One of the best Filipino movies I've seen (together with Jose Rizal, Crying Ladies and Dekada 70).

I will not spoil the movie for you by giving the ending away, but if you know the story of the Seige of Baler, then you know what this story is about. All I can say is that everything, as in EVERYTHING, is based on true events.

The movie managed to give the history a new dimension. The acting are very laudable. No hysterics, no unneccessary hair-pulling. Anne and Jericho's performances are worthy of recognition (they deserve the Best Actor and Actress plums).

It's just sad that malls didn't pay much attention to this film (SM North Edsa devoted only ONE theater for this), probably with the presumption that it's one of the 'least profitable' entries in the festival.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you watch Baler. It's super worth it :)

It was magic.

That's how I can sum up my experience during the premiere of the movie last night the Shang Cineplex. It was all a surprise (and God's blessing) that I got to watch the premiere, but I'll write a separate entry about it.

The movie opened with a surge of German air bombing over London one night. I don't want to spoil everything so I'll just say (for the meantime) what I thought of it.

First of all, it exceeded my expectations. After watching all Harry Potter and LOTR flicks I was kinda wary how Andrew Adamson will do justice to Lewis' books. But the Kiwi auteur proved that he can produce a classic film from a classic book, even though he only worked with animated ogres and donkeys before.

I liked it that the screenwriters adapted the language to modern-time English; it'll make the children understand the story more. I don't think any kid uses the word "Pax" to make peace with a friend or sibling anymore. It also made the characters more endearing to the audience for it made it easier to relate to them. When Mr. Tumnus asked Lucy why people shake hands when they first meet, Lucy realizes that she doesn't know the answer, that it was what was traditionally done. It makes them more endearing and amiable.

I also loved how the actors portrayed their respective roles. Tilda Swinton was the best, giving life to a really cold and heartless Witch. Kudos to the make-up team who managed to make her look really icy. James McAvoy's portrayal of Mr. Tumnus made the Faun more loveable then ever. And I just adored the four Pevensie siblings; I loved Edmund the most.

Though the movie received high praises from British critics, it isn't well received by American ones. But what matters more is that people get to watch the film and be lost in the world of Narnia, and feel the warm lovely, fuzzy feeling that will you will have when you leave the theatre.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe opens on January next year here in the Philippines.