Movie Review: BUTTERFLY ON A WHEEL

SYNOPSIS:
Neil (Butler) and Abby Warner (Bello) have the perfect life and a perfect marriage. With their beautiful young daughter, Sophie, they are living the American dream...until that day…When Sophie is suddenly kidnapped, they have no choice but to comply with the abductor’s demands. The kidnapper - Ryan (Brosnan), a cold and calculating sociopath takes over their lives with the brutal efficiency of someone who has nothing to lose. In the blink of an eye Neil and Abby's safe and secure existence is turned upside down. Over the next twenty four hours they are at the mercy of a man who wants only one thing. That they do his bidding. It soon becomes clear that Ryan's demands are all the more terrifying because he doesn't want their money. What he wants is for Neil and Abby's life, the life that they have built over 10 years, to be systematically dismantled and destroyed. Piece by piece.
Prior to watching the said film in the movie house, I initially saw some scenes from the movie as it was being played in the bus I rode going to Ortigas. I found it really amusing at first plus the fact that it was Pierce Brosnan who seems to play a very crucial part. So I requested that my hubby and I watch this as soon as it opens it the movie houses!
As we watched it, it never turned us down. These days when our world has totally turned mad, this movie is a firm evidence of how people think nowadays. The first part of the movie may seem slow and stagnant that you might feel like sleeping but as soon as Pierce Brosnan appears, you’d be awakened and you’d get tuned in right away. Pierce Brosnan’s role is vital to the movie. It would actually appear as if he gave life to the film. Normally, you’d expect him to be the bedazzling agent 007, but from this film he’ll surprise viewers as he plays a psychopath determined to ruin and annihilate. But he really played an award-winning role. On the other hand, Butler & Bello did award-winning supporting roles too as they gave life to the fearing couple
From the trailer which says:“an unfaithful wife…an unsuspecting husband…an obsessive lover…”-you’d definitely assume and suspect who depicts who among the characters. But the movie will give a real twist that might turn your world upside down as it leads you to the film’s end. And it leaves you one question: “Who’s the butterfly on the wheel?”
The movie seemed hefty and overflowing emotional tension is very evident. It defies adultery and would leave you with these questions hanging on your head:
-How do you exactly bring justice to a crime like adultery?
-How grave is it to sleep with someone else’s husband or wife?
-What would you exactly do if you caught your partner having an affair?
-Would you be driven to kill, punish or seek revenge?
The movie actually illustrates the modern day way of seeking revenge and giving justice to the pains of adultery. It destroys the usual norms of endless cries, suicide, or committing adultery as well to be even. It exemplifies revenge in a very intelligent way.
RATING: 9 out of 10 stars
RE-WATCH VALUE: High

Glorietta 2-GROUND ZERO!

“Manila PHILIPPINES-October 19, 2007 Glorietta 2 exploded and killed 11 people and injured more than a hundred.”
I was actually out Friday-October 19. I ran an errand for my boss-I need to get her mdr at Philhealth office in pasig since she was about to check-out of Makati Med. Ortigas Area has always been traffic jammed especially on a Friday-traffic was more evident since it was the 1st of the 3 day sale at mega mall that’s why I absolutely had a hard time looking for a ride. I was supposed to have lunch with my hubby-I was about to text him that we meet at Glorieta to have lunch there since I’m out on a field work but I received an earlier text from him that he is on his way to the office and he’ll wait for me there instead. I came back to the office and the moment I arrived, my officemate Mommy Elaine informed me that Glorieta was bombed. I was shocked but at the same time thankful and I uttered to myself-“thank God I did not send that text message…”
It was a big shock! As I came down from the office to meet my hubby, I saw fire trucks and ambulances passing by to reach the area so this is definitely for real! As my hubby and I conversed about it these thoughts played in my mind: a mystery behind the said explosion has yet to be unveiled.
A week has passed and yet these questions were left unanswered:
1. who’s the culprit?
Top of the list: the terrorists-yet no one from the group claims.
Second: Muslims- I received this forwarded text message:
BOMB THREAT FORWARDED MESSAGE:
"Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.. Isa ako na muslim taga-Lanao. Gusto ko po malaman ng lahat para umabot to sa Manila, kakatapos lang ng plan ni Sheik-utak sa Glorietta. Plano nila na pasabugin ang isa sa Trinoma,SM-Mega,168,MRT,Union Bank Quiapo, RCBC, HSBC at marami pa. Wag ipasa sa kilala nyo na muslim, baka malaman nila na may nagkalat before November 1 ang pagsabog gamit van na sasakyan"
Third: Malacañang/ Arroyo Government: they say that this might be GMA’s way of deviating the people’s attention since the opposition has a plot of filing another impeachment case against her. As per Senator Trillanes, he accuses the administration’s military men to cause the explosion due to these purposes: to tighten the human security act, strong point to crush the muslim insurgency in Mindanao and the possibility of a State of Emergency. Former Senators and writers who experienced the martial law during Marcos’ time described the glorietta bombing much similar to pre-martial law days, same incidents pf bombing happened. And in this sense, it could happen again not as martial law but once GMA declares a state of emergency.

