Movie Review: The Spy Next Door

Genre: Action/Comedy/Family

Spoiler!

Spoiler Alert!!

Actors:

Jackie Chan

George Lopez

Billy Ray Cyrus

Amber Valletta

Lucas Till

Director:
Brian Levant

Screenplay:

Jonathan Bernstein

James Greer

Gregory Poirier

Jonathan Bernstein

James Greer

Synopsis:

Lionsgate’s family action comedy THE SPY NEXT DOOR stars Jackie Chan as Bob Ho, an undercover CIA superspy who decides to give up his career in espionage to settle down with his next-door neighbor and girlfriend, Gillian (Amber Valletta). But Bob has one more mission to complete before Gillian agrees to marry him: winning over her three opinionated kids.

When Gillian suddenly has to leave town, Bob volunteers to babysit the children so he can earn their approval. But when one of the kids mistakenly downloads a top-secret formula from his computer, Bob’s archenemy, a Russian terrorist, moves in for the attack, forcing Bob to juggle the roles of spy and prospective stepfather in the most challenging mission of his career!

Studio/Licensor:
Lions Gate Films

New Year,New Movie.I started to make a blog review upon invitation of Mr. Azrael Coladilla of Azrael's Merryland to watch The Spy Next Door last Jan. 14(Thanks Az!).

Review:As a Jacky Chan fan, I never get tired of watching his films with is own trademark action mixed with slapstick comedy which makes it more theatrical. But with TSND, as I foreseen, I won't be expecting the same level of excitement as Rush Hour nor the Hong Kong flicks. As to the family orientation of the film, it's the first time Jacky Chan is immersed in role with an American reality of having a girlfriend with kids who doesn't enjoy the idea of having a stepfather. This kind of conflict is not original in this film. Though there are children casts in this movie, the exposure and the behavior of the kids are not what you can see in a GP film. The behavior of the children were beyond their age. it does not reflect values supposed to be in a family film but there were redeeming qualities. The story does not have the same spy thriller James Bond, Jack Ryan or Jason Bourne. Jacky's character is no longer discreet in the level of a spy with his nemesis. The only thing that can only be entertaining in this film is that there's always Jacky Chan and his trademark slapstick action/comedy. I would classify this film as Rated PG rather than GP.

The screening last January 14 was made possible by Wave 89.1

Contest:Win A Leather Journal From Mukhang Pera and Yes No Meh

Why I Badly Need This Leather Journal?

Before blogging in the internet, I've been writing in my personal journal so I can reflect my experiences and it uplifts my spirits. I drew inspiration for this from Doogie Howser,M.D. Back then, I don't have a computer like Doogie. I rely on big corporate planners that were giveaways from few companies. Whenever I find time, I browsed over my past journal entries and recall. That's were I see myself again in another time and another place. Where I encounter myself as another person. That's what my professor calls liminal experiences. You may also calls a "KODAK moment" because whatever means, it brings you back there.

This is my answer to the contest sponsored by Yes No Meh and bury me in this dress. Check out Mukhang Pera for more online contests!

Bayan and Sky Internets launches iWanTV!

Tired of missing out your favorite Kapamilya shows? Good news for BayanDSL and Sky Broadband. iWanTV! is an exclusive site for BayanDSL and Sky Broadband subscribers that will give you access to your favorite shows with online streaming. You will not missed any episodes any from your favorite soaps and prime time shows and the latest news anytime with only a click away! You can also access live broadcast from ANC and DZMM. If you missed an episode on it's initial telecast, it will be available online within 12 hours. All you need is to have a current residential subscription to Sky or Bayan, a computer and register at this website www.iwantv.com.ph

Review:During my hand's on experience with the site, I was impressed. There was no buffering upon clicking and it's clear and smmooth as if you are still watching on TV. The best part of watching it is it's commercial free. Now you can watch your memorable teleserye episodes again or have your own series marathon. That's only the beginning. There will be new shows on ABS-CBN this year and you can expect it will be online 12 hours upon it's premiere telecast.The important thing here is that your laptop or PC must run 512kbps in your browser to enjoy this privilege.

