On Novels and Movies: The Mortal Instruments - City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and Unique Features & Constantin Film

(In which I tried to hit two birds with one blog post.)

***

We are in an ever-changing world of changes. One day, we were texting on noisy keypads. The next we are drooling over a fan-made video of a smartphone with keyboard and screen projection features. One day we were idolizing wholesome actors and actresses. The next, we wonder at their odd fashion sense and even odder dance moves. One day I was contented with reading historical fiction. Last week I lost some sleep for a gothic romance.             

That was rather an abrupt transition. But at least you get the picture.

Going back to that change-related introduction, as a reader I personally make it a point to read the novel from which a novel-turned-movie was based for the sheer assurance that I won’t awkwardly gape at the cinemas and bog my companion with questions regarding plot, or more embarrassingly, the script. So I had purchased my boxed set of Hunger Games before the movie was out. And I had read the first three books of the Percy Jackson series before I decided not to watch the Sea of Monsters. But for the movie adaptation of the City of Bones, the first of Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series, I put off the reading because the trailer was exciting. 

But unfortunately, not all changes of hearts, or sudden lapse of judgment, or sudden disobedience to personal practices, happen to end up very positively.

The novel’s motion picture counterpart starring Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower is set in a modern New York City where Clary Fray (Lily Collins) lives the life of an ordinary teenager with her mom Jocelyn (Lena Heady), and her mom’s friend Luke Garroway (Aidan Turner). And when we picture out ordinary, we mean teenagers doing the stuff that basically make them happy (which, to Clary, happen to be painting and spending time with her bestfriend Simon [Robert Sheehan]), being confused with things that they do and occasionally having an argument with their parents, primarily because of the weird things that teenagers like Clary do. But Jocelyn has good enough reasons to be worried, though.

Clary’s ordinary life gets to a halt when she sees a trio of teenagers kill a man in a bar one night when she’s hanging out with Simon. Unfortunately, she seems to be the only one who sees them and she, for a time, believes she’s gone insane. From then on, Jace Wayland (Jamie Campbell Bower) appears and makes her feel even more scared. What’s worse, she realizes she’s been drawing a symbol and she thinks that it has something to do with her being the only one who can see people like Jace, and other creatures. She then learns that Jace is a demon slayer called Shadowhunter and that Clary can see him because she is not a mundane, or ordinary human. During their conversation, Clary receives a phone call from her mom warning her not to go home. Just as she asks for details, she hears terrible growling sounds and the line goes dead.

When Jocelyn officially gets missing, Clary accepts Jace’s offer to take her to the Institute. When they find out that a certain Valentine kidnaps Jocelyn and that she hid the Mortal Cup, Clary seeks Jace’s help, as well as the sibling tandem of Alec (Kevin Zegers) and Isabelle Lightwood (Jemima West), and Simon to bring her mother back. In the process, she learns the main reason why she can see the Shadowhunters, the great power of the Mortal Cup and who she really is. But unfortunately still, changes don’t seem to be friendly even for a movie heroine.

What’s good about the movie was primarily Lily Collins. Seriously. I liked her in Mirror, Mirror and she’s more adorable in this movie. Although she could use a bit more of novel-Clary’s sarcasm and wit. Jamie Campbell Bower, on the other hand, (as I keep on telling anyone who cares to ask about my take on the movie’s main characters), was dashing in his first appearance in the murder in the pub scene. But his charm seems to dry out the moment he took off his hood. But, surprisingly, he regained that charm in the next hour –and-so of the film, especially with those longing looks. But I’d definitely take the novel-Jace anytime. Campbell, I believe, lacks the ego and sexy rudeness that Clare described in her novel. 

