Spider-Man 4 news...

I really thought the franchise is done after part 3. Though I was somewhat disappointed with part 3 and thought the trilogy was okay, I'm a bit excited if they ever plan to make another Spider-Man film. Well, here's what director Sam Raimi can say so far:

""I want to help contribute to the production," he said. "I don't know if I'll just be a producer on it but if I can work with the writer in such a way so that directing would be right for me, I don't know...."


Will he come back as a director? I hope so.

Read more about that at ComingSoon.net

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

After 6 days I finally finished the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. My reactions? It was great! It was actually very thrilling from the moment you read the first chapter up until it ends. J.K. Rowling definitely made Harry Potter’s world seem so real that even reading it would take you to the action. A lot of deaths happened, but I really think they were necessary. I also loved how all characters and places came full circle on this book. Really, really good! The only negative thing I would like to comment about is that the Epilogue was somewhat ‘cheesy’. I liked it, but somehow there was something in the writing on that epilogue that makes it like tasteless. Anyways, I really liked it. And this is easily one of the best books in the series (after Prisoner of Azkaban, of course.) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: 8.5/10

Weekend Movie Marathon

This past weekend I got the chance to have a movie marathon. Since I’m quite lazy to go out (and it’s hot), I decided to watch the following films instead. Some are new but some have been released a few months back. Still, I got the chance to watch and review them. Since I never really watched them in the theater, I guess they really don’t deserve a lengthy, single blog entry.

Evan Almighty – I remember this film didn’t do well at the box office. But still, I actually was laughing the whole time. Steve Carrell indeed was funny. But between Jim Carrey and him, I’d still choose Jim. A nice comedy that’s worthy of a rental. Evan Almighty: 7/10

Vacancy – I actually didn’t like the film when I saw its trailer, but somehow it was actually better than I expected. Some clichés are present, but overall it was a fun watch – fun, but forgettable. Vacancy: 6/10

Disturbia – I actually wanted to watch this film due to its success at the box office and some nice reviews. When I did, it was actually good. It was thrilling with an added sense of humor. Worthy of everyone’s attention. 8/10

Click – now this was the film I failed to watch at the cinemas and had second thoughts on buying it on DVD. The movie was funny and endearing, but that’s about it. It was nothing special, the usual Adam Sandler comedy with a drama bit in the end. A good family film, though. Click: 6/10

Mr. Brooks – I’m not really into these kinds of films, but I gave it a chance. Story was typical, and has been used dozens of times. Kevin Costner’s acting was good, but his alter ego (William Hurt) actually did better. Demi Moore’s performance was actually better than Costner’s. Forgettable film. Mr. Brooks: 6/10

I guess the only summer film I haven’t seen so far was Shrek the Third... yet. It’s not that I didn’t get the chance to see it, but I just lost interest on the Shrek films after Shrek 2.

Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I have seen the last four Harry Potter movies on its first day of showing. Now that I am here in Dubai, I wouldn’t ruin my record. Hehe. I read the 5^th book about December 2004, and if I am not mistaken it is the longest book in the series. I also think it is one of the darkest. Now, I initially had my doubts with the film when I saw it’s 2-hour, 18-minute running time. For a book that long, will they be able to fit all the necessary events in the book with that runtime? I watched the film with high anticipation, and upon seeing the opening titles, I joyfully clapped along with the excited audience. The movie was very dark, reminiscent of Prisoner of Azkaban. The main plot is that Harry must prove to everyone that Voldemort (er, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) is back, and is now wielding a war against all who would not follow him. As always, the main actors continue to grow into their roles. While the writer tries to keep everything at a nice pacing, there are some scenes included that were not fully explained. I guess only readers of the book would actually know the full sense of that scene. One for example, was Percy’s (Ron’s older brother) appearance with the Minister of Magic. It was never explained why he was with the Minister, and why on Christmas he wasn’t with the Weasley family. With all that aside, I think it is a wonderful film. Audiences would mostly admire Harry’s first love, and also witnessing his first kiss. Directing was good; David Yates was a proper choice in movie number 5 (I think he’ll be returning for the Half Blood Prince). The one thing that I liked is the number of cameos in the film. While the characters they are portraying are really characters on the book, I considered them cameos because of despite their small screen time; they were able to steal the show. For me, the best performers were Imelda Staunton and Helene Bonham Carter, who perfectly played their roles of Dolores Jane Umbridge and Bellatrix Lestrange, respectively. The special were, as always, very good. I was left in awe during the battle at the Ministry of Magic. All in all, it was a dark yet fun film. This is one of those book-to-film movies that really give a different experience to audiences, whether they may be reading the book or watching the film.

