Movies

As a follow-up to my book reviews on the Darcy & Rachel series by Emily Giffin, I’m going to share with you today my thoughts (not exactly a movie review) on Something Borrowed‘s movie adaptation.

Source: http://www.teaser-trailer.com

While I was still on Something Blue a few days ago, I asked my brother to grab me a copy of the Something Borrowed movie for me to watch when I’m done with the book series. On Saturday morning, I woke up remembering about this, so I fired up my computer to watch the film. It’s a good thing that I’ve just finished reading the book, thus the scenes are still fresh in my memory. Anyway, here are a few things I found inconsistent with the book:

In the movie

When the film started rolling, I immediately recognized that it jumped right through the surprise party Darcy organized for Rachel.
Ethan was in New York. He even joined Claire, Darcy, Dexter, Marcus, and Rachel to spend summer weekends at the Hamptons. He assumed the role of Hillary in the movie which I found a bit disappointing.
In the badminton scene, Ethan played alongside Rachel, opposite Darcy and Dexter. Things got out of control between Ethan and Dexter when they had to reveal secrets about each other as they score their way in the competition.

Source: http://www.sheknows.com

Marcus was skateboarding with some kids at the park when Rachel ran into him. They talked at a nearby bench where their mini-date took place. (Side note: Did you notice that the lady sitting beside them was reading the sequel, Something Blue?)

Source: www. filmequals.com

Rachel found out from Marcus that Dexter and Darcy were actually house-hunting with Dex’s parents and Marcus’ father that day. Apparently, their folks were good friends.
Dexter and Rachel ditched the Fourth of July weekend over at the Hamptons and made everyone believe that they had to work overtime. Strolling at the park, they thought they had the city all to themselves when Dexter and Rachel bumped into Dex’s parents. Dex’s father even warned him to cut whatever it was going on between him and Rachel, implying that he’s already engaged to be married to someone else.

Source: http://www.filmequals.com

Somewhere in the middle of the film, Ethan eventually moved to London, claiming that an English publisher was interested in a book he’s written. When the going got tougher between Dex and Rachel, the latter decided to visit Ethan in London. In one of their close conversation, Ethan confessed that he has feelings for Rachel; however, he now knew that it’s impossible to bloom into something else more than friendship because, clearly, Rachel was in love with Dex.
When Rachel returned from London, Dexter was waiting at the foot of her apartment. When asked how he knew her itinerary, Dex told Rachel that he called her office to confirm.
On Rachel’s arrival from London, Dexter told her that he had called their wedding off. Though still surprised, Rachel invited Dex to come up in her apartment for them to talk about what’s in store for them. In the middle of their conversation, they were disrupted by Darcy, who was violently knocking on Rachel’s door. Neither of the two knew this was coming, so Dexter hid somewhere in Rachel’s kitchen as the latter open the door to welcome Darcy. Darcy told Rachel the news about their called-off wedding as if Rachel hadn’t known yet. As in the book, Darcy confessed about her unexpected relationship with Marcus, who happens to be the father of her unborn child. Two seconds after Darcy has left the apartment, she knocked again. This time she confronted Rachel as to why Dexter’s jacket was in there. This left Rachel caught off guard and without her permission, Darcy stormed right back into the apartment to search for Dex. Eventually, Dex emerged from the kitchen disgusted with everything he has heard about Darcy’s misdemeanor. As if she was the only person who’s at fault, she didn’t miss on throwing hateful words towards the two.

In the book

The story kicked off with Rachel and Darcy reminiscing their conversation as kids on how they envisioned themselves when they turned 30.
Ethan was in London. He’s been living there since his break-up with Brandi. Rachel only calls him every now and then to update him with her messed-up relationship with Dexter. Along with Ethan, Hillary had been Rachel’s confidant and was always up-to-date with the Rachel and Dex Bizarre Love Affair.
In the original story, it was Hillary who bashed Dexter during the badminton game which threw the latter off, realizing that Rachel had told her about their current relationship.
Marcus took Rachel to dinner at a fancy restaurant and ordered ostentatious food and drinks on their first date. They laughed at the thought of Darcy and Dex being the nosy bastards, trying to interfere with their personal lives.
There was no reference to any house-hunting nor that Dexter’s and Marcus’ fathers were acquainted.
It did mention in the book that Dexter and Rachel planned on copping out the Fourth of July weekend in order to spend some time alone in a deserted Manhattan, but they did not bump into Dex’s parents. It was actually Claire who ran into them in one of their attempt to sneak out on Darcy, but that was a different story.
When Dex told Rachel that he cannot leave Darcy for her, Rachel decided to fly to London and visit Ethan to take a break from all the craziness that’s been going on.
Dexter actually called Ethan in London to get Rachel’s arrival details as she flies back to New York.
Dexter announced the good news to Rachel over the phone, who happens to be downstairs, then eventually invited himself up in her apartment. They were about to get into it when Darcy came into the picture. She was wailing in the hallway as she commands Rachel to let her in. Dexter, who was in his boxers, gathered the rest of his clothes and hid in Rachel’s closet. Dexter heard everything Darcy had confessed to Rachel; however, in the middle of their conversation, Darcy noticed Dex’s wristwatch in Rachel’s nightstand. Again, Darcy made a scene just like she did earlier on, only this time it was the most violent she’s ever been.