What’s not so good about the movie is the same problem almost all movies based on novels suffered from – time constraints. The novel was a complicated mix of folklore, biblical allusions and character histories that 500 pages gave justice to. Converting that to a live action version composed of only a couple of hours is a terrible gamble. While watching the movie – and with no literary background at that – I seriously had to suspend whatever doubt and disbelief I had in my mind just to keep holding on to the plot, which didn’t make sense in most parts. What were left in the original 500-page story were dead ends and unexplained phenomena, simplified complications resulting to confusion and a love triangle made cheesy by the lack of the original and necessary weight of conflict. In the end, what really stuck was that the kissing scene at the greenhouse has been done in almost all Pinoy romantic soap operas and movies and that Johann Sebastian Bach was a Shadowhunter. (I swear I always had to fight laughing out loud whenever I recall the hidden Marks on Bach’s arms and neck in his portrait.)

Oh those, and the amazing soundtrack that literally sucks the life out of my phone. 

Currently reading:

The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Photo Sources:

City of Bones novel

City of Bones movie

City of Ashes 

Iron Man 3 by Marvel and Disney

(In which interesting lessons could be learned from unlikely sources.)

***

Like The Batman Trilogy, I wasn’t able to catch the first two Iron Man movies in cinemas. Unlike The Dark Knight Rises, however, I was able to relish Iron Man 3’s glory in the big screen. But that won’t mean this post could give the movie justice. Just saying.

Over the months during which several Iron Man 3 trailers were released, movie goers got filled with questions, mostly why’s, such as “Why the hell is Tony Stark bloody and his suit in bad shape in that snowy evening?”, “Why is Pepper Potts in that fiery battlefield and wearing . . . a black bra?”, “Why doesn’t that pedantic Mandarin look Chinese?”, and the very disturbing “Why does The Mandarin say ‘You’ll never see me coming’ that way?”

Of course the movie answered all those questions, and then some. But this post won’t.

The third installment of Marvel’s top-grossing superhero movie opens up with insomniac Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey, Jr.) monologue and a flashback of  a 1999 conference in Switzerland, back during his “genius, multibillionaire playboy” days. He met a very desperate scientist offering a partnership in a project, to which his response was that the guy wait for him in the rooftop. But being the man that he was before being Iron Man, he never showed up.

And then comes the current, post-Avengers life of Tony, still fueled with his obsession for his suits which drives Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) crazy. Unfortunately for Tony, there are more things that drive him crazy: his inability to sleep, his anxiety attacks due to that New York incident and the suave Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) making a move on Pepper. 

Aldrich Killian is introduced as a rich scientist who “shows his big brain” to Pepper (as Happy puts it) via a hologram live feed, stating that its revolutionary scientific technology would enable scientist to see how the brain reacts to anything that happens to the human body. Although astonished, Pepper refused to take the project, saying that the technology could be highly weaponized. What she saw was just the tip of the iceberg.

And then there was The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), a terrorist who can mysteriously bypass national television to air his creepy penchant for lecturing and displaying his terrorism acts in various parts of the world, along with his threat that “America will pay”.

And it somehow did. During the bombing of the Chinese Theater, one of Tony’s friends was badly hurt and suffered from a coma. In his efforts to avenge him, Tony releases a press statement to The Mandarin, and adds his home address (so he can easily find him), resulting to an attack that caused Tony’s headquarters, along with his many suits, to turn into scrap metal heading deep into the sea. 

After this, the real action starts.

Iron Man 3 actually faced a lot of challenges in connection with its two predecessors. For one thing, Iron Man was a hit because of the transformation Tony has undergone through from being a man who profits from wars to a man who anonymously protects the people. It was fun seeing how Tony becomes Iron Man. But there could only be one movie showing the initial challenges of a civilian-turning-hero, unfortunately. In Iron Man 2, Tony again transforms from a noble superhero to a panic-stricken weakling. Bereft of anonymity and fearing for the end of his days, he continuously makes a spectacle of himself, forcing Rhodes to take on his suit and his duties. 

Apparently, Iron Man 3 has to strive harder to avoid a gradually tiring plot to prove its worth. And it did; if its hugely mind-blowing special effects and $345.4 million overseas for its first week alone and is expected to rake $600 million by May 5 (which is way higher than the combination of the entire Iron Man 1 and 2) are enough proof. But no matter, Robert Downey Jr. surely is still smiling. Why, he’s the 50 million-dollar Avenger!

