A very close ‘Engkwentro’: Pepe Diokno

(Published Oct. 18, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

“Engkwentro,” which won the Orizzonti (New Horizons) award at the 66^th Venice Film Festival, presents an unflattering look at a generic slum community’s daily dealings.

Directed by 22-year-old Pepe Diokno, it paints a dizzying, dismal picture of teens involved with drug-peddling and gang terror, zeroing in on two teen brothers (Felix Roco and Daniel Medrana) who try to survive their rough neighborhood.

The mayor (Celso Ad. Castillo), an almost omnipresent figure made audible by radio broadcasts, openly declares war on crime. Some members of this community discover that a misstep can cost them dearly.

What inspired you to focus on vigilante killings?
This is my first full-length film. I’ve only done two shorts before this. Last year’s film was part of a program called “Rock the Rehas,” stories from Philippine jails. “Engkwentro” was born out of that. In this detention facility in the South, I met two brothers, Richard and Raymond, aged 15 and 17. I spent an afternoon with them. Their situation inspired the story. After I did some research, I found out that the vigilante problem has been happening since Martial Law. It’s happening everywhere.

How did the story and the structure develop?
The structure was born organically. The film is presented like it was shot continuously. It wasn’t; there are 51 cuts. But they were all digitally erased. It tells the last 24 hours of the two brothers. In order to feel the immediacy of the day, the only way to do it was continuously.

How difficult was it to create this fictional community and make it believable?
It was a lot of trial and error. Shooting in the southern part of the country wasn’t too feasible because of security and financial issues. I wanted to shoot with actual gangsters, but I realized it might cost them their lives. We moved the production to Manila and tried shooting in Navotas. We tried that for a couple of days but it wasn’t working, so we built a set.

How much was required to make the movie?
Cinemalaya gives a grant of P500,000. If you’re shooting a film with two characters set in one location, that’s more than enough. But for our film, which is outdoors, with lots of extras and an action movie, we spent double.

“Engkwentro” will have a special screening for “Ondoy” victims on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Cinemanila Film Festival, Market! Market! Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Cutthroat ‘Island’

(Published Oct. 12, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Stretch a slasher flick concept across 13 hour-long episodes and you get the new murder mystery series “Harper’s Island.”

The body count rises weekly, as a murderer stalks visitors of the picturesque island situated off the coast of Seattle. These guests are about to attend the wedding of Henry Dunn and Trish Wellington (Christopher Gorham and Katie Cassidy), most of them unaware of the grisly crimes single-handedly committed by a madman who visited the place seven years ago.

But some of them know that dark chapter in the island’s history well. Among the guests is Abby Mills (Elaine Cassidy), the groom-to-be’s best friend. She’s a former resident of Harper’s Island whose mother was among the rampaging killer’s victims. The murderer was gunned down by Abby’s Sheriff father (Jim Beaver). But there’s a baffling new series of killings being committed by a mysterious assailant.

Just like the ‘90s “Scream” series of movies, most of the characters of “Harper’s Island” are easily distinct, falling into almost archetypal categories. There’s the good girl, the outsider, the old flame, and so on. When the slayings start, however, everyone becomes a suspect, and many of the characters are fleshed out just enough to reveal some possible motives. Figuring out the real deal in a gaggle of red herrings can be tough and challenging.

The slasher-murder mystery works, the whodunit puzzles a bit reminiscent of those in much smarter shows like “Twin Peaks” and “Veronica Mars.” And like in the aforementioned “Scream,” established facts aren’t always reliable, and there are untold secrets that will make sense of the chaos in due time.

The pacing can be frustrating, initially, since it takes a few episodes for the characters to discover the terrible things happening around them. Also, there are transparent horror clichés and obvious ploys that don’t work too well.

But the payoff is worth the wait. Many questions are answered satisfyingly, sometimes shockingly. The revelations elaborate on the entire horrid affair, but it takes patience--and plenty of casualties--to get to some twisted truths.

“Harper’s Island” airs on Studio 23 every Wednesday at 9 p.m.

‘Sa Hamon ng Panahon’: Dark history reflected

(Published Oct. 15, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

The disturbing docu-drama “Sa Hamon ng Panahon” states that terrible human rights violations still happen in the country, long after the end of the Martial Law era. The accounts of witnesses and victims’ families recall inexplicable acts of violence, from physical and mental torture to merciless outdoor executions.

