Raging Bull - Martin Scorsese's uncompromising and unromantic biopic doesn't pull any punches in telling the life story of boxer Jake LaMotta. Here LaMotta (played by Robert DeNiro, who won an Academy Award for Best Actor) is an ugly portrait of brute masculinity. LaMotta is all rage and violence and Scorsese presents him not as a man to be pitied or scorned, but a man who is a product of his own lack of self-awareness. The film's black-and-white cinematography and brilliant editing (thanks to longtime collaborator Thelma Schoonmaker) make this one a true masterpiece.

Goodfellas - Like Scorsese's Raging Bull, Goodfellas is another uncompromising look at crime world of the director's beloved Little Italy. Unlike The Godfather pictures, which present the mafia in Shakespearian, operatic tones, Goodfellas turns its focus close to the street, revealing the low-level lowlifes who make up the force of La Cosa Nostre. Scorsese doesn't romanticize these men; they are every bit as scummy as you would expect people who make a living brutalizing and terrorizing others would be. But Scorsese presents their lives with a dizzying balance between how audiences view them and how they see themselves. The Copacabana scene alone reveals how easily one can become seduced by the mafia lifestyle, as both Henry and Karen Hill (Ray Liotta and Lorraine Broderick) can attest to. A sheer force of style and substance all in one cool package of classic cinema.

Malcolm X - When director Spike Lee released his biopic on the late revolutionary prophet, Malcolm X, he complained that the studios wouldn't fund a movie that fit his epic vision. Instead, Lee turned to friends and various visionaries within the black entertainment community to continue shooting this film. Lee's own uncompromising vision brought to the screen that tells X's life story from the American midwest, where he once hailed, to Mecca, where Malcolm X experienced a life-changing epiphany about race and religion. Malcolm X is one of those few biopics that benefits from telling the subject's entire life story, since X experienced three conversions in his life---from street hood to street prophet to humanist---that needed telling. Lee's skilled directing brings all representations of X's life with nuance and intelligence. A classic in filmmaking.

Hurricane - Personally, I feel Denzel Washington was robbed of an Oscar with his startling and revelatory performance in Hurricane, based on the life of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer who could have become a heavyweight champion were it not for the trumped-up and false robbery and murder charges which led him to a lengthy prison term. Washington plays Carter as a man dominated by his pride, which only exacerbates the injustices he faces in a racist justice and prison system. But it isn't until his friendship with a young man (Vicellous Reon Shannon) that he begins to open up and allow himself to be loved. Hurricane is Washington's triumph, making this a classic biopic.

Schindler's List - I've only seen Schindler'sList once in its full showing and was never interested in seeing it again. Not because it was a bad film, but because it so fully encompasses the horrors of the Holocaust with the kind of uncompromising vision that doesn't lend it to multiple viewings. Steven Spielberg's sheer masterpiece is haunting and tragic and a true example of what good filmmaking is about: a truthful and honest vision of humanity in all its terror and beauty.

Ray - Taylor Hackford's biopic on R&B legend Ray Charles is helped tremendously by Jaime Foxx's Oscar-winning performance. Foxx looks close enough to bear a striking resemblance to the late singer, but he also brilliantly captures his mannerisms. But Foxx does more than just a simple impersonation. He embodies this role, making Charles both sympathetic and uncompromising in his climb to fame and his addictions to women and heroin. A true modern classic.

Bonnie and Clyde - Though Warren Beatty's treatment of the Depression-era bank robbers owes much more to its era's anti-authoritarian ideals, the film's attitudes toward Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker aren't that far removed from how 1930s Americans felt about them. After all, Bonnie and Clyde were considered folk heroes. Beatty's film merely reveals how closely aligned Bonnie and Clyde's folk heroism was with the rebellious hippie generation of the 1960s. But Bonnie and Clyde did more than simply represent 1960s attitudes, but helped usher in the auteur movement, as Hollywood began opening the way for directors as diverse as Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg to put their visions on the silver screen. It also ushered in an era of screen violence, and a move toward more realistic and adult portrayals of American life in film.

Ed Wood - What a strange and quirky biopic this one is. Makes sense, considering Tim Burton directed it. Based on the life of Edward G. Wood, who has the distinction of being one of the worst directors in film history, Ed Wood is less biopic and more a fantasy of Burton's own envisioning of the creative spirit and Wood's dogged insistence in getting his films made despite financial constraints and his own lack of talent. Star Johnny Depp brings a quirky charm to the lead role, making Wood a sympathetic guy audiences can root for even as he stinks up the screen with his terrible cinematic creations.

Lawrence of Arabia - David Lean's epic biography of T.E. Lawrence set the gold standard of epic films. Sprawling and majestic (the shot alone of Omar Sharif making his first appearance in the film as he rides a camel in the expansive Arabian desert is cinema at its purest), Lawrence of Arabia inspired countless films since its release. The ultimate classic from Hollywood's golden years.

The Elephant Man - Like Scorsese's Raging Bull, which was released in 1980, David Lynch's The Elephant Man was shot in gorgeous black and white. Based on the true story of John Merrick (John Hurt), whose disfigurement due to a terrible disease left him wallowing in circus sideshows as a freak attraction. After being rescued by a surgeon (Anthony Hopkins), Merrick becomes a cause celebre in Victorian England. Touching without being maudlin, The Elephant Man is a classic in style and substance about the true meaning of humanity.

1. Caligula (1980)

   Back in college I once did a term paper on Caligula. My friend suggested to me I watch this film, jokingly telling me that it was a wonderful historical piece. Needless to say, I now think that he is a jerk for having ever told me about this big heaping pile of human excrement. Not even in my worst nightmares could I even imagine some of the horrors depicted in this movie. I cried for my mommy, literally. The film all together didn't jive, and it seemed discombobulated. It made me think about what kind of perv would make such a film, and question my friend's normality. I can't even begin to describe the repulsiveness of this movie without wanting to vomit. While I've probably stirred your curiosity into seeing this film, trust me, it's horrible and filthy to the core. It will make your soul rot.

2. Showgirls (1999)

   Thank you Elizabeth Berkley. Because of you, I can no longer watch re-runs of Saved By the Bell without thinking of you sliding down a pole. Ugh, this movie was so bad, I actually walked out of the theater. And stupid me watched it with some friends on DVD. This time around, I was inebriated enough to sit still long enough to ponder why I was watching it again. Movies about strippers who make it big should never be made. They're not artistic. They're just movies about naked chicks shaking what their momma gave them. Elizabeth Berkley was bad as an actress, and the amount of make-up on her face made her look like a clown. I wanted to gouge my eyes out after watching this film.

3. Alexander (2005)

   All I ask is why? Why was this movie made? This movie reeked of feces. God only knows how much it cost to produce it, but it should have never been made. How can Oliver Stone expect me to believe that Angelina Jolie is Colin Farrell's mother, and she never ages through the movie with the exception of a splash of grey to her hair. And Colin Farrell is supposed to be the warrior Macedonian king of Greece, yet he speaks with an Irish dialect. Wah? Did I miss something? This movie was not only a waste of time, but also a waste of human brain cells.

4. Cutting Class (1989)

   When I was younger, I had a thing for Brad Pitt, so I'd pretty much watch any of his films, like Cool World. But this movie is definitely at the bottom of his acting repertoire. This movie was full of bad acting and it was just God-awful. Another teen-slasher film of who did it, but you already know before the movie is over, so why even bother.

5. Elektra (2005)

   I like Jennifer Garner, at least in Alias. As far as movies, no. I figured this would be a good flick, and hopefully be a good adaptation from the comic book. I mean, X-Men was at least decent. And Sin City was fricking fabtaboulous. But no, this movie was too long even at 96 minutes, and it sucked. Elektra, the freelance killer is only happy when she kills. She comes back from the dead only to end up with a conscience. She protects her targets, and there are lots of fight scenes that were just a little banal for my taste. Of course, I was starting to dose by then. This movie made me want to cry for humanity. Why do filmmakers always have to butcher comic adaptations?

6. Godsend (2004)

   Okay, this was the year I first became a parent. So this stupid movie pulled me in with the idea of what I would do if I ever lost my babe. I figured with Robert De Niro and Greg Kinnear playing in the film, it'd be at least interesting. But then I remembered Rebecca Romijn was in it. So, parents lose child, doctor offers to resurrect child through cloning, and creepy crap happens. The movie is sometimes confusing, and the director actually made 7 alternate endings to this film, as if the theater one wasn't bad enough.

7. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

   I know a lot of guys love this one, my husband included, and I'll admit that Salma Hayek dancing with the snake kind of made me question my sexuality, but seriously, this movie stunk. This movie almost made me lose my faith in Tarrentino's artistic capabilities. Four Rooms and Reservoir Dogs are all time favorites of mine when it comes to his films. But this, I wanted to wipe my tush with. I mean, bank robbers on the lose, they take a family hostage, only to end up in a bar in Mexico where vampires run amok? The only amusing part was a short appearance by Cheech Marin, because who can't love this guy? Perhaps if you're really bored and have nothing better to do, then yeah go ahead and kill some brain cells. Otherwise, just say no.

6

If you saw the first "HULK" forget about it, this movie is better made and it goes back to the basic story of the TV series. The acting is good and it describes a lot better who really Hulk is as it will also give you a better villain than the past movie. Don't miss the ending there is a little surprise there.

5

This is a great futuristic movie that I enjoyed. There are a lot of good things on it as the little robot shows more sensitivity than humans. This movie kids will love. It's fun for all of you if you leave your grown up ego at the door.

4

At first I had my doubts about this movie. I finally convinced myself to watch it and I was surprised. It was not the same type of romantic-comedy movie that we see every year, at least this one, had more surprises and different content to make it a fun movie.

3

This was a great movie. I love martial arts and laughing watching a movie. This movie delivered it. It has so many funny things and situations. It was almost impossible to resist his kicks and his wacky moves.

2

Iron Man has a punch to be an every guy's superhero, and the man every lady wants to meet. This is one of the best superheroe movies of all time. It delivers any request die-hard fans would have, so don't miss it.

1

I loved the idea of this movie. A different kind of superhero and there was no one better for the roll than Will Smith. Ladies and gentlemen he delivers, I would like to say more, but I don't want to spoil the fun.

The movie, starring a long list of actors including Robert Downey Jr., Anton Yelchin, Hope Davis and Kat Dennings, begins with seventeen-year-old Charlie Bartlett being expelled from yet another private school. As a last resort, his somewhat neurotic mother brings him home to live and enrolls him in public school. His public school experience is not going so well, until he discovers that his new Ritalin prescription brings with it an opportunity for popularity and entrepreneurship. He soon appoints himself the high school psychiatrist and starts prescribing medication and holding regular sessions in the boy's washroom.

Overall, the movie seems to effectively capture the chaos of the teenage life, with a few exaggerations. Most of the teenagers in the movie are, as Charlie Bartlett so eloquently puts it, "screwed up", and the parents all have issues of their own. Charlie seems to be trying to rescue the other teens in an attempt to avoid dealing with his own problems. The writer has tried to take most of the major and somewhat traumatic issues that teenagers and their parents experience during a five or six year period, and wrap them up into about an hour and a half.

Not a bad film to take in while relaxing at home on your couch. Genuine comedy combined with realistic and somewhat heart wrenching events make the movie worth investing your time into.

Before I present the list, I just want to present some basic background info: Eight five people (52 females and 33 males) responded. The average age is 28. Fifty one are based in Luzon, 20 in Visayas, and 14 in Mindanao.

Taking a look at my friends' overall choices, I can see that they love listening to “heart-y” Tagalog songs and they like to weep than to LOL at the movies. Watching TV in their own living rooms, though, they like doing both (not simultaneously, I hope). They enjoy watching Boyet, Papa Piolo and Ate Shawie act; Kris Aquino and Michael V keep them glued to their TV sets; and four lads who met in UP in the early 90's are their music idols. Their favorite book is 122 years old, and they are proud to have been part of the F4 fever a couple years back.

I am posting the list by category, starting with their All-Time Favorite Pinoy Movies:

Summary: Five family dramas, two comedies, two classics, and a biography

No. of movies cited: 148

Quirkiest choice: Walang Matigas na Tinapay sa Mainit na Kape (1994)

1. Himala (1982; Ishmael Bernal)

   I am particularly glad that some of them rated this film as one of their favourites because it is also one of mine. This film was a result of the collaboration of arguably the Philippines' best director (Bernal), scriptwriter (Ricky Lee), and actress (Nora Aunor) all at their prime. It tells the story of Elsa (Aunor), a young lass in a remote village who claims that the Virgin Mary has spoken to her and starts healing people, attracting hordes of believers from all over to flock to the sleepy barrio.
   
   Even those who haven't seen the film have probably heard of the immortal line spoken by Elsa at the film's denouement: “Walang himala! Nasa puso lang natin ang himala!” Pretty dramatic stuff.

2. Tanging Yaman (1999; Laurice Guillen)

   What makes Tanging Yaman a memorable film is it is very identifiable. Pinoys can relate to the story of family reunions, sibling rivalries, and coping with the ageing of parents. And it didn't hurt that it is very well-crafted. Although there is an underlying religious theme to the movie, it doesn't resort to didacticism. Also, everyone in the cast delivered top-notch performances, in particular, Gloria Romero as the family matriarch who succumbs to Alzheimer's.

3. Bagets (1984; Maryo De los Reyes)

   One good thing that came out of this survey is my discovery of this fun movie. I haven't seen this so I was intrigued that some of you chose it as one of your favorites. I went to Youtube and watched the whole thing and I understood why my friends remembered this 24-year old film: it is a laugh-trip the whole time! It really makes you want to go back to high school once more and be young and carefree and silly again. *Sigh*

4. AngTanging Ina (2003; Wenn Deramas)

   The only other comedy in the top 10, Star Cinema's Ang Tanging Ina is about Ina (Ai Ai de las Alas), a single mother of 12 trying hard to make ends meet. The plot allows the film to spoof earlier Star Cinema family dramas, particularly the Vilma Santos starrers. I remember I enjoyed watching this with officemates, some of whom were middle-aged mothers themselves.

5. Madrasta (1996; Olivia Lamasan)

   This is the only film on the list that I haven't seen yet. I could only find clips from Youtube. But from what I know about it, it's not hard to see why some of my friends liked this. It seems like a realistic portrayal of a stepmother (Sharon Cuneta) trying to find her place in her new family. Sharon got lots of awards for her performance in this film.

6. Oro Plata Mata (1982; Peque Gallaga)

   Those who have seen this film and liked it placed this very high on their lists. I am not at all surprised. When you hear the phrase “Filipino epic,” this movie will come to mind because it fits that description to a T: it is historical, it tackles big themes, and it's looong (about four hours). It's about an aristocratic family in Negros who went into hiding in their hacienda during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The title (translated to Gold Silver Death) actually foretells the fate of the family as the members' fortunes go downhill throughout the course of the film. The climactic scenes are one of the, if not the, most heart-pounding in Philippine cinema.

7. Jose Rizal (1998; Marilou Diaz-Abaya)

   Even if most of my friends watched this film as a class requirement, they can't say that it wasn't worth it because this was the first film about Rizal that is well- researched and well-made at the same time. For those who had little to no idea why Rizal was made the national hero in the first place, the film proves that he was both super-human by writing his famous novels in his early 20s and as human as the rest of us by falling in love and showing his vulnerabilities. In that scene where he was walking in the Bagumbayan field to be executed, I almost wished the movie will have a different ending because I didn't want him to die. But, oh well.

8. Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa? (1998; Chito Roño)

   Who knew that a film about a middle-class Pinay housewife will be better remembered than the more hyped Rizal film at #4? This is because Bata, Bata… is so well-written and well-acted that you can watch it over and over without getting tired of it. Lualhati Bautista adapted the script from her own novel about a modern Pinay and mother of two. There are several scenes and lines here (i.e., “Akala mo lang wala, pero meron, meron, meron!” Slap!) that people will remember, as did the Tanging Ina writers.

9. Magnifico (2003; Maryo De los Reyes)

   There is something wrong with you if you watch this film without tearing up. I admit, I bawled like a baby. But that was because I caught this on TV while I was alone at home. Nobody told me the story yet so I watched it without any preconceived notions about it. So for the sake of those who haven't seen this yet, I won't give you even a synopsis of it. Just take my word and go watch it. Alone.

10. Anak (2000; Rory Quintos)

    Although I think it's a little schmaltzy for my taste, it can't be denied that this story of a hard-working OFW coming back to reconnect with her family hits a nerve for most of Pinoys who personally know someone who went abroad to support their family. Aside from the socially relevant migration issue, though, it is basically a drama about families. We all have family issues and we all experienced teenage rebellion and we all feel guilty of things we do that hurt our parents. The movie's theme song, Freddie Aguilar's Anak, can by itself move anyone to tears. Partner it with this movie and it is guaranteed that your hankies will be soaked when the film ends.

Secondly The Bucket List is worth seeing. The acting is awesome, and the basic moral of the story is one worth learning. On top of that there is a great mix of pulling emotion from you and making you laugh. See it. I doubt you'll regret it! B+

Lastly this week is 21. See it, right now! I loved this movie. The story is great, the acting is even better, and the directing was a bit cliche but talented. I don't think you will find much to complain about at all. I would love to buy this movie when it comes out! Bring your friends. A

Keanu Reeves (Played by Quinn Buniel in Constantine)

They seem to have nailed the nose, but the eyebrows are way off.

Likeness rating: 7/10

Leonardo DiCaprio (Played by Jacob Davich in The Aviator)

The stupid look is all there, but the hair colour is way off. Maybe young Leonardo was bleaching?

Likeness rating: 5/10

Bruce Willis (Played by Chandler Lindauer in Pulp Fiction)

The age difference here has something to do with it as Bruce is a teen in this picture, but you can tell that doesn't save the difference in head shape. Also notice how skinny Bruce was back in the day, it has nothing to do with Chandler, but he got jacked!

Likeness rating: 4/10

Tom Hanks (Played by Michael Conner Humphreys in Forest Gump)

Again Tom is much older than Michael in these pictures, but the resemblance still is a long way off.

Likeness rating: 4/10

Kurt Russel (Played by Jimmy Baker in Soldier)

This one has a chance, both boys have Prince Charles ears, but that's where the comparison stops. A hair cut would boost the resemblance.

Likeness Rating: 5/10

In my opinion, finding a film worth watching these days is a rarity. I saw several films and television shows over the years and while I will not "give away" too much about the following films in my article, I do want to give a few worthwhile thoughts.

First in my list of films in this article is Home Alone 2:Lost in New York,

starring a young actor we haven't heard much from in the last couple of years named Macaulay Culkin. While many may say "that's an old film" because it was made back in the 1990's,

I wil defend it's place in this list by stating that l do not particularly like the direction most of today's movies are taking.

There is no originality in most of them and there is often WAY too much profanity, I don't know about you but hearing the language in a lot of today's films makes me wonder "what happened to

all the good movies?" Why can't they make movies these days without spewing the f-word or other related words every other minute?

Is people's vocabulary and intelligence really getting that limited?

I know you may be thinking "sometimes they use that language for emphasis"

but to me that is just an excuse, and profanity to me takes away from the quality of the film.

Anyway now that I have vented my frustrations a bit, the second film I do suggest is worthwhile is

Friday Night Lights, and Remember the Titans is third on my list.

There is also a film that you may not have heard much about it is called Simon Birch.

(Good storyline, film work could be better though)

I also recommend the film Coach Carter for all you basketball fans.

I will begin weekly film reviews and sharing some of my favorites with the masses.

I hope you all will enjoy and if you have any recommendations yourselves that I haven't noted,

feel free to do so. If you enjoyed my film reviews feel free also to check out my weekly music reviews here.

Then there's the Exorcist where it has a good vs. evil. The evil overtaking the good, where the good is the Catholic church. The Catholic church is portrayed as helpless. In fact, the devil has such a prowess that it fills with filth the soul of a child.

Now there are films like the Saw . It holds more than just a thrill. It holds the same elements just in a more grotesque way. It is more of a slaughterhouse than a horror film. I don't say lets not watch the film. It just holds a lot “slaughtering.”

There are films however, like the Shutter , that still hold the essence of horror, and do not show so strong to watch. I really recommend it.

