Staircase Wit

Notes on Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (now on Netflix): 1. This is a fun, fun, fun movie to watch. This is Leo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt in their element, and this is their kind of movie. 2. Leo and Brad have awesome chemistry together. Rick (played by Leo), a narcissistic almost has-been movie star, and Cliff (played by Brad), his "more than a brother, but less than a wife" sidekick and stuntman. 3. This film features real celebrities--Sharon Tate, Roman Polanski, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, et al. In real life, Tate, Sebring, Folger, and Voytek Frykowski were killed by the Manson family (the hippies who tried to kill Cliff, Rick, and his wife, Francesca). In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, the hippies break into Rick's house instead. This movie gives us a fantasy "what-if". 4. Awesome soundtrack. 5. So Brad Pitt's character just easily beats Bruce Lee Bruce Lee, who can go against the Chuck Norrises of this world. Yes, this mo

City of Girls is a decadent, booze-filled, and sexy coming-of-age novel about New York City, the theater, fashion, and feminism. While it starts off light and fun, it eventually reminds you that the novel is set against the backdrop of World War II, and tells of the somber reality experienced by the war's survivors. Photo credit: Bloomsbury UK

Finally watched Oro, Plata, Mata, Peque Gallaga's obra maestra, and one of the greatest and most important Filipino films of all time. Some thoughts on the film: (No spoiler warning because this is a 40-year old film, pwede ba?) 1. Oro, Plata, Mata is a film about two wealthy families waiting for the end of World War II by living a life of luxury and privilege at a big hacienda in the province, playing mah-jong and being waited on by countless servants. A very timely social commentary considering the war our society is facing against Covid-19. 2. Ronnie Lazaro and Joel Torre were incredible in this film. Lazaro plays a mute guerilla, but he needed no words to express his emotions. Torre's character starts off as limp and weak, but towards the end of the film he evolves into a violent, dark, and strong man. 3. Even more admirable and colorful are the women in this film. They were all headstrong, beautiful, and intelligent in their own way. 4. In the words of Trining Ojed

GSIS suspended work today, so I stayed home and watched the remastered version of Hihintayin Kita sa Langit. Some notes on this Filipino classic: 1. Sobrang ganda ng digital restoration. 2. And the musical score (arranged by Ryan Cayanyab) is just perfect. 3. This film is an adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Richard Gomez is one smoldering, cruel, darkly handsome Heathcliff. Name one present-day Filipino actor as hot as Gomez in his prime. 4. Intense ang chemistry ni Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta. Their love scenes are sensual but beautifully shot. No wonder they became a couple while they were filming this movie. 5. Nakakakilig man si Gabriel (Gomez's character), one must not forget that he is a violent, abusive, and selfish man. 6. Actually, everyone in the entire movie are selfish jerks, with the exception of the yaya. You can watch the digitally restored version of Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit on HOOQ. I just paid 15 pesos for a one-day subscription.