Produced by multimedia organization Kodao, “Sa Hamon ng Panahon” runs a little over an hour, and is directed, written and narrated by Boni Ilagan. Sensitively tackling the issues surrounding the murders of United Church of Christ in the Philippines members, it raises important questions, and answers some of them with clarity.

Events are re-created to illustrate the moments leading to the UCCP members’ killing by unidentified assailants; the reenactments aren’t always smooth (understandably so, because most of the participants are non-professional actors, according to Ilagan), but the narrative works, for the most part. Such scenes are interspersed between interviews in the fashion of news magazine programs.

Initial accessibility aside, the documentary isn’t for the squeamish. While images of the recently deceased may be blurred or switched into black and white in other crime-themed documentaries or similar presentations, there are briefly shown horrific and uncensored visuals here. Startling images of actual corpses indelibly burn themselves into your brain. It can be extremely discomfiting; the images emphasize the senselessness of such acts and the seriousness of the situation.

Commentaries and accounts try to make sense of the tragic events, bemoaning and condemning the continued disappearance and elimination of religious leaders and human rights activists.

“Sa Hamon…” was recently screened at the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani in Quezon City. The crimes depicted in the documentary are compared by guest speakers--survivors of Martial Law abuses--to the atrocities of yesteryears. Ilagan added that it’s a tale that “deserves to be told,” one that’s “written in blood and tears.”

“Sa Hamon ng Panahon” is frightening, saddening and difficult to watch, but the endeavor is indeed an important one.

For screenings and DVD release information, visit www.kodao.org. In the photo: Director Boni Ilagan

Out With the River

Wow, it’s the middle of October, already. So here I am, soaking up the world, sometimes reacting to it, but mostly just feeling detached. In the last couple of months, I adjusted to some changes and challenges, and yeah, I’ve learned to accept some things and move on.

My sleep schedule keeps changing to match my work and other activities; I sometimes barely get enough time to rest, but there are days when I feel that I’ve gotten just enough. I’ve been doing pretty much the same things, like writing, drawing, watching TV shows and movies, and listening to Heather Nova’s River of Life over and over.

Of course, there’s comic book-reading. Among my fave monthlies is Peter David’s X-Factor. It’s not at all like the other X-books, in that it doesn’t strictly follow the goings-on in the X-Men’s world (except when they’re thrust into crossovers like World War Hulk or Messiah Complex). Anyway, in the latest issue (#49), Rictor talks about his relationship with Shatterstar, whom he kissed a few issues ago:

“It didn’t happen overnight, Guido. Besides, Shatterstar and I were involved long before Rahne and I.”

A few pages later, Shatterstar kisses Valerie Cooper in front of Rictor. Guido’s reaction: “This just gets better ‘n better.”

Yep. What he said.

Early Halloween Treat: Underpass

A few months ago, I illustrated my friend David Hontiveros’ 12-page horror story, Judas Kiss. Co-scripted by Dave and Budjette Tan, Judas Kiss will be appearing in the pages of the new Underpass anthology. The comic book will be launched next week at the Komikon 2009. Be there and buy a copy or three!

*** THE PRESS RELEASE ***

Set to launch this coming KOMIKON 2009 (October 18, Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall), Underpass is a graphic anthology featuring dark fantasy stories from some of today's greatest Pinoy comics creators.

Sim by Gerry Alanguilan
Judas Kiss by David Hontiveros, Budjette Tan and Oliver Pulumbarit
Katumbas by David Hontiveros and Ian Sta. Maria
The Clinic by Budjette Tan and Ka-jo Baldisimo.

The full-color anthology, which is Summit Media's first foray into Philippine-produced comics, will retail for P250. After the Komikon, Underpass will be available in major magazine shops.

The Aang Gang

I’m enjoying the awesomeness that is Avatar: The Last Airbender: Book 3. Epic battles between elemental heroes and villains, dramatic metamorphoses and epiphanies, and philosophical and spiritual insights… this show has it all. Hope M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming live-action movie does it justice.

Deluge

Hello. It’s been a while.

It’s been a little difficult to put into words the barrage of emotions and imagery that came with Saturday and Sunday. Parts of the metropolis are still reeling from the typhoon’s floods; most did not expect a calamity of this magnitude.

I worried about a friend and his family, who went incommunicado when flood waters rose and submerged parts of their street. Thankfully, they survived it unscathed, and were even able to help out neighbors who needed temporary shelter.

