Enemy - First Look

Believe it or not, I've been waiting for this film since it's pre-production, or possibly much longer than that. I love the works of Jose Saramago, and in my opinion 'The Double' takes the cake. Plus, it is directed by Denis Villeneuve, a director whose films has recently fascinated me. I'm expecting great things for this screen adaptation, and I'm looking forward to this already, may it be on the silver screen or on my miniature cinema.

Trailer: The Grand Budapest Hotel

The movies of Wes Anderson makes me feel like I am transported inside a colorful pop-up children's book. The more he ages his childlike sense of wonder is manifested strongly compared to his earlier stuffs like Battle Rocket and Rushmore. But nothing in his repertoire can surpassed my love for "The Royal Tenenbaums". Still, I'll be looking forward to watching this movie next year. ‪#‎Cinephile‬

Must-See Pinoy Films For 2013

Two Filipino language films that everyone must see this year -- fresh from their wins at the recently concluded Cinemalaya are Sana Dati by Jerrold Tarog and Transit by Hannah Espia, with the latter receiving a prestigious honor as the country's entry for Foreign Language film at next year's Academy Awards. Sana Dati is currently having a national screening, and I'm crossing my fingers that I could catch it at the cinema's one of these days. 

On The Job - Trailer

Hail kingdom come, tomorrow the deed is done. Regardless of the studio that produced this film (Star Cinema) and the lead actors that I'm obviously not a fan of (Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson) I'll be putting aside my prejudices and will watch this movie may it be on Wednesday or Thursday. It is a rare opportunity to watch a high caliber movie made by Filipinos for the big screen -- and this one made it at Cannes, not a small feat indeed.

Upcoming Movies - Summer Previews

We're already half of 2013 and some of the films from Cannes and Sundance are making its way into the big screen. Just like yours truly I'm pretty quite sure that everyone is stoked to see movies that shows some promise, may it be mainstream or indie. I'm building up my list little by little before the award seasons and this preview page is just the beginning. Check it out!


La vie d'Adele / Blue is the Warmest Color (Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche)
Everyone who is an ardent follower of Festival de Cannes would want to see this year's Palme d'Or winner, whether they are gay or straight. I'm singularly eyeing this one out for several reasons. One, it was based on a best selling graphic novel. Two, I've never seen a Kechiche film before so I'm curious. Three, I'm in for exploring the complexities of human nature, I've always felt that it's a job and that's mine for the taking. Four, it is critically acclaimed and it won gallantly at Cannes. Five, it's in French. And last but not least, it's a love story...and I'm a sucker for any types regardless of its nature or gender.

Don Jon (Directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt)
Since his comeback, JGL proved to be one of the best talent's in the movies. He has an eye for a good project and it is obvious in the string of successful motion pictures he did for the past few years. Based on his multimedia website HitRecordJoe Gordon-Levitt's abilities not only revolves around acting but also to other forms of creative endeavors. So it's only a matter of time for him when to write and direct his own. And here it is. Originally titled Don Jon's Addiction at this year's Sundance Film Festival, this is Joe's first foray into the world of film making and it sure looks like we are in it for a treat. Forget Scarlett Johansson, I'm all in for Joe. 

Ain't Them Bodies Saints (Directed by David Lowery)

Based on the clip I'm pretty sure you think this film is directed by Terrence Malick. Well, I think everyone did. since it gives off an impression and reminder of his several works like Badlands, Days of Heaven, Tree of Life and To the Wonder. But nope, this not a Malick film. I'm not really a fan of Western movies (or Casey Affleck in general), but the reviews were solid and good and that's how I roll. 

The Family (Directed by Luc Besson)

Whether you're a fan or not of Luc Besson you'll have to admit that this movie looks funny. Robert De Niro is playing another gangster character but this time around it's for humor and not just for the blood and the violence. It looks hilarious and over the top so I'm putting it up here as one of my must-see's. 

The Book Thief (Directed by Brian Percival)
I have the book where this movie was based on and it's not really the most easiest to read in my opinion. But you have to take in to account that it was set during the grotesque period of World War II. I'm really looking forward to this movie. I love children's books and this one is not an exemption. I just irked with the voice over narration in the preview, I think it's too 90s and we're way past that. So could someone take that goddamn thing off, please. 

The Wind Rises - Trailer

I am quite excited to finally see the trailer for Hayao Miyazaki's latest film "The Wind Rises" which just had its premiere on Japan and will be part of this year's TIFF roster. Since I live in a country where the best option to watch movies like this is through the internet it would take me a few months before I can catch a full glimpse of this one. For now, this Miyazaki fan girl will just feast her eyes on this preview until my favorite anime websites released a full copy of this movie online. Cheerios! 

