportant story lines. Pirates should have just been more on Captain Jack Sparrow and less on the sickly love birds. It doesn't add much to the story.

All in all, wonderful effects, brilliant dialogue... good movie. It is Disney. What a change.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

BRILLIANT.

[10/10 · 26 December 2003]

The Return of the King is a magnificent movie, all on its own. Peter Jackson is a brilliant director. How he managed to put all of Tolkien's words into the screen is wonderful.

I actually finished the Lord of the Rings books (including the Hobbit) 3 years ago. It was painstakingly difficult to read through intricate descriptions and words but all in all, it was a good (though some parts were snoozeville) read.

And the movie is even better than the books. Great movie with great actors... truly a film to be remembered. Way cool.

Singles (1992)

fun early nineties movie

[9/10 · 7 December 2003]

I came across this film on Cinemax (or HBO?) one boring afternoon. And what did you know, it was actually a fun film! The music rocks and the characters are hilarious. Well, some anyway. Debbie's Expect the Best video is a MUST see. And a SPECTACULAR Matt Dillon. Definitely a movie you must see :)

Cameron Crowe is a genius when it comes to incorporating music and people. How true.

Little Secrets (2001)

Could've been better

[7/10 · 15 August 2003]

This charming movie made quite a first impression. I wasn't really expecting to watch the entire movie, but the simplicity of the story and the little by little complexity was intriguing!

The acting was decent enough. Although if I see David Gallagher again, I'm going to throw up. What I didn't like about the movie was how the wrong person ended up with girl. Life is unfair, but atleast make lives in the movie pleasant to see!!!

I was expecting Philip and Emily to hit it off, since their chemistry really clicked, but instead I got David Gallagher's irritating face. There was no connection whatsoever with David and Emily's character. They met on the elevator. Big deal. Philip and Emily's character developed and instead of them being together, the older brother gets the girl. Bad values. But enough about that.

All in all, it was a fairly good and inspiring little movie. People who think that young people don't really have "real" problems to complain about should watch this film. This film reminds you who simple life could be while you're still young, and how complex everything could be with just little secrets.

The Object of My Affection (1998)

waste of my time

[6/10 · 7 May 2003]

Ok, here's the deal: I like movies with a happy ending. And I consider the ending not happy. Girl does not get guy. But I guess it's too much of a fairy tale if they're the one who'll get together. Besides, a gay man turning straight? Not possible!

The thing is, the movie lack fluidity. There weren't any development of characters and the situation. Something was missing. I really thought this would be a good movie, a movie you could watch with a person/people and end up smiling or laughing with it. BUT NO. You could watch it all by yourself and end up thinking why the hell you watched it in the first place. Which reminds me, the only reason why I bothered watching this is because of 1. Paul Rudd. He is gorgeous in his other movies. I think they intentionally made him look like an idiot. and 2. The story, from the trailer. It sure had me fooled. And I guess I was interested in Jennifer Aniston's acting...

Call me crazy, but a good movie for me has a good ending. Sure, George gets Paul (ooh. Beatles!) but what about Nina? And what's with the cop? Confusing confusing confusing. This movie could've been so much better.

Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004)

brainless yet clean tv show

[7 March 2003]

The perfect word to describe this show is BRAINLESS. The role of Lizzie Maguire is, anyway. But in a strange way, it had me laughing most of the time. Usually because of the utter sillyness preteeners do in this show. Fight then eventually make up again. Why can't the episode end with both girls creating havoc?!? The only good thing about this show is Gordo and Matt. And the other actors. I don't know who they are.

And then there's of course, Hilary Duff. Bimbo in training, if I do say so. People should stop "manufacturing" her into something she's absolutely not. Like a singer. Everytime she performs, a flashing sign that says "HEY, I WANNA BE LIKE BRITNEY" is revealed. I feel so sorry for her. So young, so talented (not!).

But this is a fun show, sad as it may seem.

The Osbournes (2002–2005)

it's f---in' funny!

[30 January 2003]

Believe me, when I first heard about The Osbournes, I was rolling my eyes. Here goes another rich rock star, being trailed around by cameras. But after having seen several episodes, it's well worth it!

They say they are the picture perfect model of the disfunctional family, and that everyone in US can relate to them, and I agree (but not about the US thing, i'm from Asia)! All the cursing and screaming between Jack and Kelly, Kelly or Jack fighting with Sharon or Ozzy. Especially "disagreements" between Ozzy and Sharon are HILARIOUS. It makes me you think that your crazy family is not the only one in this world. Take away the silliness, and you've got a loving family.