Anyway, of course, Iron Man 3 also showcases transformation. But that’s for you to find out. Hint: It involves a bullied kid, a limited edition Dora the Explorer watch and some fireworks. And by the way, about the incomprehensible monologue during the opening, the explanation will be found at the post credit video. Yes, there is a post-credit video. And it comes after its tremendously lengthy credits. But that’s fine. Because the last sentence will surely put your (semi) Marvel-fan mode on. 

Photo source:

Iron Man 3

Rise of the Guardians by DreamWorks

(In which it pays to find your center.)

***

I have always been very fond of animated movies, a penchant that wouldn't go unnoticed to some serious grownups. I don't know. It could be due to the uncontrollable kid in me or just the sheer fun of seeing cinematic things that are best left to Pixar and DreamWorks characters because they'll look awkward when done by humans. Take, for example, some incredulous anime-turned-live-action series.

The latest of my animated film experience is Rise of the Guardians, a concoction of some of the biggest names in children's myths, namely Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin), the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), Sandman and Jack Frost (Chris Pine). Add to that the omniscient Man in Moon, and you've got The Guardians,  DC’s Justice League and Marvel's The Avengers fantasy equivalent. But unlike their classic superhero counterparts, the Guardians only cater to kids. Besides, people outgrow Santa faster than they outgrow the Dark Knight.

So it is for the believers that the Guardians exist. There were originally four of them. But when Pitch Black the Boogeyman (Jude Law) threatens to fill children with fear and disbelief in the Guardians, Man in Moon has to choose another protector, Jack Frost. There were some problems, however. Jack doesn't want to be a Guardian, the children do not know him, and therefore do not believe and he doesn't know who he is and how he came to be. And for him to answer all his questions, Jack has to work with the Guardians to defeat the Boogeyman and retrieve the children's precious memories which he stole - along with Jack's.

It may sound like a predictable plot, and it is, unfortunately. Even after the epiphany kicks in, the effects are somewhat delayed. And the Christmas theme is somewhat lacking, the only obvious signs of which are snowflakes and Santa Claus. And just when I thought the main issue it will solve is “Do you believe in Santa Claus? You better do!”, there goes the likes of “Who on earth is Jack Frost?” and “Do you believe in Santa Claus? If you do, then you have to believe in all of them!” Apparently, it’s hard to focus.

But if there was one remarkable thing that stood out in the movie apart from Santa’s thick accent, or Jack Frost being very handsome, or Tooth Fairy’s obvious attraction to Jack, or Sandman’s incomprehensible reappearance, it’s the film’s bold negation to the widely accepted grownup saying “to see is to believe”. In the film, only the believers see the Guardians, hence the negation. Its reliance on children’s innocence is so refreshing you’ll be tempted to believe in the unbelievable again. 

Rise of the Guardians is DreamWorks Animation’s attempt to take down the hot conclusion of the Twilight saga. Quite ambitious, yes. But whether Jack Frost can overpower Edward Cullen or not, I know you’ll watch this animated movie. How do I know? If I may borrow Jack Frost’s opening and closing lines, because the moon told me so.

Photo source:

Rise of the Guardians

The Batman Trilogy by Christopher Nolan

(In which it is still better late than never.)

***

For those few who were wondering why on earth there is a movie review in here, I believe I owe this blog anything my amateurish writing skill can offer. And yes there are other movie reviews here. Help yourself.

One belief I have when it comes to watching movies (and reading books, except for one) that come in series is that I have to see the prequels first. I know I have been missing a lot of good stuff out there, but with a teaching career, studies and a social life I need to redeem, can you really blame me? Fortunately, no one has to. Because I myself have suffered too much disappointment upon failing to catch The Batman Trilogy in cinemas. Instead I had to make do with not-so-clear copies (I'm not complaining; just stating facts) to stop making myself unforgivably ignorant about the hunk that is Christian Bale. Seriously, I stopped minding that unlikely voice he has whenever he's wearing the suit by the second installment. He's that disarmingly charming.