2. What caused the explosion?
A week has passed yet the police have no conclusion whether it is a bomb or an lpg tank. But then if it is a bomb, how was the bomb placed and did it explode inside or outside the mall? From here we question the security-how could it happen when there are roving guards even bomb sniffing dogs all over the building and even metal detectors. From here we leave one question as well “ Are the guards trained enough to determine whether a person carries a bomb with him and every time they check bags-do they really know what they are actually looking for?
On the other hand, if it’s an lpg, can an lpg cause such a big explosion? So strong that it destroyed the entire façade of glorietta 2? Reports say that there are other chemicals around that might have caused such a big explosion but from here we check whether the facilities and sanitation of glorietta is checked or monitored daily…

3. What’s the purpose?
If it is the government, there is one clear purposes and the main reason would be hunger for staying power. If it’s the muslims we’ll we have longed suffer the reasons for the cause of what they are fighting for. One question though that would make you wonder…” If it was indeed a bomb explosion created by terrorists-why did they do it on a weekday or why not schedule the bombing at a time or day when people are jam packed. And knowing how terrorists’ work they would have targeted more innocent lives to kill compared to the number of injuries from the recent bombing.


Moving forward in between days…
On being a regular shopper & customer: The event indeed created fear in all of us. Given all the warnings, it would be better to lessen malling & shopping. Or not go to the malls unless you’ll have to buy something really important or dine out with someone really important. Let us be cautious and more vigilant.
On being a commuter: not only will my malling experience be affected (I pass by glorietta everyday) but my commuting and traveling experience would be greatly affected as well. Therefore let us be cooperative- let’s open our bags for checking and not get irritated. Let us brace ourselves for longer and slower bag inspections both in MRT/LRT and malls.
On being a Filipino: through the years, our country has long been infested with incidents of bombing. With resilience as one of our outstanding traits, we will move on and get over this-let us let time heal the wounds all these has caused.
On being a member of the Family:
I wanted to share this heartbreaking email from Carlo Cruz-husband of one of the victims who died from the Glorietta bombing:

Good day everyone,

I wish I were writing under different circumstances.I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical Center at 230pm.I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there.We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she wanted to move around and listen to some music while I grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2 entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she turned right towards Filbar's while I went left towards the restaurants. That was the last time I would see her.Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1 through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.I still tried to convince myself that she was able to make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without a response only meant that she dropped it in the confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med.to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what the state of my wife was.My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then brought me to a small examination room. It was only through a digital camera that I was able to confirm (and deny) that she was indeed gone.I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner.I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should have not chose to park where I did. I should have braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should have ...Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber starts asking for her Mama.I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the details of how her mother died, but more importantly I would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and nurturing. She has always cared for her family and friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time mom and home maker.As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of which I regret not going through. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond her capacity. I will always love her.It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty simple to say, very easy to take for granted.Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to ask you to please include Leslie in them until her 40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz

I feel the pain of having lost someone very important to you. I sympathize for all the victims and the family of the people who died. My heart goes out to them. And from the letter…”let us cherish every moment we spend with our loved ones” and make the most out of each moment. For we will never know until it’s too late…

