One popcorn please!
I'm posting this month's movie reviews a day earlier. Tomorrow is my pamper.myself.day. I'm checking into a hotel for an overnight stay. I intend to do nothing but relax, order room service, soak in a hot tub and maybe go for a soothing massage. Ahhh life is good! =)


ALEXANDER - Oliver Stone's foray into the grand epic was a failure at the box office. But the controversial director made a good movie which simply didn't get much publicity. It is rather difficult to make a movie about a historical figure. He did succeed in bringing to the screen the multi faceted persona of Alexander. Acting was good, the plot evolved from archives of historical data and I enjoyed watching it.


WHITE NOISE - A dead person contacts someone he left behind on earth to warn them about some unexplained danger. If only it was that simple! The plot has a twist and things aren't as they seem. It did make my heart jump out of my chest a few times but that's because I scare easily! Michael Keaton is a delight to watch no matter what movie he acts in.


5 x 2 (CINQ FOIS DEUX) - I saw this at the French film festival in Greenbelt. Interesting theme - 5 important stages in the life of a couple shown in reverse order. Starting with their divorce, an infidelity episode, the birth of their son, their wedding and the day they met. Really simple plot and it mainly focuses on the 2 main characters. The French they used was easy to comprehend unlike some of the films where they use a certain version of the language which can be difficult to decipher. I have to admit my facility with the language is not as fluent as before. I do rely on the subtitles sometimes.


MON IDOLE (WHATEVER YOU SAY) - This was rather hilarious in a twisted kind of way that only European movies can pull through. Everything happens only in a span of 4 days (including the weekend) A guy's life is totally turned upside down, you cannot help but feel pity for him yet laugh at how ridiculous everything seems to be. Good laugh!


FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX - I never saw the original so I cannot compare this version. Something about films ("Lawrence of Arabia", "Hidalgo") that feature the desert as the backdrop scene interests me. A bunch of people are stranded with a broken plane and they all contribute to rebuild it and have a happy ending. But not before you encounter bandits, desert storms, characters going missing and their water supply running out.


MR & MRS SMITH - Highly implausible story, a couple not knowing what each other does for livelihood. But hey Brad Pitt was in it so I'm a happy trooper. And Angelina Jolie rocks too! I like their chemistry together. But according to an article I read in the Time Magazine, the movie was supposed to star Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman. But she got caught up in the taping of "Stepford Wives". So there was a conflict in their schedules. So I guess Brad should thank Nicole for bringing him and Angelina together for the movie as well as into his life.


BATMAN BEGINS - This explains that Bruce Wayne as Batman is a mere human being after all. Not as dark as I thought it would be. Christian Bale who I admire as a fine actor portrayed the younger Bruce Wayne ideally. Great supporting cast - each one contributing to the beauty of the whole movie. I like the part where it says something about conquering our fears and the fact that his father was a caring individual. The humane aspect of the movie was appealing but the gadgets and the special effects was laudable too. A movie directed by Christopher Nolan, the same guy who gave us "Memento" - one of the strangest films I've watched. But hey! Michael Keaton will always be my Batman!


UN AMOUR A TAIRE (A LOVE TO BE CONCEALED) - Spring 1942 - Sarah, Jean and Philippe are between 20 and 30 years old. She is Jewish. They are a gay couple. Setting is during the German occupation of France under the Vichy government. Things take a bad turn when Jean is arrested and put on a train along with the Jews. His 'crime' - he is a member of the 3rd sex. His hardships begin at the labor camps where he renders tough menial jobs to 'rehabilitate' him. A rather sensitive subject but the film dealt with it without any vulgar undertones. There were 100,00 members of the gay community all over France who were taken to several camps for re-doctrinaire. The purpose was to cleanse the Aryan race. Disturbing facts really but it is part of Europe's past.


THE VILLAGE - I bought this for only P100 at NBS. Another M. Night Shyamalan offering and it lived up to his reputation for keeping us in suspense. Of course, it won't match 6th Sense. But still! Powerful performance from the daughter of Director Ron Howard - Bryce Dallas Howard. She totally carried the entire movie solely on her expressive eyes and you totally commiserate with her plight. And who else but M. Night would come up with an interesting twist towards the end.


