Entertainment Reviews

We have already seen enough of "The Ring" and "The Grudge", so why is Tinseltown still clamoring to get Asian movies remade? As if recreating Asian horror movie remakes are not enough, Hollywood is prepared to adapt Asian romantic comedies as well. Take "The Lake House", for example. Adapted from the Korean movie, "Il Mare", the movie stars Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.

It has been said that another Asian blockbuster would grace the cinemas with all its brand new Hollywood package. The Asian movie is "My Sassy Girl", a story about an unlikely couple whose love is left on the hands of fate (aren't all?). It follows Kyun-Woo's (Tae-hyun Cha) reluctant relationship with his nameless bossy girlfriend and their ultra schmaltzy love story.

I have seen the Korean make of this film and actually, I really enjoyed it. It was hilariously funny with all the jokes in all the right places and the cute performance by the Asian actors. I still do not know who would be Hollywood's Sassy Girl, but please, let it be not Lindsay Lohan. I still have to see whether the American remake of this charming romantic comedy would be able to surpass its Asian predecessor in the box office.

I'm so glad that Keanu Reeves has finally made another flick. It's been a while since I've last seen his handsome stony looks, so I was definitely thrilled when I learned that he is paired with Sandra Bullock with this new romance movie "The Lake House".

Warner Brother's "The Lake House" is a story of a romance formed between two estranged people as they are able to connect with each other through a certain mailbox. I can't say if such theme is unique in Hollywood films, since I haven't heard any films that used such "a thing connects two people". News, however, said that the film is basically patterned after a South Korean film in 2000. The movie talks about how love was formed between Kate (Bullock) and Alex (Reeves). In the movie, they apparently meet via a house mailbox. And by the way, Alex and Kate both reside in a same house. The only difference is that Kate is two years advanced from Alex's time. I guess that's just how the plot goes in the story. Unusual love story? I can say that it is not common, but very predictable.

Now, if you prefer to watch this cheesy romance flick, you need to address it in a fairy tale story type, in which a traveling mailbox is the center stage. In addition, the film also has lapses in terms of questionable scenes regarding both character's communication. However, I still appreciate the fact it's brave enough to come up with a supernatural storyline like the movie "Ghost". I also think that adventurous romantics, who want to explore how love is both blissful and poignant will fancy such cheesy and tacky love story.

"X-Men: The Last Stand" proved its strength in the box office earning an estimated $120.1 million dollars in its opening week, making it the fourth biggest weekend gross in history. Produced by 20th Century Fox, "X-men 3" is another sequel which puts an end to the trilogy. The movie received mixed reviews, but it managed to gain a spot in box office history, bashing other big movies like "The Da Vinci Code". It joins the pack of weekend top-grossers in history like "Spider-Man", "Star Wars: Episode III" and "Shrek 2".

"The Last Stand" is about the 'cure' for mutants and the revelation of the Dark Phoenix story. Like all adaptations, the movie failed to be faithful to the Marvel X-men comic book. Even though I have personal gripes when it comes to the plot and conflict resolution, that Golden Gate bridge thing is still awesome! It was very entertaining, overall. The star-studded cast added to its appeal. Hugh Jackman played Wolverine, actress Halle Berry played the role of Storm, Ian Mckellen played Magneto, Patrick Stewart played Professor X, and a lot more additions to the whole X-men franchise cast. It was directed by Brett Ratner, with a script by the team of Simon Kinberg and Zak Penn.

The movie adaptation of Dan Brown's best-selling novel “ The Da Vinci Code” is getting a lot of attention from the media lately. This may be or may not be a publicity stunt for the upcoming movie but most raves were centered on the religious theme of Ron Howard's masterpiece. The movie which stars award-winning actor Tom Hanks and the new sensation French girl, Audrey Tautou.