Trailer: Inside Llewyn Davis

Based solely on the trailer, "Inside Llewyn Davis" is probably one of the movies that I'm surely looking forward to seeing this year, alongside "The Great Gatsby" (another Carey Mulligan starrer to premiere at the Festival de Cannes this May 2013) and has all the makings of a best picture for my year end's list. Mulligan's acting chops for this film deviates from all of her past performances, here we can see a whole new side of her dropping those humorous lines like a bomb - to which all credits are due to the witty screenplay by the Coen Brothers. Another element of this movie that excited me is the music, nothing short of the folk music scene of the 1960s, and I love that decade with all of my dark and twisted heart. So what could better that? Nothing, in my opinion. Well maybe with the exception that Marcus Mumford (of Mumford & Sons) produced the music with Academy Award winner T-Bone Burnett. At this point in time I am craving for inspiration from the cinema, I've been a prodigal cinephile for a tad too long - I want to watch something that would pull me right back in, something good, something moving. I am crossing my fingers that this film won't disappoint, along with all the other Cannes lineups.

 xoxo, Chin

Hannibal (NBC) - Preview

TV series prequel to Red Dragon. I hope this one gets aired in Jack City. In a not so distant past, I've wanted to work for the Forensics. I'll take both Will Graham & Hannibal Lecter's job if given a chance. But that was eons ago.

xoxo, Chin

Side Effects - Trailer

This looks exciting. Movies related with psychological disorders always strike home to me. This is Soderbergh and Tatum's third collaboration after Haywire and Magic Mike. Seems to me that he is being groom as the new George Clooney. Not bad.

Hitchcock: Trailer

The master of the macabre -- my number one favorite auteur -- gets a biopic treatment from British director Sacha Gervasi in the upcoming movie simply titled as "Hitchcock". The story focuses on the making of "Psycho" in the midst of controversies, financial setbacks and censorship. The trailer has been released today over iTunes and Apple and the actual film is expected to hit the cinemas next month. Watch the full-length trailer here starring Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Biel.

For more information visit the official webiste at http://www.hitchcockthemovie.com

Stoker: Trailer

Famed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-Wook (Oldboy, Thirst) makes his English language directorial debut -- in Wentworth Miller's screenplay - aptly titled as "Stoker". I've been psyched about this film since last year. Now the trailer is up and running on YouTube -- my excitement has intensified. There is a touch of horror, a reminiscent of Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt, a hint of incest, betrayal, blood and gore. I'm actually thinking that Mia Wasikowska (what a lucky girl!) is the product of a relationship between the mother and brother in-law, played by Nicole Kidman and Matthew Goode. Due to their excitement, it seems everyone from YouTube are also trying to figure the story out. Can hardly wait!

In theatres March 21, 2013.

For more information visit the official website at http://www.donotdisturbthefamily.com/

Trailer # 2 (Official)

TIK TIK The Aswang Chronicles

This is the one worth waiting for! Finally, a film that utilizes the finest in the Philippine cinema, in terms of production design, cinematography, make-up, costume, special effects, and etc. Trailer pa lang ulam na! Though a reminiscent of the universe of Frank Miller, Zack Snyder's '300' and David Slade's '30 Days of Night', I am mighty happy that somebody in the film industry has decided to produced something different from the servings we usually get. Instead of those tried and tested blockbuster magnet tactics with story lines about mistresses, sappy and cheesy cutie pie love stories, dramatic monologues, Erik Matti and his team experimented with the technologies of today and created something that could put us on the map for quality driven fantasy films. Tik Tik was developed for a total of 6 years, and it is the first Filipino film to be shot entirely on green screen. I am always up and open to watching movies that is not afraid to test the waters and is ever curious to push their limits. This would definitely open the doors for the younger generation of filmmakers to venture in a more stylized, action-packed, genre driven cinema.

I am already stoked to see this on the big screen.

For more information, visit the movie's official website at http://www.theaswangchronicles.com/

Magic Mike: Trailer

I want the Magic Mike experience (just kidding). Already stoked to see this film next week. Keeping my fingers cross that the forces would go in favor with me.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Official Trailer

Based on the best selling coming-of-age epistolary novel of the same name written by Stephen Chbosky (who also directed the film adaptation). "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is a must-read story about the pains and joys of growing up. I would be looking forward to watching this film - although am not really stoked with the casting of Emma Watson as Sam and Logan Lerman as the wallflower Charlie. However, I think the material and the direction itself is strong enough to outweigh or make me oversee their presence.

Les Miserables (Teaser Trailer - 2012)

The film rendition of the famous Broadway musical "Les Miserables" is coming to theatres this year. As a fan of this musical I am nothing short of thrilled and excited. I have heard about this news since last year, with rumors that Taylor Swift was being offered to play the role of Cosette. However, the movie's teaser trailer that debuted last May somehow gave comfort to numerous audiences (from social media sites such as Twitter) that Swift is not included in the ensemble cast. The teaser features Anne Hathaway (as Fantine) singing a heartbreaking snippet of the song "I Dream A Dream" over the footage of the film. Although it is too early to even mention, I can sense some major Oscar buzz for both Hugh Jackman (as Valjean) and Hathaway for their acting. Well, we'll see about that next year. Cheers!

The Great Gatsby (2012): Trailer

Just watching this trailer makes me salivate. This is my must-see film for this year; and I have to wait for the next seven or eight months before I could catch this on the big screen. I love the book, I love F. Scott Fitzgerald, I adore the roaring 1920s, and I love Jazz! And I am excited to see Carey Mulligan together with Leo DiCaprio in the same picture. I would be re-watching the trailer over and over again just to satisfy my need and hunger for Baz Luhrmann's much anticipated dreamy adaptation.