Rescue and relief operations are ongoing. I hope the government is working on preventive measures already. This must not happen again. And I hope the 2010 presidentiables are doing something concrete about helping out and not taking advantage of the situation for photo ops. It’s inevitable that pictures will be snapped, but still. Don’t be opportunistic sleazebags.

Still ‘Desperate’ after five years

(Published Sept. 28, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

The fifth season of “Desperate Housewives” still utilizes its unique formula, which is equal parts drama and comedy, and a requisite dose of crime mystery. While previous seasons may just be pale, drawn-out versions of the initial one, it’s always been about the eventful, sometimes scandalous lives of the women of Wisteria Lane.

And to keep it from stagnating, the show makes a desperate but welcome jump at the end of season four. We see how the characters fare five years later in the subsequent season, the show revitalized with new ideas and situations focusing on far-from-perfect family bonds and romantic relationships.

Bree (Marcia Cross) is now a successful cookbook author but her marriage and friendships are deteriorating. Susan (Teri Hatcher) is raising a young son, and is dating a younger man. Gabby (Eva Longoria-Parker), previously unable to bear children, is now the mother of two girls. Lynette (Felicity Huffman) is dealing with her husband’s midlife crisis, and later discovers an illicit affair between her teen son and a married woman. And Edie (Nicollette Sheridan) returns with a new husband, David (Neal McDonough), whose secret revenge plan affects a number of their neighbors.

The multiple characters still keep the viewer busy, and separate storylines still help the women evolve further. Some of the repetitive stories, however, center on Gabby’s financial woes, and Susan’s complicated relationships with her new beau and exes.

Vengeful David’s initial machinations keep many of the episodes lively, his complicated ruse and the character’s resourcefulness appropriately grating. David’s schemes and uncanny ability to adapt to his changing situations are engaging, but his arc builds up to an unspectacular climax.

The untimely demise of Sheridan’s character is a loss, and strong-willed Edie leaves a void that must be filled. Still, there’s a moving sendoff episode that examines her place in the lives of the other housewives, who were mostly former rivals.

While some of the women’s storylines rehash problems they already hurdled, the new concepts provide much-needed reinvigoration. The “five years later” gimmick is an experiment that succeeded, providing the mother-spouse characters new hopes and, yes, some interesting new flaws and insecurities.

“Desperate Housewives” season five reruns air on Studio 23, Thursdays at 9 p.m.

Faces, Phases

Or, "Pals, Pens, Portraits 2." A few new drawings of contacts. I used gel pens and a B pencil (for the Cams sketch). Will post the complete set at the art blog eventually.

WIL. Gummy bear.

MARGE. Rock star by night.

JAYCEE. Gossip girl.

Mighty ‘Mythologica’

Marvel’s various pantheons are enumerated and expounded on in the illuminating Thor and Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica handbook. The 64-page compendium has informative entries on the popular Asgardians and Olympians, and new or lesser-known gods, including the Philippines’ Diwatas. The group illustrations are new, and some notable figures are given half-page profiles. The book also explains rarely mentioned connections between the cosmic beings and their coexistence in the Marvel Universe.

My Life According to Heather Nova

Arris tagged me some time ago. Tag yourselves, friends, if you wanna do this.

Using only song titles from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. You can't use the band/artist I used. Do not repeat song titles. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "My Life According to (BAND/ARTIST NAME)."

Pick Your Artist:
Heather Nova

Are you male or female?
Every Soldier Is A Mother’s Son

Describe yourself:
I Have The Touch

How do you feel?
Doubled Up

Describe where you currently live:
Walk This World

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
River Of Life

Your favorite form of transportation:
Ride

Your best friends are:
Truth and Bone

Your favorite color is:
Winterblue

What's the weather like?
London Rain

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called?
Valley Of Sound

What is life to you?
Throwing Fire At The Sun

Your current relationship:
We Can Work It Out

Breaking up:
Hollow

Looking for:
Looking For The Light

Wouldn’t mind:
Sugar

Your fear:
Avalanche

What is the best advice you have to give?
Follow Me In Grace

If you could change your name, you would change it to:
Maybe An Angel

Thought for the Day:
Say Something

How I would like to die:
Stayin’ Alive

My motto:
Heal

Earth’s Mightiest

Three new drawings. The first two are the current “real” Avengers, and the third shows part of the classic Busiek roster. And in the “Assembled!” image, I included the Avengers Resistance team, which I drew and posted a few weeks ago.

New Avengers

Mighty Avengers

Classic Avengers

Assembled!