HOTEL RWANDA - A true story based on the heroic efforts of a humble GM of a four star hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. Paul Rusesabagina, ably portrayed by a good actor, Don Cheadle saved 1282 Tutsi refugees who took refuge in the Hotel de Mille Collins. An intense tale about the genocide in Rwanda when the Hutus annihilated their rival Tutsis. A civil war the world just stood by and watched from the comforts of their living rooms. A gripping scene is when the foreign guests (the Caucasians) were boarding a bus to take them to the airport to escape the atrocity while the Rwandans watched helplessly knowing their fate was doomed. Go and see this movie because people need to know that a million people were butchered in three months! And nobody not even the U.N. nor the powerful nations lifted a finger to stop it. As Colonel Oliver [the head of the U.N. peace keeping mission] told Paul - [explaining why the world will not intervene] "You're black. You're not even a nigger. You're an African." Really sad but true!

Insanely delicious!
That's what it says on the box of Go Nuts Donuts.
They just opened their latest branch at The Podium.
So after my transactions at the bank and buying 2 VCDs from Astroplus, I joined the queue to see what the fuss is all about.
I bought 2 chocolate sprinkers, 1 pastillas de leche, 1 very berry, 1 cinnamon glaze and 1 CHOC Nut donut.
I admit I do have a sweet tooth.
Sometimes I hardly touch my meal and go straight for the dessert.
Yes it is indeed yummy and delicious.
But it would take me another month or so before I eat another donut again. I've had my sugar fix for now!
I will just stick to Nestle fat free yogurt for dessert.
I don't want to NOT fit into my fav jeans again. =)

You know what?
There is a chubby gray and white pigeon on my window sill.
Yes really I kid you not!
I came home around 6:49 pm after watching "Hotel Rwanda".
An intensely gripping movie which I recommend!
7 pm - public apology of President Arroyo.
She admits it is her on the tapes.
And that it was a lapse in judgment.
Of course you got reactions from every single being in this nation. Everyone has something to say about it.
So blah I switch off the darn TV - enough of politics!
I fix a quick dinner of leftovers and rice.
9:30 pm - heavy downpour!
I close the windows near the staircase.
I almost scream when this pigeon comes to perch outside.
Hmmm I surely didn't ask for any sign.
Nothing merits me asking God for a symbol.
Unlike that time, I asked if I needed to end a relationship that was boring me to death.
I asked for a blue rose. Next day I got one in a forwarded email.
So I dumped him. End of sob love story.
So YES I believe in them, signs.
I wonder what this pigeon signifies?
It could be nothing at all.
He just wants to shield away from the rain.
Ok fair enough.
I will just light my scented candles.
And I'll read this book in bed.
Dennis Bloodworth's "Have a Nice Day"
A novel that satirises British & Japanese culture.

Yes, little pigeon is still there!

A-Z
Age you lost your virginity? 20something
Band listening to right now? Lifehouse
Dream Car? Toyota Echo
Dads name? Salvador
Easiest person to make you laugh? My father
Food you miss most? Coco's (in Dubai) moist chocolate cake
Any encounters with Ghosts? None
Person most Hated at the moment? Nobody
Interesting unknown fact about yourself? I stay in the cinema until the end credits of the movie is over
The first letter of the last person who Just broke your heart? E.E
Kissing with eyes opened or closed? Closed
Last time you did LSD? Never
Most memorable Moment you can think of in a minute? Hiking in Palawan because I think it is a miracle I was able to do it!
Nicknames? Daph, Lau, Net
What are your most valued pOssessions? My family
Poison of choice? Sleeping pills
The last Quote you heard? "Life is already rough. Make it easy by enjoying it!"
What are you alleRgic to? Dust
Song you sang last? "Shiver" by Natalie Imbruglia
Time you woke up? 9:30 AM
Fave pair of Underwear? A black lace bikini type
Vegetable you hate most? Ampalaya
What are you the most afraid of? Death of a loved one
X-rated love life? I'm currently single and celibate
Year you were born? 1968
Zodiac sign? Libra

"Nobody, not even the rain has such small hands"
I love the rain. I love when it rains.
Visions of a verdant garden with colorful flowers being moisturized by precipitation enter my mind. It has a calming effect for me.