Even though the show is *sometimes* a pain because of the frequent bleeping and Ozzy's hard to understand accent, I had fun watching this show. I didn't know how real this funny reality TV could be!

Jologs (2002)

a rare Filipino film!

[10/10 · 28 January 2003]

I don't watch a lot of Filipino comedy. One reason is they're all the same! "Slapstick" actions then the infamous sing-and-dance number in some resort or beach. The typical Filipino movie. Some are even stupid!

But Jologs is a surprisingly different one! Backed up with a stellar cast (including a really funny Assunta de Rossi) and a great script/story this is my FAVORITE Filipino movie. It's different, funny and dramatic... all at the right times! The story is all about how small this world is! Several scenes are repeated, and pretty soon you don't have to be a detective to figure out the whole story line and how all characters play an important role in each others life. Similar to Pulp Fiction, but with Filipino edge.

This movie could have a lot of imdb goofs with continuity and all, but this is a good movie. And you wouldn't care less. Great soundtrack, great movie.

Frequency (2000)

a very different movie!

[10/10 · 20 January 2003]

i personally love this movie. it's one of those movies that you wouldn't really think of watching it on the theater. but when it gets shown on HBO, it is considered as a rare find. Frequency is a more serious combination on Back to the Future :) it's all too impossible to happen, but the movie made you feel that it COULD happen.

there's a lot of emotional moments here and there, but there's also a mix of suspense which is surprisingly just right. this a great film, if there are flaws, i didn't bother listing it because the story itself shines. great actors too.

Not Another Teen Movie (2001)

it's absolutely JUST another teen movie

[8/10 · 5 October 2002]

a parody, that is. and a fairly good one too. but the only problem is sometimes it gets too vulgar and disgusting. think scary movie (which, by the way, is probably the worst movie-slash-parody EVER). but the jokes about teen films are bearable.

i had a few laughs in this film, mostly on the jokes relating to the 80s teen movies. hail to john hughes. the master of it all. i gave it an 8 because it's bearable and there are funny parts, although there's absolutely a lot of nonsense and stupid characters (the foreign exchange student) and disgusting scenes (the grandmother kiss).

The Cutting Edge (1992)

a great movie!

[10/10 · 5 October 2002]

i got to watch Cutting Edge in school for the first time, actually. and i thought (from the title) that it was a skating/hockey drama. but it's actually not! it's a wonderful blend of romantic comedy and drama, and a little bit of terrific figure skating!

this is a feel good movie, and absolutely one of the greatest!

American Beauty (1999)

a disturbing comedy

[9/10 · 26 July 2002]

American Beauty deserves pretty much all the awards it garnered, especially the award for Kevin Spacey!

The film itself, for me, is disturbing yet in a weird way comical. Dark comedy, if you must. The cinematography is also terrific. It depicts the mood of the characters so well. All in all, this is a very good movie. With lessons learned too, to live life at the fullest, because the only time you might realize how important life is is when it's too late.

But the ending got me depressed. Sad, indeed. 8.5/10. 1 point deducted for the absolutely depressing ending...

The Wedding Singer (1998)

the most normal Adam Sandler movie

[9/10 · 18 July 2002]

i found this movie incredibly entertaining! this is probably the best Adam Sandler film i've ever watched. but huge fans of Sandler would probably be disappointed because there is no gross or wild comedy in here. clean fun!

and 10 brownie points for the music. eighties music never looked so good! this is a very good movie with sweet comedic scenes. and yes, Adam Sandler singing his lungs out. i absolutely recommend watching it for a good time!

Rat Race (2001)

the movie had its moments

[15 July 2002]

Rat Race is a feel good movie... bordering slapstick comedy. The cast is great! as the movie goes along, it shows simultaneous events happening with each contestant and it gets wackier and wackier!

the problem is some scenes left me saying "Huh, what was that?". for example, the cow scene. and then the absolutely disappointing ending. i was expecting something more comedic or silly! instead, the movie gave me a moral lesson. but that's good, moral lessons are good! but not for a comedy who started out with fun and silliness!

i recommend you watch this for a heck of a good time! be sure not to miss the Barbie Museum (Jon Lovitz's character) parts and the Lucy (Cuba Gooding Jr.) ones. and the hilarious work of John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson, of course!