Anyway, in celebration of the trilogies I've featured in one full blast (which I believe is more difficult than installments. Time management training needed), here's what I got from my precious digital copies.

In Batman Begins (2005), Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is a ridiculuously rich kid in Gotham City who got orphaned after his parents were killed by a random holduper. He left his wealthy status and lived with the thugs until he landed in a prisoner where he met Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson). Ducard sees Bruce's fighting skills as a huge asset that Bruce was taking for granted. He invited Bruce to be part of Ra's Al Ghul's League of Shadows whose main purpose is to alleviate societies of crimes and injustice. Bruce was trained to master his fears and become a better fighter. But when the training ends and his true initiation begins, Bruce finds out it's better to rebel than to yield.

He goes back to Gotham City and assumes the status his inheritance endows him. And with the resources and connection, he starts building the technology and materials to alleviate Gotham of crimes and injustice - as The Batman. But his journey as a black-clad vigilante doesn't happen without risking the lives of people he values - such as his beloved childhood friend Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes).

In The Dark Knight (2008), Bruce Wayne comes face-to-face with Rachel's (Maggie Gylenhaal) new boyfriend, Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). He continues to try to win Rachel by clinging to what she said about them being together when Gotham no longer needs Batman. By this time, a new villain is plaguing the city - the psychopathic evil that is The Joker (Heath Ledger). In their seemingly never-ending chase, Bruce was torn between keeping his identity as The Batman and giving himself in to stop The Joker from killing innocent people. And because of one important decision, Bruce lost two friends.

In The Dark Knight Rises (2012), eight years after being shattered by two deaths, Bruce lives a life in seclusion until he stumbles upon The Cat Burglar (Anne Hathaway). It turns out that she stole his finger prints for someone who wants to take over Wayne Enterprise. Meanwhile. Bane (Tom Hardy) goes to Gotham as the heir of The League of Shadows devoted to punish Bruce for his betrayal. With Batman captured and Gotham city ruled by Bane who threatens to blow it up via an atomic bomb, Bruce and other righteous citizens strive to put order in a chaotic, rules-less society. Just when they thought they've got the bomb detonated, someone blurted one final surprise. 

As you can see, it's hard to put the spoilers out for the sake of those who haven't seen it. 

Anyway, if there's one thing that amazes me about the movie apart from the awesome black vehicles and Christian Bale, it's the movie's knack for hair-raising surprises. I don't know. But for someone who (shamefully, again) missed the comic books and some episodes in the animated series, those shockers were priceless. 

I also have to admit that as a superhero, Batman is incredibly human. I mean, his faults, his shortcomings and short-sightedness were justified either by his upbringing, downfall, fears and privilege, or perhaps a mixture of all those. He was predictable and unpredictable at the same time. His compassion and martyrdom were commendable. yes. But what's more noteworthy is his belief in humanity. Heroes are all meant to salvage and redeem. But not all intend to let the people they save be heroes for themselves.

So yes. The trilogy's a good movie that has shamefully been missed.

Now, I'm on my way to googling that cheer the prisoners shout in the pit.

Photo Sources:

Christian Bale

Batman Begins

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight Rises

Of Spirits and Romance

(In which I was happy I gave in to my sister’s urging.)

***

I just love romantic comedies, but I am not into keeping up with the latest movies. I rarely visit a movie house unless someone’s going to give me a treat. How pathetic is that? And yes. In the middle of a financial crisis, who’ll bother to go to the cinemas anyway? I can always have the comfort of watching movies at my own house minus the cost – that is, if I am not so tired to sleep on a weekend since weekend is my only time for my self. And last Saturday, my sister told me to watch a movie with her.

“But I am going to watch Bring IT On: All or Nothing at ETC.”