In India, Muslim groups are demanding that the movie be banned from the public claiming that the movie was a plain insult to Christianity. Creating protest all over Asia, Christian leaders are likewise fearful of the effects that the movie may spread misinformation about their religion. They are boycotting the movie and even attempted to barricade the movie's pre-screenings in Hong Kong. Even the head officials in Vatican is taking the movie seriously and even plans to file a lawsuit worried about the deleterious messages that the movie may impart. The film may cause unending debates among religious groups and other critics of the movie, pros or contras, but as they say the show must go on.

For a fully-grown up and matured adult like me, Disney's new animated movie is best describe as a nightmare that keeps coming back at night waking you up in the middle of your sleep. I must admit the effects were pretty cool themselves but what I didn't like about this CGI creation is its storyline. Don't you think you've seen this same movie before in yet another animated film.

And again they used animal characters that act like and talk like humans. Don't you think that concept has been much overused lately. First, there was Madagascar, then Ice Age. Kids and kids-at-heart surely enjoyed this two films but to bombard viewers with yet another one is too much. Thank God, the movie was a short 1 hour and 25 minutes.

The movie made use of the voice of, guess who: Hollywood stars. Kiefer Sutherland (probably his first time) was the voice of Samson, Jim Belushi as Benny the squirrel and Janeane Garofalo as Bridget the giraffe. Alright, I laughed a few times but don't get me wrong the movie does spread a few crazy antics courtesy of your wacky zoo animals, it's just that it's just so predictable don't you think?

Our life takes shape out of the series of choices we make. Making decisions though is not easy always. As much as there are choices we can make in an instant, there are also those that require us to think twice or even thrice before jumping in. Still, the fact that time and opportunities slip fast pressures us to pick the soonest time we can from various possibilities. We cannot afford to evade the responsibility of making a decision for ourselves unless of course we would want to end up like an empty shell and then probably realize such emptiness when it's too late.

The above truth is one of the lessons, which the film Under the Tuscan Sun leaves to its viewers. The movie may easily fall into the genre of typical light romantic comedies. However, it is not devoid of important lessons. Based on the novel by Frances Meyes, the film recounts the recovery of a writer after her recent divorce and her adventures in the beautiful land of Tuscany, Italy. Buying a villa and living in Cortona was never part of France's (the character in the movie) plans when she went to tour Italy. Yet she did take the chance during the few seconds she saw the villa. (She could have remained seated while the bus passed by. But she didn't.) Her decision seemed pointless at first, yet the new phase of her life eventually took shape after being blessed with friends who were also her family.

I ain't a big fan of beauty pageants, but I chose this topic for my blog just because I want to let you all know what's behind it all. Why are young girls doing everything, even go under a surgeon's knife, just to put a beauty title to their name? Is it all worth it when it can make or break you as a person? Parents become the candidates' support group overseeing whether their daughters look perfect. And like their daughters, these moms and dads are also doing everything for their daughter's success.

The new reality show from MTV "Tiara Girls" chronicles the process that teenagers had to undergo to reach for their dreams of becoming a beauty queen. Day-in and day-out, the camera follows these young girls from the preparation to the pageant night itself. As with other reality shows, Tiara Girls promises anything but boring.

You've got a lot of drama and a small dose of suspense. Viewers will see a lot of cursing girls and parents as well; shopping; and make-up, make-up, and still a lot of make-up. Tiara Girls may well be the next reality TV hit, but who knows?

I was invited by a friend to a preview screening of the movie Tristan & Isolde. I never knew anything about the movie or the myth surrounding it, but I must say that I was blown away by the tragic romance that the film wanted to impart. It was a love story and so much more. This movie gave a refreshing twist to the endearing bitter-sweet romance of Romeo and Juliet only better.

The story is set in medieval times. The characters of Tristan, played by James Franco, and Isolde, played by Sophia Myles, met Tristan's left-for-dead body were washed ashore in Ireland. The two hit it together instantly never knowing that both their fathers are bitter rivals as they grapple for power and sovereignty.