If you want to enjoy this privilege,subscribe to SkyBroadband or BayanDSL

You can choose from SkyBroadband's Plan 12 mbps that features Download up to 12 mbps and upload up to 1 mbps or Plan 6 mbps that features Download up to 6 mbps and Upload up to 1 mbps. Both Plans has additional benefits of free SkyCable Gold, Free SkyVoice Plan 100, memebership to Sky Club Prestige, Free installation, Waived cable modem deposit. You may also choose the lower Plans(3 mbps, 2 mbps, 1.5 mbps,1 mbps) with free installation. Subscribe to SkyBroadband or BayanDSL now and enjoy viewing iWanTV!

Movie Review:Zombieland

At first, I thought it was only following the example of old zombie b-movies like Army of Darkness. It was different. It wasn't like any apocalyptic zombie flick like Resident Evil or I am Legend but it has the same action mixed with humor. I believe it was even better than Resident Evil. The casting of this movie was neat. All unknowns except for Woody Harrelson,who was perfect for the part. I can imagine from the title of the movie that it was created by the same people that brought Adventureland and also cast Jesse Eisenberg for this movie.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Twinkies

Black Nazarene Festival:Another Example Of Blind Obedience In Religion

Earlier today, I saw people in my neighborhood carrying the smaller version of the Black Nazarene image wearing the same maroon shirt and also barefooted. Every year, this controversial religious tradition produces violence and casualties. No matter how crowded or hard to get through the crowd just to go near the image of the Black Nazarene. If religion was supposed to help people why would a religion allow this tradition to get people hurt? This, I think, the only tradition that has police on standby. Like I explained in my reflection, one of the warnings suggested by Charles Kimball "When Religion Becomes Evil" was Blind Obedience. The Roman Catholic Church also doesn't advise this tradition because of the outcome. They only say the reason because it's tradition. I don't think this tradition produces faith but also idolatry somehow. Why risked your life over an image? The faith of the people is also blinded.

Autographed Purpose Driven Youth Ministry for Sale

PhP317.00
This book gave it's worth when I was still handling a student ministry in campus. Though I still find it useful but I can't help but to sell it. My cellphone was accidentally got wet so I need to have it repair but the repair seemed to cost more. It also has sentimental value because it was autographed by the author Doug Fields himself when he was here.It's in near-mint condition. For meet-ups, I prefer within Metro Manila.

Epiphany

Today marks Epiphany,the last day of the Christmas season. It was also called the feast of the Three Kings. Though Christiandom celebrates this, most Christians don't know that there were no records of them to be three and they were not kings. They were the Magi,wise men or if you prefer their modern name, astrologers. They were observers of the positions of the stars and planets. During those days, astrologers are high officials and advisers to royalty. The three quantity was probably because of the three gifts they carry but they might be just two or four or more than that. Consider also the journey. You don't travel long journeys with just a few people. It's also dangerous. These magi are important people. There was also a wrong idea that they visited the Christ child on Christmas Day. That couldn't be possible because they only saw the star when they were still in the East and faster travel is not the luxury they have. According the Bible, the wise men saw the child no longer in the manger and when they escaped without telling Herod, Herod ordered all boys two years old and below killed. This assumes that the wise men saw the Jesus no longer as a newborn like the Nativity scenes suggest commercially but older than that. The wise men must have traveled two years upon seeing the star.

For Sale:Video Footage of Maguindanao Massacre?!?

I heard from the news that there were massive selling of Maguindanao Massacre video in DVD format. I know video audio piracy can be considered stealing but the raw footage of the massacre is another thing. There are reasons why the media didn't show all of the footage of the massacre and it's not just because it's violent and gruesome. It also has ethics involve. If the censors were strict with the TV and movies, they are much more stricter with the news. My example regarding this ethical issue was the suicide of Budd Dwyer. A U.S. local news broadcast shows controversial politician Budd Dwyer called press conference because of a scandal. The media thought he was giving a statement. Then Dwyer pulled a revolver from a paper bag he carried. People present were shouting, "Budd,no!" and "Don't". Dwyer said it's alright then pulled the trigger while aimed at his chin and blown straight out of his head. The news network who showed this on air didn't consider the ethical matter of what their broadcast did and what impact of their viewers. The pirates are no exception. They have no regards of ethical issues of what they did when they sell this videos. All they know is profit. The massacred victims' loved ones said these people don't respect their grief. Instead of sympathizing, they make money out of it. These pirates, in my opinion, are heartless and cruel and they are no different from the butchers who orchestrated the massacre.