Uprooting ‘Utopia’

The X-Men and the dwindling mutant population’s San Francisco haven are threatened by supporters of Proposition X (aimed at prohibiting mutant births), resulting in violent riots. Norman Osborn, a.k.a. Iron Patriot, sends his cronies to take control of the situation.

“Utopia,” a Dark Avengers-Uncanny X-Men crossover written by Matt Fraction, is a pivotal part of Marvel’s Dark Reign phase. Osborn’s secret Cabal makes its move; Emma Frost and Namor form a new X-Men team to police unruly mutants and humans alike.

While Fraction’s early Uncanny issues lacked an edge that’s easily apparent in Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men run, and even in the revived X-Force title, his recent stories have become focused and entertaining. Utopia, despite some characterization gripes (Daken should be erudite, etc.), is Fraction finally taking control of X-mythology. And just like his consistent rendition of Cyclops, the writer confidently makes the underdog mutants’ presence felt in the shared universe. Just as tight are X-Men: Legacy writer Mike Carey’s two tie-in issues, focusing on Rogue’s return to the X-Men (and her memorable tussles with Moonstone and Ares).

One thing we don’t get to see is a promised Dark X-Men-Dark Avengers fight; that was a bit disappointing, especially since there was a panel showing the teams about to attack each other. All we get is Daken versus Bullseye.

Still, there’s a lot to savor. The Dark Avengers are as despicable and overconfident as ever, and it’s good to see them pitted against a team other than the real Avengers. It’s a crossover that works, and a fan-friendly story that introduces some important changes to the mutant books.

Ongoing Leap Film Fest tackles social issues

(Published Sept. 13, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

The ongoing Leap Film Fest 2009, screening a week each at different Robinsons Movieworld theaters, brings together a number of socially relevant documentaries.

Topics such as child abuse, volunteerism, and human rights, among others, are discussed in the films from different countries. The documentaries will eventually be screened in various campuses.

The month-long festival aims to “use film as a medium to express, inform, uplift, and encourage people to be part of every solution.” Leap will have its Philippine Campus Tour in November, and will also be exhibiting in China and Vietnam in October and December, respectively.

Two documentaries produced by VSO Bahaginan, a development organization tapping volunteers for global antipoverty programs, were featured during the opening of the festival.

Ray Defante Gibraltar’s “Panudlak (Welcoming the Dawn)” focuses on education adviser Debbie Satentes’ stint in Cambodia, parts of her off-country efforts documented alongside those of project management adviser Manuel Reyes’. Running at a little over an hour, “Panudlak” (an old Hiligaynon term referring to rituals for good harvests) creatively presents the analogy between the volunteers’ endeavors and fruitful harvests.

The comparison is forgotten occasionally because of the film’s length. Still, while it could’ve been more compressed, “Panudlak” manages to elaborate on the benefits of volunteerism. The challenges that Debbie had to surmount during her time in a foreign country (from the language barrier to traveling through inhospitable weather conditions) are mentioned. But her eventual transition and impassioned personality are captured effectively. Snippets of Debbie acclimating and teaching Cambodian children solidify the “harvest” metaphor.

Milo Alto Paz’ “RV Diaries” is likewise over an hour long, centering on six RVs or “returned volunteers” who elucidate on their life-altering sojourns. In separate segments, they talk in detail about being transplanted to mostly rural areas in different parts of the world, the initial homesickness, and being changed by the experience. Like “Panudlak,” “RV Diaries” offers moving personal accounts that speak of the universality of unfavorable conditions and repeatedly reminds its viewers that there’s a continued need for selfless individuals.

The Leap Film Fest recently concluded at Robinsons Movieworld Galleria, and is currently being held at Robinsons Movieworld Ermita until Sept. 15. Subsequent screenings will be at Robinsons Bacolod and Iloilo (Sept. 16 to 22), and Greenbelt 3 Makati and Ayala Cinema Cebu (Sept. 23 to 29). Visit www.leapfilmfest.org for screening schedules.

Weathering the ‘Whiteout’

Years before Greg Rucka wrote archetypal comic book females Wonder Woman and Elektra, he told the tale of Carrie Stetko, a strong-willed but guilt-ridden US Marshal investigating a mysterious death in the icy terrains of Antarctica. “Whiteout” is solidly written and studiously illustrated, a miniseries that inspired the new movie starring Kate Beckinsale.

Rucka’s original vision conjures up an altogether different atmosphere especially since a female character from the comic book is replaced by a man in the movie translation, for some reason. There’s a subtly implied lesbian attraction between Carrie and her fellow law enforcer, a dimension that gives the book part of its uniqueness. The polar environment is a palpable entity; Steve Lieber’s black and white art complements Rucka’s words and concepts and aptly co-creates a cold, textured world.

(Thanks to Jay and Sionee for the compilation.)

Matters of life and ‘Beth’

Nerdy nobody Denis Cooverman (Paul Rust) announces his love for blonde cheerleader Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettier) and mostly ends up attracting the wrong kind of attention. Beth’s dolt boyfriend threatens with violent retaliation, while Beth reveals herself as someone who doesn’t entirely resemble Denis’ version of the dream girl.

“I Love You Beth Cooper” tries to be funny, but recycled gags and prolonged situations keep it from succeeding; most of the funny bits are in the trailer already. You feel disconnected whenever supposedly big turning points happen. And it just feels awkward when the unsympathetic, mostly unlikable characters try to win you over.

Average ‘Avengers-Invaders’

The 12-issue Avengers-Invaders series, co-plotted by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger, ordinarily pits the two teams against each other, then unites them against an old foe brandishing a coveted weapon. The post-Civil War Avengers teams, the registered and the rebels, unite as well; it just doesn’t feel too relevant, given the timing (the Marvel U’s already experiencing a different status quo). It’s not bad, but it’s not an exceptional series, either. And while it reintroduces the Invaders to new readers, it’s hard to really care for them. As for the Avengers, well, it’s a pretty average adventure, and the appearances of some classic villains, while obvious and perfunctory, are still tolerable). Two artists, Steven Sadowski and Patrick Berkenkotter, illustrate well; however, the dissimilar styles sometimes clash. Overall, Avengers-Invaders is quite padded and isn’t always smoothly told, but it’s still an okay read.

Cut to College

One of my Facebook contacts, an old classmate, posted a forgotten group picture on my Wall. This (cropped) pic was taken back when I was a third year Fine Arts-Advertising student. If I remember correctly, we were really busy with assignments, including a group illustration thesis, a fashion design project, and a paper animation video. But it was still bearable, and quite fun, thanks to a few dear friends. I played REM’s Automatic for the People and U2’s Achtung Baby in my walkman. And I liked growing out my thick hair, after two years of ROTC.

‘Shorts’ circuitous

It’s got enough shallow and icky situations to keep the excitable tween or younger kid busy. A giant booger monster, bipedal crocodiles, and a huge, destructive robot are just some of the things that young bullied student Toe Thompson (Jimmy Bennett) and his friends face after discovering a reality-twisting rock. Adult viewers might tune out from time to time, understandably, but they should appreciate the non-linear, multi-perspective storytelling structure of the film and some running gags (like the Blinkers’ staring duel). “Shorts” has a few interesting messages to espouse, but they’re overwhelmed by the effects-glazed punchlines. Even so, versatile Robert Rodriguez has gotten adept at making kid-centric movies; its unreal, cartoon-like trappings make it easy for children to get into it.

Fifteen Minutes of Avatar, Et Cetera

My friend John and I went to the invitational preview screening of select scenes from James Cameron’s Avatar, last Monday at the new SM North Imax. The short sneak preview showed parts from the first half of the much-anticipated movie, which will be in cinemas on December 18. That’s a week before the MMFF, but according to 20^th Century Fox publicist Mae Vecina, the “Avatar” screening will resume in regular and 3D cinemas in January, right after the film fest. But people can still catch Avatar at the two Imax theaters, which will be unaffected during the Christmas season.

It looks pretty good; the digital rendering is impressive and the action scenes included in the screening and trailer are pretty intense. It’s got a pretty intriguing concept, as well: a handicapped soldier’s mind is “transplanted” into a strong, alien body, and he’s fighting alongside similar beings in a stunning but hostile environment.

The creature designs look Star Wars-esque; I especially like the imaginative rhino/peacock-inspired beastie and the dragon-like steeds. Well, I do hope that Avatar’s got a great, memorable story, aside from fantastic visuals. We’ll find out in less than four months. Thanks for Avatar Day, Mae and Fox.

As for the et cetera part of this post: I just finished illustrating a friend’s 12-page horror story. More on that when the project’s announced in a few weeks. Also, I enjoyed the latest Mighty Avengers ish, except for the art (what’s with the stiff, undershaped figures?). And, here’s a pic of the Winchester bros that I found in Doorq.com. Aww. Heh.

