Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

*gasp*

I think I just had an orgasm. Seriously.

I'm currently speechless.

Coffee, anyone?

Sh*t Happens

Disclaimer: This will be a long and brutal entry about the things that have been roaming in my head for quite some time. Do bare with me. I have been meaning to publish this load of crap for a couple of weeks now and I personally think that this is the right time to do so. My apologies, if you please.







[caption id="attachment_1074" align="aligncenter" width="540" caption="Dark+Jaded+Twisted=Juan Paulo G. Gultiano"][/caption]

For some strange reason, I have been watching romantic flicks for over a week now. "Watching" means the non-stop, one-movie-after-another sort, to the point wherein one falls asleep with his or her Mac turned-on till the wee hours in the morning kind. Anyways, after each film, I usually found myself crying and/or sobbing my eyes till they pop followed by sudden walkouts from my room filled with well-deserved sorrow and unhappiness, that my co-workers think I'm going ballistic or something. Weird, eh?

I remember the last time I felt this way: it was way back in 2007 or 2008 over Jennifer Love Hewitt's film "If Only" with Paul Nicholls. I just had coffee with my bestfriend, Caren, at Starbucks Gateway Mall when I suddenly found myself trudging the outskirts of Cainta, Rizal to the nearest movie house (Robinson's Metro East, I think). There, I bought the ticket that lead me to an incessant rampage fueled with anger and frustration producing an insurmountable number of tears.

The said movie wasn't THAT bad, really. It was actually nice and warm. The plot was moving, the characters were decent and efficient, the lines were a little cheesy and forgettable but the overall appeal was touching. Not to mention that the movie seriously made me cry! A few bystanders were actually giggling at me after the movie stating "What a sissy!" Yes, I am a sissy. So what?

I still am, actually.

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And then there's the classic movie "Casablanca" starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. Directed by Michael Curtis, this spellbinding 1942 film set in french Morocco during the World War II preceding the infamous Pearl Harbor attack has seriously made its mark as one of the greatest films ever made.

Rick Blaine (Bogart) is a pessimistic American running a cafe (Rick's Café Américain) in the City of Casablanca during the German invasion of Europe. Coming from a bitter and short-lived love affair with Norwegian Ilsa Lund (Bergman) that blossomed in France, he tends to be apathetic to what is happening to the people around him, especially the Nazis. Unfortunately for Rick, Ilsa reenters his life with Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) in the aforementioned cafe and rekindles their heart-warming memories with the famous line "We'll always have Paris."

What I really love about this Academy award-winning motion picture is the atmosphere it wraps around its viewers: The melancholic scenery plus the nostalgic impression was cleverly placed at every single corner that you can effortlessly feel that you're there in Casablanca. Moreover, one can easily relate to every character in the said story; Blaine's resentment over Ilsa was definitely surreal and Bogart's portrayal was amazing. I can't think of any other actor for this specific role. Meanwhile, Bergman's performance as Ilsa is, without a doubt, mind-blowing. Her potent acting has got to be one of the best I've seen. Bravo!

This film has its special place in my dumb heart. Seriously, I've watched this classic so many times that I've memorized some to the scenes and lines. :-D

Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine. - Rick Blaine

And, let's not forget the 1961 revolutionary musical, "West Side Story." No mortal words can describe this cultural phenomenon. I'm still flabbergasted after watching this one! Crap! Arrgghh!

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The list just goes on and on and on. I eventually lost track of all the movies I've watched with this sort of theme. From the classics, such as An Affair to Remember, to the most recent (The Twilight Saga), they're as infinite as the sky. At times, I actually mixed some of the characters and lines that they really sound funny! Imagine, Ashton Kutcher with Mandy Moore on "Its a Wonderful Life" or Aubrey Hepburn and Marlon Brando doing "Sleepless in Seattle" would be something, right? Haha. :-D

"Why are you doing this to yourself?!" a concerned friend asked a few days ago. I chuckled at the idea of answering such nonchalant inquiry with regard to my emotional state. I mean, the reality and significance of this specific question is just amazing and comprehensive that answering it will cover everything that has been happening to me ever since this whole fiasco began. Seriously!

Frankly, my dear, I have no idea. Fighting a lost cause has been my hobby since my high school days and it tends to manifest itself when deemed necessary. The likes of "falling in love with someone you're not supposed to" or "liking someone you formerly loath" or even both is a very tricky thing indeed. Take it from me: Been there. Done that. Get the bigger picture, mate?