But.

I don't appreciate it when after running errands all day I get home then I walk on a mini raging river of water that soak my favorite sneakers and drench my tiny toes. All because we cannot afford an underground parking lot and pay monthly to park the car in a warehouse located near our residence.

I don't appreciate it either when safely dry in my loft, the power flickers on and off so:

It interrupts the only time this week I got to chat with ER - with whom I was discussing the latest movies I saw and also told him I wish I could find a way to see this film! But it is only shown in limited theaters across the US and was an entry in the San Francisco Film Festival a few months ago.

It ruined the brownies I was baking in the oven for today's general house cleaning task.

I wasn't able to enjoy (without disruptions) my weekly Friday French movie on TV5. This week featured a rather interesting one entitled "Un amour a taire"

By the way, the title of my post today is part of a poignant poem by E.E. Cummings. Hauntingly beautiful words!
I'm off to bed to enjoy this cuddly weather although I have no one to hug except my pillows.
Happy Weekend! =)

Happiness is priceless
Mark and Spencer's Peppermint Tea - Php 185.00
TLF Farms fresh Argula salad pack - Php 50.00
Bravo Italian vinaigrette Dressing - Php 130.00
XOXO blue jeans (Dubai, 2000) - Dhs 425.00
Genuine black leather belt (Florence, 2001) - US$ 20.00


Discovering that my 5 year old jeans which I had to put away in my closet fits me AGAIN! + I wear a belt to keep it up is PRICELESS!

The AFI's 100 Movie Quotes
The American Film Institute recently released their Top 100 Movie Quotes. Interesting list!

Since I'm a film addict and a hopeful romantic my favorite quote in this list would be # 52! =)


The Honorees Are:
1. Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.
GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)


2. I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse.
THE GODFATHER (1972)


3. You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am.
ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)


4. Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.
THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)


5. Here's looking at you, kid.
CASABLANCA (1942)


6. Go ahead, make my day.
SUDDEN IMPACT (1983)


7. All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.
SUNSET BLVD. (1950)


8. May the Force be with you.
STAR WARS (1977)


9. Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night.
ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)


10. You talking to me?
TAXI DRIVER (1976)


11. What we've got here is failure to communicate.
COOL HAND LUKE (1967)


12. I love the smell of napalm in the morning.
APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)


13. Love means never having to say you're sorry.
LOVE STORY (1970)


14. The stuff that dreams are made of.
THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)


15. E.T. phone home.
E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982)


16. They call me Mister Tibbs!
IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT (1967)


17. Rosebud.
CITIZEN KANE (1941)


18. Made it, Ma! Top of the world!
WHITE HEAT (1949)


19. I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!
NETWORK (1976)


20. Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
CASABLANCA (1942)


21. A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)


22. Bond. James Bond.
DR. NO (1962)


23. There's no place like home.
THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)


24. I am big! It's the pictures that got small.
SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)


25. Show me the money!
JERRY MAGUIRE (1996)


26. Why don't you come up sometime and see me?
SHE DONE HIM WRONG (1933)


27. I'm walking here! I'm walking here!
MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)


28. Play it, Sam. Play 'As Time Goes By.'
CASABLANCA (1942)


29. You can't handle the truth!
A FEW GOOD MEN (1992)


30. I want to be alone.
GRAND HOTEL (1932)


31. After all, tomorrow is another day!
GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)


32. Round up the usual suspects.
CASABLANCA (1942)


33. I'll have what she's having.
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989)


34. You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow.
TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT (1944)


35. You're gonna need a bigger boat.
JAWS (1975)


36. Badges? We ain't got no badges! We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinking badges!
THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)


37. I'll be back.
THE TERMINATOR (1984)


38. Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.
THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES (1942)


39. If you build it, he will come.
FIELD OF DREAMS (1989)


40. Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.
FORREST GUMP (1994)


41. We rob banks.
BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)


42. Plastics.
THE GRADUATE (1967)


43. We'll always have Paris.
CASABLANCA (1942)


44. I see dead people.
THE SIXTH SENSE (1999)


45. Stella! Hey, Stella!
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)


46. Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars.
NOW, VOYAGER (1942)