‘TMZ’: Facets and foibles of the famous

(Published Aug.24, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

It’s hard to miss the daily entertainment discussions and paparazzi punditry of “TMZ,” as it’s already on a number of cable channels (ETC, Jack TV, HBO Asia, etc.). The TV version of the popular website is chockfull of brief discussions--sometimes smart, other times silly--centering on Hollywood’s a-listers, has-beens and also-rans, and even non-celebrities (the occasional oddball caught on camera).

“TMZ” (“Thirty Mile Zone,” originally a term referring to the filming area monitored by Hollywood studios in the ‘60s) is mostly irreverent. While typical entertainment news programs skip commentaries and snappy side comments, “TMZ” thrives on such opinions, made by a bunch of people in their 20s and 30s, in what looks like a small office area. Their host and ringmaster is Harvey Levin, who often has informed things to say about matters being discussed. Levin always holds a marker (for listing down celebrities’ names and whatnot), and a tumbler (which contains “tears of celebrities,” according to one of his staffers).

The group’s exchanges usually cover the latest showbiz news and mundane celeb sightings at various venues. One of the things that connect with viewers is its constant focus on the unglamorous side of entertainment personalities. Unguarded moments of stars, behind-the-scenes levity, and unscripted encounters make for interesting viewing, offering angles that may not be featured on regular entertainment news reports. The love-hate relationship between certain stars and the paparazzi (there are intrusive, clever, and polite ones) is an occasional point of discourse as well.

Pictures and footage of the foibles or follies of the popular are also talked about; for instance, there are collective yelps when cameras captured unflattering images of a young star’s unclean ears, and a singer’s imperfectly shaved armpit. Other times, there are joke-y short videos or jingles devoted to incriminating photographic evidence. Nothing is sacred.

But it’s not always about exposed imperfections. Levin and his kibitzers sometimes heap praises on celebrities’ looks, attitudes or works. The casual, comfortable conversations between Levin and his workstation commentators are a reflection of how non-celebrities look at that “other” world. Truth can be really stranger than fiction in this age of instantly beamed videos and snapshots, and everyone’s got an opinion.

“TMZ” airs on Jack TV (Tuesdays to Saturday, 7: 30 p.m.), ETC (Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 p.m.), CS9 (Monday, 6 p.m. and Tuesday 11 a.m.) and HBO Asia (Tuesday to Saturday, various times).

Road trips across ‘Supernatural’ America

(Published Aug. 25, PDI-Entertainment)

‘Supernatural’: Snappy banter and drama

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Two brothers, Dean and Sam Winchester (Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki), hunt down mystical menaces across the United States in the successful horror-action series “Supernatural.” They travel in a 1967 Chevy Impala, their covert missions bringing them to the country’s most disruptive haunted spots.

Trained since childhood to deal with spectral antagonists and mythical beings, Dean and Sam protect or rescue involved civilians, and sometimes uncover truths about their deceased parents along the way.

Like the better “X-Files” episodes, the show has self-contained stories. These are the more straightforward ones, where the protagonists mainly work on a case and confront the monster of the week. And like other good fantasy shows, “Supernatural” has season-long arcs that culminate in big turning points, often nail-biting cliffhangers.

The friction and oft-unspoken support between the siblings allow for snappy banter and drama, constantly revealing contrasting personalities. While Dean has a more gung-ho approach to things, Sam is more analytical and is a patient researcher.

But both have learned the art of subterfuge; when investigating, they disguise themselves as FBI agents (or priests, etc.) with clever aliases, sometimes borrowing names from rock musicians. The Winchester brothers’ dedication to the family enterprise rarely falters, although it’s still interesting whenever one of them feels uncertain about the job.

The series, however, has only a few portrayals of strong women characters. There aren’t regular female cast members, but there are recurring guests. The heroic women allies or love interests end up as hostages, or get maimed, if not killed.

But it’s not without formidable females who appear in multiple episodes. There’s the arch-villain Lilith (whose human avatars are little girls), Bela (a thief of magical artifacts), and Ruby (a demoness with a secret agenda). By the fourth season, a powerful, heroic female character--one that doesn’t end up a victim--is introduced, somewhat breaking the pattern.

A viewing of previous “Supernatural” seasons is necessary to appreciate the bigger tapestry, but the modular stories are mostly comprehensible and entertaining enough. It doesn’t go the “Buffy” route with its monster menagerie; “Supernatural” utilizes the use of subdued prosthetics and special effects, making its threats creepier and more enigmatic. Even when the show sticks to its weekly formula of horror-hunting, the main characters are gradually developed, and their repartee and bouts with doubt are as absorbing as their unpredictable quests.