On a more serious note, given the complexity of my current situation, I have thought of one simple thing: Live my life to the fullest. Yes, it is a social cliche, quite repetitive and, at times, very, very unreasonable. But the thing is: I want to. I need to. I have to. I want to be there where it happens. I need to feel that particular person's presence. I have to do this because it feels right for me. It sounds rubbish and selfish, yes. Pretty cheesy and emotional, for that matter. Nonetheless, I don't want to leave any sort of regret in my big fat head as long as I live. Regrets can kill, you know. As Lou Pardini would put it in a song, "I don't wanna be a fool wondering what might have been..."

What now? Well, honestly, I don't know. It's just the 2nd day of my grand 4-day-off scheme and I don't plan on doing anything significant for the next 2 days. Not to mention that my supposedly trip to wonderland has been declined by the other party. So, I might as well lie on my lonely bed and wonder on something random or sleep my heart out. Silence is a form of therapy, right?

Coffee, anyone?

Random Movie Stuff

Hello, July, 2010!

A few weeks from now, I am bound to return to my homeland for a well-deserved vacation. A 2-year stay in exciting Egypt has been a whirlwind for me, considering everything that has transpired. Not to mention my current state! Yikes!

Being the dork that I am and thinking of a mundane way of entertaining myself, I turned to my trusty Mac and clicked on Youtube for some form of entertainment. Curiosity kills the cat, right? So, I got what I seriously deserved! Haha. :-)

Watching the first 'Paranormal Activity' with my co-workers (thank you, Don and Ate Rosalie!) wasn't a walk in the park. We were shrieking the entire time and continuously complaining on how intense and spooky the whole movie was. I mean, literally scary, mate!! The whole random movement thing and dark shots all throughout was really catchy, intriguing and full of unexpected twists and turns. Seeing this particular trailer gave me the same reaction! Yikes! I can't wait for this one!

Being the "Harry Potter fanatic" that I am, I was stunned with this specific clip. My eyes were literally glued on the screen the entire time! One can clearly see the emotion and maturity of each character. I'm out of words here, people! Aaarggghhh! I can't wait for November, 2010!! :-D

Coffee, anyone?

WALL-E

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"Out there is our home - home, AUTO! - and it's in trouble. I can't just sit here and do nothing. That's all I've ever done! That's all anyone has ever done on this blasted ship." - Captain B. McCrea, WALL-E

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to get myself a free movie pass (WALL-E at Trinoma) courtesy of my dear friend and former officemate, Kemi Buladaco. I was on my way home from a Makati seminar when he mentioned that he was bound for Trinoma to watch the said film. So, opportunistic as always, I rushed to Trinoma to meet him ASAP. Haha.

This is for you, Kemi, and all the things you have done for me in the past. Unlike before, this one's not that specific and enticing. Nevertheless, salamat ng sobra.

The film talks about WALL-E or Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class (Ben Burtt as the sound engineer) and his adventures to be with his love interest, EVE (Elissa Knight), which stands for Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator. Being alone for more than 700 years, WALL-E developed a keen sense of curiosity with the things around him, as evidenced by his weird collection of trash. Also, during the early parts of the movie, WALL-E is seen as a hopeless romantic desperately yearning for EVE's undying approval and attention.

Of course, EVE discovered WALL-E's newly-discovered plant seedling, her one and only directive, then leaves Earth with the seedling bound for Axiom to reveal her findings. Unfortunately, Auto (Macln Talk), Axiom's internal robot pilot, isn't happy with EVE's discovery and plans to dispose of the seedling in order to save the entire Axiom population, as per Directive A113.

[caption id="attachment_589" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="EVE = Femme Fatale"][/caption]

WALL-E then embarks to Axiom in order to seek and help EVE attain her coveted directive. Of course, there were a lot of trials and perils (most of which were funny and crazy) and, most often than not, WALL-E and EVE found themselves in the brink of robotic annihilation. Luckily, a group of lunatic robots, alongside Captain McCrea (Jeff Garlin), were present to aid them against the nasty tricks of Auto. I terribly like MO (Microbe Obliterator)! He's seriously OC material! Haha. :)

In the end, WALL-E and EVE succeeded in their joint directive to save the plant seedling and lead the whole Axiom inhabitants back to their original home, planet Earth.