Well, the story was unexpectedly good and the audience will surely be captivated, as I was mesmerized. There was every inch tragedy and love but it promises to be anything but dull. It wasn't too sentimental either. There was also action amidst the tragedy which all the more made the difference apart from the usual genres of tragic-drama-love story. The battle scenes were done with great intensity and superb Hollywood quality thanks to Kevin Reynolds. What made the story of Tristan & Isolde differently from Romeo and Juliet is the ending. I bet you know what I'm talking about. Enjoy.

Thank God for Fox Network for coming out with the latest season of the biggest talent search in the US, American Idol. It has taken the world by storm which is why countries around the world are starting their own version of the show. I must say American Idol is still the best.

What makes the show gain a lot of followers is its three judges namely Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. I just love how Simon can be really straightforward in sending home the poor singers in the auditions. Some yell back at him and utter bad words against him. Sometimes the three judges argue because Paula and Randy are willing to say yes to a contestant and yet Simon declines. Resulting to a clash of views. There was even this one episode wherein Simon walked out of the auditions because of a heated confrontation with one of the other judges.

American Idol 5 is a really good show especially for those who love singing like me. The show offers you nothing but the best and talented young people in America and provides as venue for young people who dream of making it big in Hollywood like Kelly Clarkson. I am just glad that it gets better and better every season.

If you are on the lookout for intelligent and witty reviews on the latest entertainment buzz, be sure to check out the New Yorker magazine. Since the showbiz periodical has gone online, I don't see much of the copies lying around the floors of the house anymore. When the magazine went online, it became easier to peruse the archives for the smart discussions on art, dance, photography, music, film, and everything that involves culture.

One of their latest entries is a discussion on a theater masterpiece called The Pajama Game. This is an opera set in the mid-fifties boom. In Dancing, Joan Acocella discusses about Flamenco, its fabled popularity, and its commerciality. You could also visit the online magazine's archive for the less popular film reviews written by the masterful New Yorker critics. There's a place for Facts and Fiction, and you could eavesdrop on The Talk of the Town.

The New Yorker is an entertainment and culture magazine that tackles everything of high culture, even of gourmet food and restaurants. If you are curious about the Goings on About Town in the city that never sleeps, flip through the pages and become a New York lover yourself. New Yorker, is after all, a top magazine that tackles New York City inside and out.

They all say that death is inevitable. Or, is it? You've most probably watched the original Final Destination. I wouldn't be surprised if you've also seen the sequel.

So, why bother to watch Final Destination 3? Well, you might think that you've seen it all. A high school student being able to predict when, where, and who Death is going to take next. The protagonist does everything in his/her power to avoid death. He/she also tells his/her friends about his/her premonitions. Some actually believe him/her. There are still some others who won't. It even came to a point that the protagonist was left with nobody but himself/herself.

No one can actually blame the protagonists' so-called friends if they can't believe the former. In real life, one must admit that it truly is hard to accept Death is on his way to take a person's life. It becomes even harder to believe when someone knows how and when you are going to die. You may actually think that the person is going nuts. Therefore, some people would rather avoid the "crazy" person rather than to try to avoid death.

This is what is depicted in the previous two movies of Final Destination. However, it doesn't mean that you should ignore the third version of the said movie. The rollercoaster scene is enough to watch out for. There is actually no reason for people to think that Final Destination 3 is going to be boring and dull. Quite the contrary, one will realize that this movie is well worth the cinema tickets that he/she is paying for.

I just can't get enough of entertainment reviews! Being a movie buff, that I am, I firmly believe that they are very helpful, most of the times honest and accurate, and very informative. First of, you wouldn't know the truth about certain films, or books that you haven't seen or read, if it weren't for entertainment reviews, right? I get my first yummy scoops from entertainment reviews, c'mon! Spare me the agony of long hours spent watching hopeless flicks like Gigli for instance? Or buying over-priced books and not wanting to turn to the next page without hurling. Cynicism aside, entertainment reviews are a good read, if you want the truth, without biased, over-used lines just to promote a movie, a book or anything else, I suggest you start reading entertainment reviews, they're easy-reads and always updated.