I know there’s no rule for movie production staff to strictly observe how the story in the book went when directing a movie, but they could have been more consistent. That’s the thing with movie adaptations. It’s almost impossible for them to stick to the original story; in one way or another, there will be certain parts that will be tweaked depending on the director’s/producer’s/writer’s preference.

I kind of expected that something like this will happen. I mean, I’ve seen movie adaptations like Dear John and The Timetraveler’s Wife, both of which I read their book counterparts, and like Something Borrowed, the movie wasn’t so close to what I had imagined as I was reading the book. For this reason, I’m only giving the movie three out of five stars.

Something Borrowed, Something Blue (gorjaeous.com)

[24/30] Shed a Single Tear

27 October 2012

Movies, Musings, Writing

4 Comments

30-DAY BLOGGING CHALLENGE
DAY 24: A MOVIE NO ONE WOULD EXPECT YOU TO LOVE

It didn’t take me two seconds to figure out what I’m going to write about today. This post may also be considered a revelation of some sort because I will be sharing with you something I’ve never told anyone. Not that it’s big deal, but just thinking about it makes me giggle. Well, who wouldn’t with Johnny Depp in mind?

I think I was in sixth grade when I first saw the movie, Cry-Baby, starring Johnny Depp, Ricki Lake, and Amy Locane. This movie is a parody of Grease, a musical film, starred by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Johnny Depp plays Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker, while Amy Locane takes the role of Allison Vernon-Williams. The film centers on a group of delinquents that refer to themselves as “drapes” and their interaction with the rest of the town and its other subculture, the “squares”, in 1950s Baltimore, Maryland. “Cry-Baby” Walker, a drape, and Allison, a square, create upheaval and turmoil in their little town of Baltimore by breaking the subculture taboos and falling in love. The film shows what the young couple have to overcome to be together and how their actions affect the rest of the town.

Here’s the official trailer of the movie from way back 1990:

Apart from the reason that I had a huge crush on Johnny Depp when I saw this movie on HBO, I loved it because I found the plot interesting. Wade Walker had a bad-boy image in the movie who wins the heart of Allison, whose boyfriend sets out for revenge. He was called “Cry-Baby” for his ability to shed a single tear; he even had a teardrop tattooed in his face, just below his left eye.

Source: http://www.filmmasterjournal.com

That’s right, Allison. My father was the ‘Alphabet Bomber.’ He may have been crazy, but he was my pop. Only one I ever had.

[to Mrs. Vernon-Williams] I may be a drape, but I love your granddaughter. And if that’s a crime, I’ll stand convicted, ma’am.

—Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker, Cry-Baby (1990)

Some people who’ve seen this movie may find it corny, but not the thirteen-year old version of me. I know that if I watch again, I will still gush like a teenager. I don’t know about you, but there’s something about crying men that melts my heart. :)

[2/30] Los Angeles

5 October 2012

Movies, Musings, Writing

4 Comments

30-DAY BLOGGING CHALLENGE
DAY 2: FAVORITE MOVIE

Again, another topic I find difficult to deliberate about, but unlike my first entry to this challenge, I’d like to stick to the rule by choosing only one movie from my all-time favorites. I do not remember when or where I first saw the City of Angels, but I know I loved it then. I loved it so much, I won’t mind watching it over and over again. When I do, it always feels like I’m seeing it for the first time.

Film poster for City of Angels - Copyright 199...

I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it. One.

—Seth, City of Angels (1998)

I chose the City of Angels among others because it made me believe that angels do exist. The angels in the movie, however, did not come in fancy halo and angel wings. They look just like any other human being, only the people can feel their presence, but cannot see them. Nicolas Cage’s character, Seth, plays an angel who fell in love with a mortal, Dr. Maggie Rice, played by Meg Ryan. He was like the Messenger of God whose sole purpose was to take dying people to paradise when it’s their time.

In the movie, angels weren’t supposed to be seen, but to Seth’s surprise, Maggie did. Maggie had been seeing him around the halls of the hospital where she’s working, and one night, she walked right up to him to ask what he was doing in the vicinity at an ungodly hour. This encounter eventually gave Seth the hope of being able to feel of animate being apart from the sense of sight.

Maggie: Are you a visitor?
Seth: Yes.
Maggie: Well, visiting hours have been over since 8.
Seth: Wh-Why do they have that?
Maggie: What?
Seth: Hours. Doesn’t it help the patient to be visited?
Maggie: Well, who are you visiting? Mr. Messinger?
Seth: Right now?
Maggie: Yeah.
Seth: You.

—City of Angels (1998)

Denniz Franz’ character, Nathaniel Messinger, one of Maggie’s patients, knew so much about Seth. In one of their conversations, he told Seth that he was once an angel who chose to fall on Earth and became human. Seth, who was already falling in love with Maggie, thought this was a brilliant idea. That finally, he will be able to do the things humans do, and that he can be with Maggie for the rest of their lives. Well, that’s what he thought.