“But our TV connection isn’t that good. Come on. Watch it instead. It’s an original copy,” she boasted and showed me the VCD.

“So it’s an original copy, huh? As if you bought it. And I thought you have seen that already.”

“Yeah. But it’s so cool I want to watch it again. And yes, I didn’t buy it.”

So we watched it. And yeah. It’s cool!

“Wait! Is she dead? It will be such a pity if she is!”

“Didn’t I tell you to read the back part of the CD case? The one with the movie description?”

“You mean the blurb?”

“Whatever.”

“Ok. Pause it.”

“What?”

“Pause it. I’ll read.”

“Gosh! You’re so important!” she complained, but paused the movie anyway.

So I read it and found out it’s about a female doctor (Reese Witherspoon) who haunts her old apartment, as well as the new tenant. The male tenant (Mark Ruffalo), now eager to get rid of her, helps her to find out her past to convince her that she’s dead. But in the end, they were the ones who were convinced – that they’re in love!

My favorite line is this:

God gave us alcohol. It’s a social lubricant. It makes men brave and women loose.

- JJ

잘 들어 보세요.*

(In which music finds a way.)

***

We were watching a movie while eating dinner last night. My sister brought the DVD of a 2007 film “August Rush”. It was about Evan Taylor (Freddie Highmore), the child of classical cellist Lyla Novacek (Keri Russell) and Irish rock singer Louis Connelly (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Lyla’s father, who was against their relationship, sent him to the orphanage and told Lyla that he’s dead. Later on Evan decided to look for his parents, and in the process, discovered his talent in playing the guitar and in composition. Wizard (Robin Williams) gave him the new name August Rush.

There was a scene where he played like a virtuoso guitarist though he never learned his notes. Yeah, he doesn’t know how to strum the strings but he created an impossibly beautiful music. He was also able to create a complex composition on the piano three minutes after the young girl told him about the “Every Good Boy Does Fine” and “F.A.C.E” thing. How genius!

I was smirking and told my sister “Whoah! So he just listened to every sound and noise and he made music out of them? Hey! And how did he ever come up with sixteenth notes when he never learned to read musical notations?”

“Do you know that Mozart had his first composition when he was five? That boy’s eleven.”

Okay. She has Music as her major.

“Really? But did he ever have a formal music education?”

“Uh… Yeah.”

“That boy didn’t.”

Anyway, so that made the film preposterous. Yet as a musician myself, I appreciate how music connects and brings people together. I also enjoyed watching the cellist and the orchestra. Oh how I miss those times when I’m playing the flute with a brass band in front of many people during a concert. I miss the confidence it gives me. I long for the comfort and serenity music brings into my soul.

***

I remembered someone told me how he dreamed of becoming a cellist. So last Christmas, I sent him a video of a musical piece with his name as the title it was a Japanese composition with piano, violin and cello parts. He loved music too. If only it could connect our hearts again, then… I hope he can hear. I hope he’s listening.

Wizard: If there is anything in this world that you want to be, what is it?

Evan: Found.

***

The music is all around us. All you have to do is listen.
- Evan Taylor, “August Rush”

*Listen carefully.

Movie Trip with Emily

(In which I was shattered for the nth time.)

My student, Emily, has been aching to watch 50 First Dates in our class because she said her last class will be on Thursday since she’ll be studying voice in the University of Fighting Maroons this semester. She was so enthused that she even downloaded the script so we can really “study” it, which, was good news to me since I don’t have any idea on what else to teach for the next three days. So we watched it and I have to press the pause button every time there is an expression worth noticing.

The movie was so good I could have smashed her laptop to stop it from playing. Seriously. What could be more torturous than be submerged in romantic lines and kissing scenes and promises of forever and see a man patiently and desperately making a girl fall in love with him everyday when you are in the middle of an emotional struggle? But nevertheless, it really hit me. And the desperate thought of having someone like Adam Sandler for me surfaced (I mean, someone who really loves me, you know.), which, of course, will only happen if I am as pretty as Drew Barrymore.