Generally speaking, the entire film was aimed at contemporary environmental concerns of the 21st century and its profound effects on mankind. WALL-E gave us a general picture of what can happen if we continue to abuse the environment and neglect the effects of our actions. Sadly, the film lacked a concise and specific stand on this matter, possibly due to its target audience: children.

But what it lacked in substance about these pressing concerns was properly compensated by the stunning signature Pixar animation that we all know and love. Every single entry was brilliant and visually stunning. The way WALL-E stacked all the boxed trash to literally build a New York-esque scenery during the early part of the film was splendid and enticing to the young audience. My eyes were literally gleaming during the entire flick!

Overall, the movie was a unique wake-up call to everyone that we all have our own special part in protecting and saving our environment. Every action leads to another, eh?

Coffee, Kemi? :)

Ploning

"Hindi ba mas masarap isipin na kaya ikaw ang mas nasasaktan ay dahil ikaw ang mas nagmamahal?" - Ploning, Ploning

Wow. Talk about love and sacrifice. :( *Sigh*

After a long and tiring morning from the DFA main office in Pasay City to Kirsten's office in Quezon City yesterday, I decided to unwind and relax by watching the highly publicized movie "Ploning" starring Ms. Judy Ann Santos at SM Megamall. I was, evidently, very intrigue with the movie's mystifying and cryptic atmosphere, not to mention the striking and moving lines whenever I catch its trailer on television. I'm honestly skeptical about making this movie review since the Cinema Evaluation Board graded it a whopping "A" and my thoughts about the said film may not give it enough justice. But, I'll still proceed with this review. Haha. :)

Set in the island of Cuyo in Palawan, Ploning (Judy Ann Santos) is an enigmatic middle-aged lass who appears detached from the pains of her daily life. Left by her teenage love, Tomas, for Manila, Ploning hopes to rejoin him in Manila after the town fiesta to continue their interrupted affair. Luckily, Ploning has the clever Digo (Cedric Amit) to look after, which satisfied her longing for Tomas. Unfortunately, during the town fiesta, Digo feels betrayed and runs away using his older brother's raft.

Fast-forward 25 years into the future, Digo returns to Cuyo with his Taiwanese mentor, Tsuy, in search for Ploning. Guided by the perky tricycle-driver Badokdok (Ketsup Eusebio), Digo journeys back to his native isle to retrace his instinctive roots. Of course, memories came flooding back to his brain and, thanks to Seling (Tessie Tomas), he learns how Ploning moved the people of Cuyo in surreptitious and humbling ways. Also, he ascertains his brothers existence and unites with him alongside his 2 nephews. The end.

I seriously cried during certain (2, actually) parts of the film.

1. The scene where Intang was asking everyone to help her save the salt from the rain. An award-winning performance from Ms. Gina Pareño.


2. The scene where Susing was telling Digo about Ploning's white dress. Parents and forgiveness. *Sigh* How nostalgic.

The cast was simply astounding and uberly impressive.

• Judy Ann Santos' depiction as Ploning was utterly natural, effortless, and marvelous. Each scene with her was stunningly adorned with poignant screenplay and the island's magnificent scenery.


• Ms. Gina Pareño's performance as Tomas' mother, Intang, was phenomenal. She clearly illustrated a mother's love for her child regardless of anything. Very nice.


• Meryll Soriano as the silent Alma was incredible and enticing. It's as if she has so much to offer to everyone, if given enough chance.


• Mylene Dizon's recital as the broken city nurse Celeste was compelling and dazzling. At first, I was a bit furious of her angst on Judy Ann. But, towards the latter part, I understood her point and loved her character. WINNER!


• Eugene Domingo (Juaning) and Ces Quesada (Nieves) were also divine in their own right. Each accomplished their designated roles with perfection and finesse.


• Tony Mabessa gave a brilliant performance as Ploning's endearing father, Susing. His execution was very touching and reminded me, surprisingly, of my father. Haha. :)


• Cedric Amit's portrayal as the child Digo seriously caught my attention. His acting was so pure and each scene was authentic and vivid, specifically during the rain scene with the leaf umbrella.


• Of course, let us not forget the other cast of characters that artistically enhanced the entire film. Kudos to everyone!