Nathaniel: Listen, kid: He gave these bozos the greatest gift in the universe – you think He didn’t give it to us, too?
Seth: Which gift?
Nathaniel: Free will, brother. Free will.

—City of Angels (1998)

On the day of his transformation, when he literally allowed himself fall from the top of a building, something unfortunate happened to Maggie. When she found out about Seth becoming human, she thought she’d make them a good meal the next day. On her way back from the grocery, she got into a tragic accident which cost her her life. This was most devastating for Seth, who only got to enjoy her company (as human being) for one day.

My idea of a favorite movie would fall into the category of tragedies. Not that I take pleasure on the grievances of other people, but I find this kind of story more personal that I always end up in tears towards the end. I do watch other types of movies, even those action-packed ones, but this film just gets me every time.

Have you seen this movie yet? I suggest you do. Just have a box of Kleenex ready by your side. ;)

My heart goes out to Peeta. Need I say more?

30 March 2012

Books, Movies, Photoblog

5 Comments

The Hunger Games Craving: Satisfied

26 March 2012

Food, Movies

1 Comment

I have just finished reading the second book from The Hunger Games Trilogy, Catching Fire, and all the more I was determined to see The Hunger Games on the big screen. Did I mention I literally spent most of my time burying myself, flipping through pages of these books? I cannot even remember the last time I finished two novels in four days.

Right after hearing Sunday mass, we went straight to Alabang Town Center. My Dad had to go to Globe Business Center to inquire something about his mobile business plan. There’s a nearby church at the mall, and mass was still on-going when we arrived, thus the parking lot was packed as usual. While they find for a spot to park on, I decided to alight the car to check on the movie schedule. I must admit—all this time, that was really my intention. My youngest brother tagged along, and while we were on queue in buying the movie tickets, I realized that I did not have enough cash. Panic got to me, knowing that most of the people behind me were also going to watch The Hunger Games. I only breathed a sigh of relief when my brother offered to lend me a few bucks to acquire the tickets! Fifteen minutes later, I got five tickets to the last movie feature at 2145H.

As soon as Dad settled his agenda at Globe Business Center, we headed down to the new wing to figure out where to have dinner. It was almost 1900H, thus most restaurants were full. Mom did not want to wait longer as she was already feeling famished, so we decided to go further to the Madrigal Ave. side of the mall. To my surprise there were a whole stretch of new restaurants to check out! We ended up at Xôi Vietnamese Kitchen. Aside from Phó’ Hōa, this was the second Vietnamese restaurant we have dined in.

Well, in my opinion, it’s not as good as Phó’ Hōa, but it’s okay. I ordered something that’s similar to Phó’ Hōa’s vermicelli bowl, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations. Aww.

To make up for a not-so-happy dish at dinner, I craved for some Serenitea fix! I ordered Wintermelon Milk Tea with pearls at 50% sugar level, while my brothers requested for Choco Milk Tea and Okinawa Milk Tea with pearls at 100% sugar level, respectively. Lastly, I got Mom and Dad a large Hokkaido Milk Tea with pearls at 50% sugar level, which they shared together. I can’t say I jumped into this whole milk tea craze, but I find it more healthy than frappe topped with whipped cream.

With more than hour to spare, my brothers and I decided to check on new stuff on Olympic World, just across Serenitea. Feeling tired from strolling around to kill time, I found myself seated facing a pool of inviting pairs of running/training shoes. Sadism and masochism at its finest. In fact, there were two pairs that particularly called my attention, and they were ON SALE!!! Well the discount wasn’t that much, but hey, it’s cheaper by 10%! To make it worse, I was told that the discount promo applies only for that day, and it will return to its original price the next day. VERY NICE. I told hubby-to-be about it, and he was prodding me to try them on, but I know that I don’t need a new pair. Well, not yet. I only got saved by the bell, when Dad ordered us to move since it’s almost screening time.

We were seated at the upper far left side of Cinema 5 (which is one of the smallest theater in ATC), and it looked okay until the lights were dimmed, and advertisements were shown. I thought it was only me, but Mom and Dad noticed that the view from where we were seated was not so appealing. The first few parts of the movie made it a little worse because we thought that the camera/video shots were shaky. Needless to say, I literally got goosebumps as soon as the film began. I was really focused on each and every frame, not wanting to miss the slightest bit of act there was.

Funny that somewhere in the middle of the movie, my Dad who was seated on my left and my brother on my right, would nudge me every now and then for the parts that they didn’t quite get. I didn’t get irritated at all, but I happily answered their questions in a way the neighboring viewers won’t get annoyed. Hahaha!

The movie adaptation was not as faithful to the novel, but it did meet my expectations for the most part. I think Jennifer Lawrence, who played Katniss Everdeen, did justice to the role. Josh Hutcherson, however, did a great job playing as Peeta Mellark if only for his lack of height. Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne? Hmm, need I say more? ;)

P.S.: