You're The Critic!

[ernesto thaddeus m. solmerano]

In-class Assignment: Film Review

Procedure: After the students watch the movie, three students will be chosen at random to be film critics. Here's how it works: after the movie, the whole class will be given 10-15 minutes to prepare individual presentations. Then, everyone's name will be placed in a hat, and the teacher will take three names out of the hat. Those three students will present their review of the movie. The presentation should be organized as follows:

1. Provide a brief summary of the film. (Two or three sentences are fine; you don't need to include a lot of details.)
2. State your opinion of the movie. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Provide specific examples (scenes, situations) from the film.
3. What character(s) do you most identify with? What are the main personality traits of this (these) characters?
4. In your opinion, what was the director's intention or message? How does the film relate to Philippine culture? Specifically, how does it relate to the era in which it was made?
5. Finally, give the movie a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down."

[De Jesus Anne Rozette P]

1. Rent is a rock opera with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La bohème. It tells a story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.
2.For me, i like the movie Rent because it depicts the real situation of common people in our society. Its strength was seen in the Act 2 opens with the entire cast lined up in the front of the stage singing seasons of love-a song that contemplates how to measure a life in a year. I think its weakness can be seen on the part when almost the entire group were fighting on the day of Angel's funeral.
3.For me, of all the characters in the rent, I like Roger Davis. its because even though he was an HIV positive and ex-junkie, he wants to write a one great song to make a mark on the world before he dies of AIDS. He has strong determination in life though he was afraid to fall in love again but at the end, he showed his love to Mimi and express his feelings.
4.I think the director's intention or message in the film Rent is simply live life to the fullest and treasure your friends. it can relate to the philippine culture because some of the Filipinos get easily disappointed/frustrated on the trials that came to their life and as a result some commit suicide to end those hardships. it is very a big mistake because we all have friends to lean on in times of sorrows and you can see who are your True Friends in this kind of situations.
5.Definitely THUMBS UP!

[Madelle P Amora]

1."The Rent" is a story of young bohemians living in New York's East Village in 1989. It is about the issues of AIDS, gay relationships, drug addiction, and different sexual preferences of the people involved in the movie.

2. strength: it deals with the present situation of our country plus it conveys the ideas through music. Issues of AIDS were depicted in the characters of Angel, Collins, Roger, Mimi and April; gay relationship between Angel and Collins; drug addiction of April and Mimi; bisexuality of Maureen.
weakness: Mark Cohen's documentary- today 4 u: proof positive. I expected a different content of the said documentary. I expected that the characters would share their respective experiences in front of the cam.

3. I think it will be Mark Cohen. I have a loving family as he has and don't easily forget past love. He set aside his personal feelings when he helped Joanne in setting up the equipments needed by Maureen in her protest. He made a documentary about the people around him. He protested silently but more effectively.

4. For me, the main message of the film is to live in the present. Forget the past but not its lessons and live not in the future because you may miss the chance of changing a better future of yours. AIDS may corrupt your life soon but the little time left is still a time to live not a time to die. Today, Philippines is on the issues of increasing number of Filipinos with AIDS. The movie tells us how to treat these people fairly. The era of the making of the film is the start of the spread of AIDS.

5. THUMBS UP!!!

[Madelle P Amora]

1. Monty Python's Life of Brian is a comedy film about a man born in the same period and location as Jesus Christ. This man was mistaken to be a prophet. It tells the life, death and resurrection of Brian from Nazareth, an unwilling messiah who wants to free his land from the oppression of Rome.

2. Strength: The scenes were very realistic. Every line was very witty and funny. Weakness: I cant relate to some of the terms used in the film.

3. Of course, it would be Brian. He was mistaken to be the Messiah as others were mistaken me to be a snobbish girl. All he wanted was to free his land form the Roman oppressors. He was very innocent which made him very funny.

4. The director wanted the believers of God to reassess their selves. Today in the Philippines many are deceived by different religious groups emerging from different parts of our country. Some have true objectives of praising and spreading words of their gods but some are only for financial gain. The film was made during the era of finding religious society which the people can rely on with their spiritual needs.

5. Thumbs UP! ;D It was very funny!

[Joanne Roldan]

1. Rent is a musical type of movie that revolves around the life of the eight young talented people. It depicts the struggle of some of them to pay the last year's rent and in dealing with their own personal life. The group deals with love, loss, AIDS, and modern day life.
2. The movie is so realistic. The strength, and also my favorite scene, is when angel and collins sang I'll cover you because it only shows that beyond sexuality and the thought that they are both infected with AIDS, love is such a powerful word. It heals. Is weakness for me is when Roger leaves for Sta. Fe because it shows the human instinct to ran away.
3. I think it would be Collins, because eventhough he has AIDS he lived in a very positive way. He also hoped to open a restaurant which only shows that he didn't easily give up. He accepted that fact but didn't thought of it as the end of his life. Also because his love was so sincere.
4. The director's intention is to show that each one of us have different struggles that should be faced and that in the end, it is only us, our decision on how to deal with it. To live in the present, not worry for the future and forget the past. The movie may be related in the Philippine culture in a way that Filipinos are known for their positive way of thinking. though tragedy has happened, they can still smile and offer others what they have. They are very friendly and hospitable. As for the era, the movie was made when the number of people infected by AIDS has boomed.
5. THUMBS UP!

[aisoncruz6]

1. Provide a brief summary of the film. (Two or three sentences are fine; you don't need to include a lot of details.)
-The movie is about a group of people who have their own struggles in life, AIDS, drug addiction and financial incapability are popular ones. They found comfort from each other and eventually became close to each other.

2. State your opinion of the movie. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Provide specific examples (scenes, situations) from the film. The main strength of the movie is it's musical aspect, there was no dull moment because of the songs. i saw no weakness in the movie, i'm not really good in picking faults.=)

3. What character(s) do you most identify with? What are the main personality traits of this (these) characters?
-Roger(the rocker) , his masculine aura, few are remaining nowadays =)

4. In your opinion, what was the director's intention or message? How does the film relate to Philippine culture? Specifically, how does it relate to the era in which it was made?
-I think the message is the value of friendship and family. when all else fails, our friends and family won't. It applies perfectly in Philippine culture because of our close family ties.

5. Finally, give the movie a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down." Thumbs up!

[Marivic Uy]

1.Monty Python’s Life of Brian, the story of the man born in the manger next to Christ. Misunderstood and eventually mistaken for a messiah, Brian becomes the man of action within a myriad of groups fighting for the liberation of the Jews from the Romans..
2. Strength: Some of the scenes showed accurate situation at that time. Weakness: I can't understand some of the terms used in the movie.
3. It would be Brian because he is so brave although he is so innocent.
4. I think the director wanted people to realize who or what should they believe in. Nowadays there are many religious groups who have different beliefs but some of them are just fake. The film was set in a period in which people are looking for somebody who can help them in religious aspect.
5. of course Thumbs Up!!

[Marivic Uy]

1. Rent is a powerful musical which is set in the East Village and deals with a pack of young starving artists in the late 1980’s. They face disease, drug addiction, sexual freedom, love, and an unfortunate 4-letter-word: A.I.D.S.
2. The movie showed the real situation of people who have AIDS. Strength: It used music to convey the messages of the film. I don't see any weakness in this film.
3. It was Roger because he used his talent in song writing in expressing his love to Mimi.
4.I think the director's message in the film is to live life well and to value our friends. It can relate to our culture because we are known for being friendly and we value friendship.
5. of course, Thumbs Up!!

[Alcantara Ronniel P]

Rent
1.The movie is about different people who were connected by circumstances. This is the story about their lives and how they faced problems like having the same disease (AIDS), relationships (sexuality), and money.
2. The strengths are the powerful music and story that comes with it. It shows the emotions of the characters and added spice to the story. The plot also sets the tone for its dramatic scenes. The weakness will be the ending. Somehow I felt the movie ended like "life goes on" but didn't show what happened to them after X years.
3. Mimi. She was true to her love but unanswered until her almost dying second. I felt her loneliness and understand her circumstance. She showed how hard it is to be alone in life, nobody beside her to help and was rejected many times after pleading for help.
4. The movie tells us the meaning of life that you must cherish every second of it. And it tells us the power of friendship and love. If we can relate it to Philippine culture, I think it's time for us to think about other people especially to the people who needed our comfort like poor people and dying people.
5. "Two Thumbs up"

[Alcantara Ronniel P]

Life of Brian
1. The movie is about the life of Brian, the unwilling Messiah who wanted to free his nation against Roman empire, only to be surprised that he is also a Roman. This movie tells his story on how he manages to join a group who wanted the same goal as his, and because of circumstances become the Messiah.
2. Strengths will be its comedic lines and story. The "Biggus Dickus" really cracked me a lots of laugh. Weakness will be the scene where he went to the outer space. I really felt it was out of place and its not that funny either.
3. Brian. You gotta pity the guy about his unwanted sacrifice. What can a crucified man do if all of his saviors are idiots. Hehehe.
4. It tells us that you must be enjoying your life. That no matter what happens, "look on the bright side of life." Filipinos should take this advice of Jesus to Brian, because many of us are really thinking pessimistic especially about the upcoming elections.
5. Thumbs UP.

[ROWELYN GAY A BAUTISTA]

1. RENT is a musical theater production which has been hitting the Broadway since 1994. This is a story of a young group who are struggling to survive in New York City while trying to create their art.

2.STRENGTH: The music and lyrics used in the production of the play is outstanding! Its intensity and sensation esteemed the quality of acting and dancing in the film. There was never a boring moment because of its upbeat music.
WEAKNESS: Basing on the Philippine culture and tradition, the audience may feel a little uncomfortable watching the same sex relationship in the film

3. I most identify myself with the character of ANGEL. I may not literally be a gay, but her carefree, adventurous, creative, and smart nature contributed to her strong and determined character in the film.

4.The director may want to tell that despite the struggles and challenges of life, you still have to be thankful for every day that you breathe and wake up in the morning feeling okay. He may have want to imply the virtue of gratitude and not taking things too serious. (Don't be too hard on yourself!)