47. Shane. Shane. Come back!
SHANE (1953)


48. Well, nobody's perfect.
SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)


49. It's alive! It's alive!
FRANKENSTEIN (1931)


50. Houston, we have a problem.
APOLLO 13 (1995)


51. You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?
DIRTY HARRY (1971)


52. You had me at "hello"
JERRY MAGUIRE (1996)


53. One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don't know.
ANIMAL CRACKERS (1930)


54. There's no crying in baseball!
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (1992)


55. La-dee-da, la-dee-da.
ANNIE HALL (1977)


56. A boy's best friend is his mother.
PSYCHO (1960)


57. Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.
WALL STREET (1987)


58. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
THE GODFATHER II (1974)


59. As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again.
GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)


60. Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into!
SONS OF THE DESERT (1933)


61. Say "hello" to my little friend!
SCARFACE (1983)


62. What a dump.
BEYOND THE FOREST (1949)


63. Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me. Aren't you?
THE GRADUATE (1967)


64. Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room!
DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)


65. Elementary, my dear Watson.
THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (1929)


66. Get your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape.
PLANET OF THE APES (1968)


67. Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world,
she walks into mine.
CASABLANCA (1942)


68. Here's Johnny!
THE SHINING (1980)


69. They're here!
POLTERGEIST (1982)


70. Is it safe?
MARATHON MAN (1976)


71. Wait a minute, wait a minute. You ain't heard nothin' yet!
THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)


72. No wire hangers, ever!
MOMMIE DEAREST (1981)


73. Mother of mercy, is this the end of Rico?
LITTLE CAESAR (1930)


74. Forget it, Jake, it's Chinatown.
CHINATOWN (1974)


75. I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)


76. Hasta la vista, baby.
TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY (1991)


77. Soylent Green is people!
SOYLENT GREEN (1973)


78. Open the pod bay doors, HAL.
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)


79. Striker: Surely you can't be serious.
Rumack: I am serious ... and don't call me Shirley.
AIRPLANE! (1980)


80. Yo, Adrian!
ROCKY (1976)


81. Hello, gorgeous.
FUNNY GIRL (1968)


82. Toga! Toga!
NATIONAL LAMPOON'S ANIMAL HOUSE (1978)


83. Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make.
DRACULA (1931)


84. Oh, no, it wasn't the airplanes. It was Beauty killed the Beast.
KING KONG (1933)


85. My precious.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: TWO TOWERS (2002)


86. Attica! Attica!
DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975)


87. Sawyer, you're going out a youngster, but you've got to come back a star!
42ND STREET (1933)


88. Listen to me, mister. You're my knight in shining armor. Don't you forget it. You're going to get back on that horse, and I'm going to be right behind you, holding on tight, and away we're gonna go, go, go!
ON GOLDEN POND (1981)


89. Tell 'em to go out there with all they got and win just one for the Gipper.
KNUTE ROCKNE ALL AMERICAN (1940)


90. A martini. Shaken, not stirred.
GOLDFINGER (1964)


91. Who's on first.
THE NAUGHTY NINETIES (1945)


92. Cinderella story. Outta nowhere. A former greenskeeper, now, about to become the Masters champion. It looks like a mirac...It's in the hole! It's in the hole! It's in the hole!
CADDYSHACK (1980)


93. Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!
AUNTIE MAME (1958)


94. I feel the need - the need for speed!
TOP GUN (1986)


95. Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary. DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989)


96. Snap out of it!
MOONSTRUCK (1987)


97. My mother thanks you. My father thanks you.
My sister thanks you. And I thank you.
YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)


98. Nobody puts Baby in a corner.
DIRTY DANCING (1987)


99. I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!
THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)


100. I'm king of the world!
TITANIC (1997)

Teehee, I'm done!
I submitted my project and will get paid end of the month.
Now I can relax.
Pamper myself.
Read more.
Get to sleep longer hours!
But most of all, I can watch this, this, and this one too!

My current LSS
D'sound - Do I need a reason
Do I need a reason to tell you why
I'm singing you this song
Do I need a reason to show you that
I know where I belong
Whenever I am weary I lean on
this feeling that I have
I am so much stronger now
Thankful, yes I am