Whatever your taste is, remember some horror films are stronger to see than others. Sometimes a little research is good, or go with a friend, family member, mate that will be there in case it is too much for your taste.

A film, in itself, is a multi-sensory splendor of thought, action and emotion. It is the culmination of days', months', and even years' worth of passion and perfection. It seeks to communicate its purpose; it revels in its manifested mystique. One can only look at a scene in a movie to understand how much effort everyone involved has took in the realization of the entirety, and therefore come to relish it.

The subject of a film is often the main focus of the cinemagoer's discernment. Universal topics such as love, self-discovery, family relations, war and peace -- commingle with the setting and the genre, together with an alternate perspective -- to take the audience to a quest which is both enriching and satisfying. And the world having as many tongues as there are cities, one cannot overlook the fact that culture plays a key role in cultivating the "talking pictures".

International cinema is a fascinating journey that does not require a dozen passports and a fistful of currency, but only a keen sense of details and an appreciation of all things new and varied. You don't have to travel far and wide to find out the liberal American lifestyle, the romanticized French cityscape, the subdued elegance of the Chinese, the religious devotion of the Hispanics, and so on. That is the beauty of cinema -- the world comes to you. It speaks, and makes you see an exquisite spectrum from a prism of eyes.

We Filipinos have so much to be proud of about our culture. It is a rich tapestry of age-old beliefs and traditions, fostered idealism, and adherence to the contemporary. We have a culture that is definitely unique and vibrant, throbbing from the pulse of every countryman. Who can match our famed hospitality and generosity? Or the way we possess that characteristic "utang na loob" or value of indebtedness whenever a friend lends us a hand? And especially the collective behavior of constantly assuming a positive outlook in life in spite of insurmountable hardship? There is just so much that the whole world can learn about us.

We are a people who regard filial obligations and loyalty to our comrades in high esteem. We bear the brunt of labor in order to support our loved ones -- this is particularly evident with the mass of remittances coming into the country from Filipinos contracted for work abroad. We do not hesitate to help strangers in distress, even if we've got our own share of it. Tasks are better accomplished through a cooperative endeavor like Bayanihan, which in turn encourages camaraderie and brings out the best in everyone. There are many other traits Filipinos have that are worthy of emulation, but what I definitely find most admirable is that unquenchable zest for life!

There is always a downside to every story. The Philippines is still classified as a third-world country, and poverty is still the top issue to be dealt with. Crimes still abound, there is an ongoing threat of terrorism; and while the economy may be doing fine, its performance is not enough to respond to continual unemployment and the fear of foreigners who consider investing in the nation. There seems to be bad news in the headlines just about every day.

Various films from preceding eras have taken an excellent introspection into the Filipino way of life, and there are amazing gems that have been produced in recent years -- a number have even been recognized in international film festivals -- but most, if not all, have been overshadowed by the country's big movie studios that churn out seemingly uninspired films that follow mostly in the way of Hollywood's hollow blockbusters and comedies, and the popular Asian horror genre. These studios appeal to the audiences with their movies featuring bankable celebrities and catchy plots, but usually leave out the quality and substance that makes a film truly worth buying a ticket for.

I applaud the hard work of our independent studios and filmmakers who, even with limited resources, manage to deliver films that cater to both the aesthete and the intellect. They are visionaries in the sense that they are able to see through mundane human conditions and turn them into a riveting portrait of the idiosyncrasies of man. There is also a rising trend in the form of digital film production and also the Internet's multimedia capabilities, where up-and-coming directors can experiment and be the next Brocka or Bernal, two of the many gifted directors that were successful in bringing the Filipino psyche to higher grounds.

It's somewhat appalling that it takes the global film scene to acknowledge the excellence of quality Filipino movies, for a majority of our own race to realize what immense talent we possess. If we can only gain more support for our “indie” filmmakers, have greater awareness of our innate creativity, and have a deeper appreciation of our culture, then we can promote and nurture that talent. Through the result of these efforts we can show what fine Pinoy cinema is all about -- not just to international film spectators and award-giving bodies -- but most importantly to ourselves, and emerge with honor and pride at the greatness, more than ever, of the Filipino spirit.