The cinematography was, unmistakably, breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The island itself was innocent of the city's hustle and undeniably impeccable for the whole story. Each portion of the story was shot seamlessly against spectacular scenery that enhanced this stroke of genius. I cannot imagine any other setting for the complete motion picture. I want to go there to discover this hidden wonder! Argh! :) Oh! The musical score was also noteworthy. It was simple yet celestial. *clap*clap* It gave the entire narrative an innate and exceptional appeal.

In conclusion, this movie is a perfect masterpiece. In an era where superheroes take the majority of the limelight, Ploning is a film that touches one's heart amidst the harsh adversities of daily life and makes one realize that true love, regardless of its form, entails relentless sacrifice. Definitely a must see movie for everyone.

Coffee, Ploning? :D

Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who

"I meant what I said, and I said what I meant." - Horton the Elephant, Horton Hears a Who

I went out with Bossing again last week and we both agreed to watch "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who" at Robinson's Metro East. I wanted to make a review of the said film but, luckily, I saw this video clip from Youtube.com which perfectly and ultimately sums up everything I had in mind. So, in order to save some Internet space, I've decided to embed the said video. Thank you to Youtube.com. Enjoy!



Coffee, Horton? :)

Step Up 2 the Streets

"Look, the streets is about where you're from. It's not some school talent show. There's no spring floors. There's no spotlights to use what you got and... what makes you think you got it, huh?" - Andie, Step Up 2 the Streets

I was with Bossing at Trinoma Mall for our second official date the other date when we came across the aforementioned movie. Seeing that watching the said film would make the Trinoma date worthwhile and, to some extent, meaningful, we decided to grab our lunch from Kenny Roger's Roasters (messy tuna sandwich) and dash our way to the movie house. Overall, the movie was definitely exciting, sexy and hot.

Andie (Briana Evigan) is a struggling orphan left in the care of her mom's best friend. Aspiring to become a dancer some time in the future, she joins the 4-1-0 crew to hone her dancing prowess. Unfortunately, the dangers of the streets pisses her guardian and threatens to send her to an aunt in Texas. Luckily, she enters the Maryland School for the Arts where she meets Chase (Robert Hoffman), Mr. popular, and Moose (Adam Sevani), the campus loser.

At the MSA, Andie creates her own crew alongside Chase and Moose. All of its members are, to some extent, unique in their own right and specializing in different fields. The MSA crew is a diverse combination of individuals representing the streets, as mentioned in the film. Obviously, the MSA crew challenged the 4-1-0 crew in a do-or-die dance match at the streets. Of course, MSA won in style.

Here's the whole MSA crew routine, courtesy of youtube. Enjoy it as much as we, Paulo and Bossing, did! :)



In conclusion, the film was a great way to spend some time with someone special. Wala na 'kong masabi since I had so much fun with Bossing. Anyways, the film was nice and thrilling, especially with the choreography and diverse cast.

Coffee, anyone?

Atonement

"Dearest Cecilia, the story can resume. The one I had been planning on that evening walk. I can become again the man who once crossed the surrey park at dusk, in my best suit, swaggering on the promise of life. The man who, with the clarity of passion, made love to you in the library. The story can resume. I will return. Find you, love you, marry you and live without shame." - Robbie Turner, Atonement

In line with the recently concluded Academy Awards, I have decided to watch Joe Wright's adaptation of Ian McEwan's critically acclaimed novel "Atonement." Of course, the movie won an Oscar for Best Original Score and Best Motion Picture-Drama in the Golden Globes, which makes the whole movie experience very pleasing and delightfully entertaining.

The movie revolves around Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and the son of their housekeeper, Robbie Turner (James McAvoy). Obviously, the two sisters fancy Robbie as a prospective lover in the future because of his air and stature. Unfortunately for Briony, Robbie prefers the older and sophisticated Cecilia, especially after their sexually enticing encounter by the fountain/pond. Briony then misjudges Robbie as a "sexual maniac" after seeing the happenstance and reading a sexually explicit letter containing disturbing words that are occurring inside Robbie's head. Obviously, the said letter materialized inside the Tallis Library and honestly, it was artistically done with so much adeptness and passion as if the actors were really into it. However, Briony interrupts the heated action and thinks that Robbie is taking Cecilia against her will.