Reflecting On When Religion Becomes Evil:Blind Obedience

One of the warnings Charles Kimball gave was Blind Obedience. My reflection on this made me ask this. Does our religion give us what we need that we allow ourselves to serve our religion as if they dictate us like gods? Kimball can site many examples here in the Philippines. Every Holy Week especially in Pampanga were devotees whipped themselves and a selected three allowed themselves to be crucified as Jesus Christ suffered.In my understanding of Christianity, Jesus Christ died for the salvation of humankind so it may live. What was these people doing? Do they also think they can save the human race again like Jesus did? Do they think that Jesus didn't redeem the world that they keep on doing this? The Roman Catholic Church discourages the annual practice because it was bloody. I think it is no longer relevant. Their explanation was that because it's tradition. So, in other words, the Roman Catholic Church has no control of it's followers regarding this matter. Another example is from Apolo Quibuloy's controversial sect. In a previous broadcast of The Probe Team, Cheche Lazaro did an expose of Apolo Quibuloy and his The Kingdom of Jesus Christ. I will not focus on Ms. Lazaro's broadcast as a whole. There was an incident involving Quibuloy's "Kingdom" regarding a follower/devotee had no contact with the parents since being active in the "Kingdom". The parents got worried and filed suit against Quibuloy fearing she was kidnapped. Then, the daughter surfaced and explained that she was not kidnapped and held against her will. Then,Quibuloy filed a counter-suit against the parents.As I see this,Quibuloy should really act as a "shepherd" more than a "king" in his "kingdom" and should set an example to his flock. The daughter is now taking studies for the "Kingdom's" ministries. So busy that she can't even make contact with worried parents. This I think are my examples of Blind Obedience.

Review:Turtles Forever

This brings back memories of my childhood.Turtles Forever is a made-for-TV movie by the same production that brought you the TV series for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 25th anniversary. The story introduces the Turtles to their parallel selves from an alternate universe,the ones with letters on their belt line. What a riot would it be to see not just four turtles but eight of them. If you are familiar with DC Comics' Crisis,of which I'm sure my fellow geeks are aware, you will fully grasps the story easily.The 1987 TMNT characters are now well-defined in color than what they used to.You will also realized how the two sets of turtle quartets differs from each other.TMNT was based on the characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird and owned by Mirage Studios.Cowabanga,dudes!

Rating: 3 halfshells

Movie Review:The Boat That Rocked

Richard Curtis,the genius behind Four Weddings,Bridget Jones movies,Love Actually, and Notting Hill brings another British comedy with an all-star cast led by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans and Kenneth Branagh.

Plot:It's 1966-pop music's finest era-and a bunch of ramshackle DJs play rock & roll 24 hours a day, broadcasting from Radio Rock, an infamous pirate radio station inside a ship in the North Sea.

Review:It has the same elements Richard Curtis did in his previous movies. A colorful group of friends, a lone American among Brits, and British humor. There must be something about British comedies that differ itself from any Hollywood/American comedy which I find original.There's a new heartrob in the movie(Tom Sturridge). In the story, he's not a lone protagonist which is like what Curtis did in Love Actually. I have nothing against Hugh Grant but I don't think there's a role that will fit him in this movie. If you cast Hugh Grant here,casting him would clash with the other actors. I love Bill Nighy and Rhys Ifans performance. Nighy and Ifans showed acting that was not really identified or what was popularized by them.

"Open your knees and feel the breeze, because Gavin's back to stay!"-Rhys Ifans as Gavin Cavanagh