Movie Review: Stardust

Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s four-book 1997 DC Comics mini-series, which later became a novel THE PLOT: The story begins in an English town named the “wall” and a magical kingdom named Stormhold, it commenced with the death of Stronghold’s cagey monarch ( Peter O'Toole), who pits his seven sons against one another for the throne, which can be won only through possession of a ruby pendant and turning it red again. Before the King’s death, he threw the ruby pendant away however it has stricken a star. Meanwhile, there is indeed a long wall separating the real world from Stormhold, which humans are forbidden to enter, although there is only one ancient guard patrolling the breach but Tristan’s (Charlie Cox) father broke the rules and leapt through, Tristan was the product of his dad’s affair 18 years earlier with a witch’s slave in Stormhold. Meanwhile as he grew up Tristan pursues the most beautiful girl in town Victoria ((Sienna Miller), One night on their date, they saw a falling star. Tristan promised to get the star for Victoria so she could choose him and marry him over Humphrey. He then journeyed on a quest to retrieve a fallen star. But his journey takes him to a mysterious and forbidden land beyond the walls of his village. On his quest, Tristan finds the star but the star has transformed into a striking girl named Yvaine (Claire Danes). He found her in a crater and later on becomes her protector. Apparently, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star. Tristan must also overcome the evil witch, Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), the eternal youth and beauty she and her sisters covet can be attained only by cutting out and eating the heart of the star. She led the quest for the star to be captured and slaughtered. Tristan’s second foe is the last standing prince of Stormhold after the fraternal massacre plus the ghosts of the dead brothers and uncles. As Tristan battles to survive these threats, they found shelter in the person of a gay pirate named Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro). During their stay, Tristan & Yvaine found themselves falling in love with each other. Still Lamia was able to capture the star and Tristan was out to save her-which also led him to finally meet his mother who was actually the long lost princess of Stormhold & was the witch’s slave. The ending-Lamia was killed, Tristan being a blueblood made the ruby turned red again and he was crowned the new king of stormhold and they reigned for 80 years with his wife-Yvaine: the falling star.

Watching this movie made me shocked but at the same time fall in love with it! It was absolutely wonderful! Upon seeing the trailer in both TV and movie houses, I readily got amused that I was so eager to watch it. Watching this movie made me shocked but at the same time fall in love with it! I was highly impressed! It was absolutely wonderful! If you are a sucker for fantasy and magic this is well-recommended. While watching the film, you’d feel like you are in a journey. I’ve watched so many fantasy and magical movies over the years but I can proudly say it is the next best fantasy movie I’ve ever watched! The movie is like a magic carpet transporting you to another world full of magic and mysteries! Stardust winks its eye at the traditions of the fairy tale. It may be like one of the many “happily-ever after” stories from the book but you would never get tired of hearing it. Stardust is a deliciously sweet tale with chock full of true love

It’s an all star cast but every character has a warm connection and you’d watch each of them closely throughout the movie. They got great stars plus good acting .I love the dawning romance between Tristan and Yvaine, Michelle Pfeiffer's transformation from a decrepit witch into a stunning beauty. Claire Danes shines – literally and figuratively – in her role and the biggest surprise for me was watching Robert De Niro play a gay pirate captain… he steps out of his bristly, bad guy image to play a cross-dressing pirate, he had me rolling out in laughter!

Warning- although Stardust is absolutely magical, its not suitable for children. It’s a bit violent-there are several death scenes and fights with knives and swords. It may even scare kids of the witches’ transformation plus the brothers trying to kill each other would be quite disturbing and brutal. Parental guidance is highly needed.
As for the story line, they say it doesn't follow the book very well but I haven't even read the book. While the story flows and even comes to a good conclusion, the special effects are kind of cool, the plot fun and the cinematography excellent. There is an easy flow to the humor, and the way that the adventure is approached.
Lately I’ve been so stressed and bugged out , but during these times , my only escape would be watching a good movie. In life you may not live happily ever after, but in Stardust, you’ll certainly be happy for slightly over two hours. Stardust placed a smile in my face, stars in my eyes and it' tickled my imagination.I sat in the darkened theater, caught under the spell of Stardust
All in all, I'd give this movie 9 out of 10 Falling stars Re-watch value: HIGH