Then, a crime of lust happens: Lola Quincey (Juno Temple) gets herself raped by an unknown man in a tuxedo outside the Tallis manor while searching for the twins (Jackson and Pierrot Quincey). Briony accuses Robbie of the said crime (of course, he did not rape Lola) in line with her jealousy and perceived Robbie-induced sexual aggression with Cecilia and gets the poor guy straight to prison. Fast forward into the future, Robbie gets out of prison via the militia to ward off Germany's invasion of France and Cecilia becomes a nurse manager in London (I think). During their pre-war date, Cecilia assures Robbie that she will always keep in touch (via snail mail, of course) and will eventually wait for and marry him. On the other hand, Briony (Romola Garai) also became a nurse for the military to redeem herself, or so to speak, of the enormous guilt of accusing Robbie of false rape.

Unfortunately, Robbie and Cecilia died during the war (Robbie of septicemia and Cecilia of a war-related accident in London). Strangely enough, towards the latter part of the film, a pseudo-future scene was shown, wherein Briony was asked by the couple to withdraw her 4-year old statement against Robbie in order to clear Robbie's ill name and ultimately tell the truth. But, as stated, the lovers died and Briony wasn't able to clear Turner's name. Briony then becomes a famous novelist in the future (Vanessa Redgrave) and her last novel (entitled, "Atonement") contained the real score on Lola's case and gave Cecilia and Robbie a hopeful happy ending. The end.

What really struck me the most, with regard to the entire film, was the note-worthy "typewriter-ish" sound that appears during the turning points of the film. At first, it was a bit disturbing and annoying to the common ear but, as the movie progresses, this unique sound suddenly becomes a mark that something sensible will happen next. It adds suspense all throughout and it somehow states on how this clever and provoking story started: In writing. The overall musical score was fabulous and well-suited for each character, event, and the magnificent scenery. No wonder it won an Academy! Kudos!

Overall, the movie was very sagacious and brilliant. It is a must see and will magnify the age-old statement that "the truth will set us free."

Coffee, anyone?

La Vie en Rose

"Non, rien de rien/Non, je ne regrette rien/Ni le bien, qu'on m'a fait, ni le mal/Tout ça m'est bien égal" (No, nothing really/No, I have no regrets/Neither the good done to me, nor the bad/to me, they're all the same.) - Edith Piaf, La Vie en Rose

As always, boredom took hold of me, again, after an exhausting day. Went to the British Council Office yesterday morning to have my results forwarded to the CGFNS office in line with my Visa Screen application. After which, I took the liberty of looking around for something that would literally kill my profound boredom. So, as always, I sought the refuge of watching the very moving and inspiring movie, "La Vie en Rose." Seriously, you have to watch this amazing movie. Seriously.

Edith Piaf (or Édith Giovanna Gassion), portrayed by French actress and Academy Award Winner, Marion Cottilard, was admired as one of greatest French singers over the last century. Dubbed as the country's best pop singer, her emotional songs clearly reflected her tragic life. Some of her well-known songs include "La vie en rose" (1946), "Hymne à l'amour" (1949), "Milord" (1959), "Non, je ne regrette rien" (1960).

The entire film runs in a non-linear/flashback manner, usually jumping from her humble childhood beginnings in Belleville, France to international stardom in New York, which may either confuse or even irritate a number of people. I actually got a bit perplexed during the early parts of the film but, luckily, I got the hang of it midway. Anyways, I was a bit shocked to learn how she was seriously raised in a borthel by a group of prostitutes. Allegedly, she was blind, or so to speak, for a couple of years due to keratitis, which brought her into the devotion with Saint Therese, thanks to her prostitute nanny, Titine (Emmanuelle Seigner).

Her road to stardom began when she met Louis Leplée (Gérard Depardieu), owner of Le Gerny, while singing for pennies in the streets with Mômone (Sylvie Estud), her confidant. Her remarkable voice captivated the hearts of the upper class which resulted in concerts and tours all over France, even New York. Here she met the married boxer Marcel Cerdan (Emmanuelle Seigner), the so-called love of her life. Their fist date at a diner was so funny: A world-class singer and a famous boxer dinning at a stereo-typical American diner for a first date?! Wow. Talk about cheesy. Haha. :) Anyways, the intense love affair came to an end when Marcel died from a plane crash. This incident drove Piaf to depression that stalled her career, thanks to drugs and alcohol.