“Supernatural” airs Saturdays, 8 p.m. on Studio 23, and Fridays, 9 p.m. on AXN Beyond.

Buttered Up Pages

Three things:

1. Butterball’s back! He’ll be appearing again in Avengers: The Initiative # 28. He was shown briefly in the most recent issue, as part of the new overt Shadow Initiative. I hope it’s a good story; he had a memorable first appearance and sendoff in A:TI # 13.

2. Watched Up again, this time at the new Greenbelt 3 3D Cinema. Cool beans. It’s a good movie, and it’s about time the Ayala Malls had a 3D theater in Makati. Let’s hope that they have one planned for Glorietta, too.

3. I drew the first few pages of a story for a horror anthology. I can’t say much about it yet, except that a friend wrote it. And it was a challenge to draw a page with implied horrific acts. It made me uncomfortable, which probably means I’m still normal. But I was focused enough to convey that feeling of uneasiness onto the page. I wanted to play Madonna’s sunshine-y “Dear Jessie” after to wipe away the depressing imagery and mindset, but I was already sleepy. Still, I was able to clear my head before zonking out.

Avengers Resistance: Not Futile

Avengers: The Initiative is one of my favorite comic books, thanks to former writer Dan Slott and current writer Christos Gage. The new Avengers Resistance team is composed of former New Warriors, Avengers, and Initiative instructors, who banded together to oppose Norman Osborn and his minions. I drew this last week.

Not-so-static ‘Attic’

“Aliens in the Attic” is clearly made for kids and fans of “High School Musical’s” Ashley Tisdale, and its trailer tells moviegoers what to expect, so discerning adults might want to take cover. Still, if grownups have no choice but to accompany their kids, or find themselves watching it for whatever reason, they’ll get a decent chuckle or two out of the mostly tween-aimed experience.

It’s about a high school mathlete, Tom (Carter Jenkins), who forsakes his nerdy ways to be cool, not knowing that his smarts can help avert an impending alien invasion. Tom and his siblings and cousins become unlikely, underage soldiers when a small strike team of extraterrestrials attacks their summer house.

It’s exaggeratedly cartoony; most of the adults are pretty gullible and people unrealistically say “heck” instead of “hell.” It speaks to the tech-savvy, videogame-playing kid; among the highlights is the mind-controlled death match between the dumb jock (Robert Hoffman) and Tom’s grandma (Doris Roberts). The whole thing’s pretty pointless and silly, but despite the repetitive childish humor, it doesn’t get gratingly annoying. It’s not great, but it kills time just fine. Still, your kid will probably love it to bits.

Helluva ‘Hangover’

It’s lewd, crude, and damn hilarious. “The Hangover” has juvenile humor working for it, and is reminiscent of the goofy, adult-oriented Apatow and Farrelly comedies.

The most messed-up bachelor party in Vegas was a night to remember, but the revelers (Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis) don’t remember a blessed thing about it. They wake up and discover the groom-to-be (Justin Bartha) missing, a tiger in the bathroom, and a seemingly abandoned baby. This once, child endangerment and the effects of roofie consumption are funny, and the characters, while not exactly archetypal (there’s the pushover, the gifted weirdo, the cool family man), fulfill their comedic purpose. When pieced together, the formed puzzle is actually simpler than one might expect, but it still has more than its share of laugh-out-loud inanities.

“The Hangover” is currently in Metro Manila cinemas.

Conventional Geekdom

Went to Metro Comic Con at the Megatrade Hall last Saturday. Bought a bunch of bargain bin comics, including some Giffen-era Justice Leagues, a Fallen Angels issue, and Secret Six # 3 (2006). Ran into a bunch of fellow comic book and toy geeks. It’s not as crowded as I expected, but there were still hordes of people. Good thing the place is spacious enough. Congrats to organizer Ernest Hernandez and company for a successful event.

‘How I Met Your Mother’: Flashback romances

(Published Aug. 10, PDI-Entertainment. This is a tweaked and expanded version of an entry that I wrote and posted here some months back.)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

“How I Met Your Mother” isn’t “Friends,” but the dynamic is a little similar: a number of disparate pals get into romantic or career milestones (or mishaps), and themes of the week often get explored well in each episode. It’s not a retooled “Friends” for a younger generation, but a large part of it is about getting by with a little help from one’s friends.