For comparison, I have included a score for the book and the film for all 5 Harry Potter book and film.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (a.k.a. Philosopher’s Stone)
Movie: 7/10 Book: 6/10

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Movie: 8/10 Book: 7/10

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Movie: 8.5/10 Book: 9/10

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Movie: 8/10 Book: 8/10

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Movie: 8.5/10 Book: 7.5/10

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Book: 8/10

Deathly Hallows is here!

After months of waiting and anticipation, I now hold in my hands the pivotal seventh and final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I actually wanted to go to the 3:01am launch here, but I guess I’m too lazy to get that early. Anyways, I immediately went to the book store early that day to get my copy (I even got a free paper bag and a bookmark). Thankfully, they were selling US versions here (it is the version I collect). I started reading the moment I went home. Now I’m on Chapter 11, if only I had nothing else to do I would have finished the book right away. But at least I have the copy. *Mischief Managed* Hehe! I’ll be posting my insights on the book once I’ve finished reading it.

February 2, 2007

February 2, 2007 is a date I am never going to forget. It was the 50th wedding anniversary of my grandparents. This means a lot to me because it was the time when all of the 'Ortiz' clan went home to the Philippines to celebrate the event. To reminisce that occasion, I've uploaded the video I have made from the wedding. Hope you guys like it.




Preparing for the wedding:



Wedding ceremonies:



Reception:

A poem from Dubai

Here's a nice (and funny) poem I found on the net about Pinoys going to Dubai (it's in Filipino):

Dubai...
titik at likha ni ka noel malicdem

Sa'n bang punta kabayan at ika'y nakaporma
Di naman siguro sa tsik mong maganda
Baka naman sa airport dala ang visit visa
Papuntang Dubai baka sakaling trabaho ay makakita.

Di naman masama ang mangibang bansa
Mangarap mabigyan kaginhawaan ang pamilya
Kesa ang manatili gutom naman ang sikmura
Bayang walang nang pag-asa dahil puro politika.

Pagdating sa Dubai ay iyong nakita
Tunay na buhay malayo sa bansa
Ang maghanap ng trabaho bago ma-expire ang visit visa
Nababahala dahil baka kapusin dalang pera.

Mamuhay sa Dubai ay di biro
Maraming naloloko dahil di naman legal ang pagparito
Sa pagkain at upa ng bahay ubos na ang sweldo
Malas mo pa kapag iyong amo ay di ka pa pinasweldo.

Ang payo ko lang bago ikaw ay pumarito
Huwag maniwala sa sinasabi ng mga galing na dito
Dahil ang kapalaran di naman pare-pareho
Baka ang kitain halos pambayad lang ng utang mo.

Sana nga kabayan pagpunta mo rito
Panalangin ko'y makahanap ka agad ng trabaho
Upang ikaw ay di mapahamak sa hirap ng buhay dito
Huwag lang mahiya magtanong sa kabayan mo.

Buhay sa Dubai may kasamang sakripisyo
Konting tiis lang makakaraos sa pagsisikap mo
Dalang pangarap maaabot mo ito
Sa tamang panahon may pagbabago buhay mo.

More poems here: PINOYexpats
(Credits to the poem go to the author above)

On being an Harry Potter fan

As I count down the days until unenviable release of the last harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I’m so eager to as what the book will reveal. Who will die? What happens with everyone after? Is Dumbledore really dead? Many of these questions linger through my mind as I excitedly wait for the July 21^st release date. Harry Potter was the reason I started to read books. Now that I’ve got my copy reserved I couldn’t wait what the last installment has in store for of us “HP Fanatics”… I’m probably more excited on the book than the movie, but that does not mean I wouldn’t watch the film. I’ll do it all on the same day. Ironically since the theater and the bookstore stands right beside each other… I wish I had better halves with me here to celebrate the 7^th book and the 5^th movie. Raissa and Kate, I wish you were here. It seems I cannot relate to one but you guys when it comes to Harry Potter. Now the decision I have to make is what would I do first? Read the book or watch the film? Ah decisions, decisions... No wonder some people find me weird. Hehehe.