Two scenes really caught my attention. First, the interview with a reporter at the beach. She was knitting a sweater while being asked a number of reflective questions that seriously made me think, especially the advice part where all she answered was "love." Second, her final performance at the legendary Paris Olympia. One could clearly see the emotion and relevance of the song to Piaf's poignant life. I was teary-eyed during this part! Awwww!

The ending? Hmmm. That would have to be my favorite part of the film. The flashbacks of her life while struggling against the idea of death itself was truly remarkable. The thing is that she was trying to recall certain events over the last few days but her mind was transmitting other images from her past (SPOILER: She had a daughter named Marcelle, I think, that died of meningitis). I like the shot where she was holding a frog as a little girl. Nicely done.

Overall, the whole movie was astounding and elegant; From the cinematography down to the make-up (they won an Academy in this category, too), everything was brilliantly made. Not to mention Cottilard's marvelous portrayal of Piaf, where she was clearly immersed in her role. There was passion in every single scene. She truly deserved that most coveted golden guy as a token for her superb performance. Kudos!

"Oh -- thank you so much. Olivier, what you did to me, Maestro Olivier Dahan, you rocked my life. You truly rocked my life. Thank you so much to Picturehouse for your passion, members of the Academy, thank you so, so much. And -- wow. Well, I'm speechless now. I -- I -- well, I -- thank you life, thank you love, and it is true, there is some angels in this city. Thank you so, so much."

Coffee, anyone?

Jumper

"Take a deep breath." - David Rice, Jumper

And so I did.

I was bored and pissed yesterday afternoon so I decided to watch a decent film at a nearby cinema. Of course, I was on a very very tight budget being unemployed and dependent to my parents. Haha. :) Anyways, I opted to watch Jumper rather than My Bestfriend's Girlfriend (I'm not in the mood for cheesy stuff) , Juno (I watched the movie last month), The Spiderwick Chronicles (I'd rather read the series), and The Mist (huh?) thinking that it would appease my bored and wounded Ego (Do I even have one?). Unfortunately, it didn't.

Jumper, a film based on the 1992 science fiction novel of the same title by Steven Gould, talks about David Rice (Hayden Christensen) and his extraordinary ability to teleport or "jump" himself to any part of the globe in a blink of an eye leaving only a trail of sub-atomic dust. Being a quasi-outcast/loser in high school with a negligent father, David used his power to escape his former life and build a new one in New York. Unfortunately, a group of not-so-gifted yet intelligent individuals called Paladins, led by Roland Cox (Samuel L. Jackson), hunt jumpers around the globe using high-voltage cable wires. Their motives? Hmm. "Only God can use this power." Haha. As expected, there were some action encounters in various parts of the globe, not to mention a piece of cheesy-ish angle with Millie (Rachel Bilson), his childhood sweetheart, just to spice everything. Of course, the movie ended with the usual good-guy-gets-the-girl fashion with tint of maternal conflict resolution (SPOILER: David's mother is a Paladin).

The visual effects were tolerable but the scenery was definitely astounding. From the Colosseum of Rome, the busy streets of Tokyo, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, a traditional pub at Dublin, the Madison Square in New York, and the Big Ben in London. Talk about shooting locations! My favorite part would have to be the scene where Hayden was standing at the Big Ben tower holding a typical umbrella while wearing a stylish gray coat. Super nice! Plus the part where David and Griffin (Jamie Bell), another jumper, stole a Mercedes Benz via Jump sequence in Tokyo. Totally cool! :)

The only problem that I encountered during the course of the film was the fact that there was no clear and specific explanation on how Jumpers came to existence (DNA mutation, scientific experimentation, etc.) and why Paladins hunt them down (aside from the aforementioned premise). Also, the action sequence was so limited to paladins aiming/shooting electric wires/whips at an inadequate number of jumpers (2 or 3 only) and jumpers dodging them or giving basic jabs/punches. Come on! A decent punch-teleport-kick-teleport-kill succession would have enhanced the whole experience.

Overall, the film was good. It somehow delayed the rapid onset of my relentless boredom and took my mind off of things. Hayden Christensen has, to some extent, grown outside the Star Wars trilogy, although he still needs to polish his acting skills.

He is so amiable. :)

Coffee, anyone?