The Philippine culture may have to welcome the idea of same sex relationship.. haha. I believe Philippines is currently opening its mind to welcome the idea of the third sex and same sex relationship. Although in Philippine tradition and religion said idea is not fully welcomed yet, there has been some drastic change in the social arena lately. Recently, gays and lesbians are already seen fighting for their rights as a person and individual.

5.Thumbs up!

[Maezell Pullan]

FOR THE MOVIE THE LIFE OF BRIAN
1.Brian is born in a stable on Christmas. he was mistaken to be the messiah.
2. I didnt like the movie, honestly i cannot understand some of the scenes. the strength of the movie for me is the movie is a somewhat a comedy film that many viewers will not be bored watching it. the weaknesses is for me, why is there a gay in the story?all he kept saying is that he should not be called stan...
3.Brian, innocent.?but he has a love scene with a woman ;D he was mistaken to be the messiah.
4.i think, what if Jesus is like Brian?or did Jesus do what Brian Did?
for me, the film relates to the Philippine culture in terms of humor. It does not relate to the era in which it was made because they are cursing like they were i a new era.
5. NEUTRAL

"RENT"
1. rent is a musical movie that is about the people live in the dark side of new york o what you called bronx (i think) that has a disease or AIDS.
2. The movie is good. i really enjoy watching it because of the original songs that they were singing. and it has a moral lessons and values and it will tell you that do not be afraid to face the truth just live life to the fullest and everything will be fine. the strength of the movie is, many can relate even the gay community and those who have aids.
3. Maureen. she says what she want to say. she is being herself. she doesnt want to change herself because that's her.
4. All of us are equal. wheter youre rich,poor,have disease. we are all equal in the eyes of God. it relates to the philippine culture because as what i see, the film says that they believe in God.
it relates to the era in which it was made because in that time there are many cases of Aids.
5. Thumbs UP!

[Rachelle D Castillo AC05502]

Life of Brian

1. LIfe of Brian is a satire of Biblical films and religious intolerance that focuses on Brian, a Jew in Roman-occupied Judea. After joining up with an anti-Roman political organization, Brian is mistaken for a prophet, and becomes a reluctant Messiah.

2. Strength: It was a funny and hilarious movie. The lines we're really good, especially the scene of those persons who were sentenced to be crucified. "Turn to the left, one cross each..." ;D Weakness: Can't relate on some scenes.

3. Brian. His "cute innocence" made the movie really funny.

4. Messages: Religiosity woud not mean following everything that one has said or done. God wants us to apply his teachings, not immitate. And finally, "Always look on the bright side of life." Things might happen the wrong way; so for one not to be extremely disappointed, look on the lighter part. Everything happens for a reason.

5. Thumbs.... UP!

[catherine Hermosa]

1. The movie focuses on Brian, a Jew in Roman occupied Judea, who was also born on Christmas day right next to Jesus. After joining up with an anti-Roman organization, He was mistaken for a prophet and a reluctant messiah but he had no desire to be followed as such.

2. Strength: Some of the scenes in the movie are very comical. You will really laugh hard once you’ve watched it particularly the scene in the mountain where Jesus delivered to the people the Beatitudes but the people misheard it.

Weakness: I don’t get the reason why the Jewish people hate the Romans. It’s like you need to read the history first for you to be able to understand the movie. Also, I’m not familiar to some terms that they used.

3. I can relate myself in the character of Brian. Brian is an innocent man who only wants to help his land to be free from the hands of the Romans. He followed his desire to fight the Romans by joining an anti-Roman organization. He was also mistaken as a messiah that’s why people never listened to him when he attempted to tell them that he is not the messiah. Just like Brian, some people misinterpret me. They thought of me as a weak kind of person who is not good in anything. They often thought of me as joke, a type of person who can’t say anything good or can’t do anything better in his life. There were times that I attempt to say to them that I can do this or that, but still they never believe me. It was like I’m the dumbest person on earth.., but still, I need to prove to them that I’m not like that. I need to show to them that they are wrong. And, I’m still struggling to continue my fight for my dignity…

4. The director wanted the people not to easily believe in what they see or hear. Just like in our country, there were many news that a miracle happen here or there, that you have to do this or that your prayers will be answered. There were many wrong beliefs of people in our country. This movie teaches the Filipino that strong faith to God is enough to be with Him. All we have to do is just to let Him enter our heart.

5. Thumbs up!

[Rachelle D Castillo AC05502]

Rent

1. Rent is a rock opera tells the story of one year in the life of a group of bohemians struggling in modern day East Village New York. The story centers around Mark and Roger, two roommates. While a former tragedy has made Roger numb to life, Mark tries to capture it through his attempts to make a film. In the year that follows, the group deals with love, loss, AIDS, and modern day life in one truly powerful story.

2. Strenths: The movie was really great 'cause its musical; and I love musical films. ;D Weakness: I i've said, I love musical films, so I can't think of any weakness. I just appreciated it so much!

3. It would be Mimi!!! I love her character (flirty flirty!) and her voice.

4. Message: 1.) Live your life as if you'll die tomorrow. It might be too late. 2.) Love and treasure friends. Aw...

5. [two] THUMBS UP!!! ;D