Review: Transformers

I am actually not a fan of the Transformers toys, but I definitely was watching the cartoon series back when I was a child. That “Ei-Oh-Uh” sound was embedded on everyone’s mind, kinda like that deep breathing sound of Darth Vader. Come 2007, and Steven Spielberg produces this Michael Bay-directed epic. A sure blockbuster? Definitely. I went to the special screening of the film last week , and boy was I impressed. The plot was simple; Autobots are seeking out the Allspark, a cube like device that has the ability to ‘transform’ mere objects into cybernetic organisms. They must get it before it get into the hands of the Decepticons, who would use the cube’s power to wipe out humankind to extinction. Acting was great, especially Shia LeBeouf, who may be the next big star. Megan Fox was hot and other supporting characters all performed very well. Now to the stars of the film itself. The Autobots, headed by Optimus Prime, was one of the best rendered digital characters I saw on the big screen. While watching, some part of me was actually thinking if the robots are real or not. Even on the big screen, he still has the charisma that I loved when I was a kid. Megatron was also great, though some of the other Decepticons didn’t have as much screen time as expected. The action scenes? WOW. Michael Bay is a great director. Some action scenes I liked were from his films. Those slow-motion epic shots definitely bring tears to my eyes. One scene I loved was the arrival of the Autobots, the shots coupled with choral music bring chills to my spine. I love that scene. I definitely had a great time, and if not for the high prices of cinemas here, I would have watched it more than once. Sure, there numerous plot holes in the film, but who cares? This is Transformers. Sequel please! Transformers: 9/10

Review: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

While the first Fantastic Four movie was a bland excuse to show Jessica Alba’s smoking’ hot body, I still went on to go see Rise of the Silver Surfer. While I do not have any comic background with the Fantastic Four or even the Silver Surfer, I watched the film expecting nothing. Well, how right was I. The movie was poorly scripted, even with Ben and Johnny’s constant torture with each other wasn’t even funny anymore. Their acting seemed like they literally just reading directly from the script. Dr. Doom, who technically is the main villain, appears only on half of the film and practically does nothing besides ‘monolouging’. And the Silver Surfer? That’s what you get, a silver being on a surfer. Some part of me was dismayed as I should have just used my money on buying Mocha Frap at Starbucks instead. Well okay, not all is bad. Action scenes and special effects were a lot better this time. This would have been a great film, but due to poor scripting, horrible acting and bad directing, sadly this movie falls far behind along with other crappy comic book adaptations like Elektra or even Ghost Rider. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer: 5/10

Review: Live Free or Die Hard (Die Hard 4.0)

Wow, seeing John McClane back again on the big screen definitely makes me tingly all over. In this 4^th movie in the Die Hard series, Bruce Willis again plays the lead role and now battles a villain bent on taking over the US Defense Systems unless he gets his demands. I love watching Bruce Willis; I think he is one of the best actors in Hollywood today. The way he embodies the character of McClane was very good. He definitely created this iconic character that everyone will definitely remember. Justin Long perfectly plays McClane’s geeky sidekick Matt, who also adds more humor to Willis’ already funny intermissions. Maggie Q counterparts her role in M:I-III as an ass-kicking sidekick of main villain Timothy Olyphant. While Olyphant’s acting was good, it wasn’t great. He was not as striking or as ‘bad’ as with previous Die Hard villains Alan Rickman or Jeremy Irons (I didn’t like the villain in part 2). The story may have been a long cliché along with other Hollywood films, but there is something in this film that makes it really fun to watch. Director Len Wiseman definitely was able to be at par with previous Die Hard directors John Mctiernan and Renny Harlin. Action scenes were non-stop. Explosions were here and there. All of those fit oh so perfectly with the story and tries not to be over the top. All in all, it was a good addition to the franchise and this proves Willis can still be the old action hero that we all love about. Die Hard 4.0: 8.5/10