Unlike characters from the long-gone sitcom, however, the gang in “How I Met…” is bored with coffee places. Characters like romantic Ted (Josh Radnor), lothario Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), longtime lovers Lily and Marshall (Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel), and practical Robin (Cobie Smulders) regularly hang out in a bar.

Ted, Barney and Robin explore the dating scene, while Lily and Marshall experience the ups and downs of staying together.

Plenty of opportunities are creatively tapped, expounding on the five endearing characters. Flashbacks help define and redefine them; the show’s title refers to future Ted’s long, unending recollection of events leading to his momentous meeting with the mother of his kids. This older Ted’s narration (voiced by Bob Saget) is a device that helps hold together storytelling jumps, and often shares wisdom as the folly-filled stories unfold. And these tales are often touching, insightful, and yes, funny.

The writing continues to improve, and the main characters are people you’ll understand well and root for. Created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays, “How I Met Your Mother” inventively expounds on chosen topics. Memorably discussed are matters such as the “Bro Code” (Barney’s made-up rules for guy friends, prohibiting one from dating a friend’s ex), and “revertigo” (reversion to old behavior when around certain friends).

Guest stars are used wisely; there have been appearances by Britney Spears (as a ditzy secretary), James Van Der Beek (as a struggling musician), Enrique Iglesias (as a hippie masseur), Mandy Moore (as a tattooed bad girl), and Will Forte (as a Barney wannabe).

As for the titular “Mother” character, she has yet to make a real appearance; the shows’ creators are probably saving the big reveal for its final season. In the meantime, Ted and company’s connected tales are about the pursuit of happiness and contentment, and the lessons learned along the way.

“How I Met Your Mother” airs on Star World every Monday at 7 p.m. Season three recently concluded on ETC.

Kathy and Levi?!

Now that’s an odd “couple.”

Kathy Griffin and Levi Johnston appeared together at the recent Teen Choice Awards. But it was one of those gimmick dates; Kathy’s known to do these things. She “dated” Britney Spears’ paparazzo ex once for the attention of the paparazzi, and the amusing arrangement was detailed in her Life on the D-List show.

Levi, who fathered a child with Sarah Palin’s daughter, told E!: “I just, you know, look at her, shut up and do what I’m told.”

Kathy interviewed him after on Larry King Live. One part of the conversation went:

Kathy: Could you take your clothes off for a quick…

Levi: Yeah.

Kathy: I kinda…

Levi: You might wanna wait till the cameras are off.

Kathy: And then what? My pants are falling off just thinking about it, Levi.

LOL! That Kathy…

(pic from ew.com)

Roguish Charm

Go, Rogue! Kick Ares’ arse!

It’s cool that Mike Carey keeps focusing on Rogue in the X-Men Legacy title. He gets the character, and is developing her and Professor X impressively. She’s finally in control of her powers, which is great because the agonizing Rogue has been done to death already. Hopefully, she can have strength and flight again; maybe she can now copy permanently without damaging the other person.

Yeow, ‘Joe’

Okay, some spoilers ahead.

“G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” has characters from the cartoon, action figure lines and comic books, but while some ideas are retained, most of the heroes and villains don’t resemble their prior counterparts. It’s a very formulaic summer action flick; it tries to be big and epic, but the result is Star Wars Lite. The video game-y underwater battles, the deciding ninja duel, and the romance angles feel forced and lack oomph. The shared flashback origin of Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow just grates. One sequence, however--the Cobra agents and Joes tearing through the streets of Paris--stands out. The collective eye candy distracts just fine, and the costume designs look okay. But important story points are just squandered or discarded. For instance: mere moments after Cobra Commander and Destro’s belated but momentous debut as freakish conquerors, they’re caught by the Joes and they don’t even put up a fight. How silly and sad.

Steeds and Vessels

Here are some vehicles and spacecraft from Scarab Impetus. Drawings from 1999-2002. The rest can be viewed at my art blog.

Stardrakken

Maluthean Jumpcraft

Lunarsteed

Kindergarten Mugshot

I was a shy-looking tyke. Yeah, I was well-behaved. Teachers liked me. Heh.

Alamat Cards

Back in 1997, I drew a bunch of Alamat characters on vellum sheets twice the size of trading cards. I had them shrunk at a photocopying place, glued those clear copies onto existing cards or blank cardboards, and put them in three-ring plastic sleeves. They were never meant to be published; I just wanted to draw them. I gave another set to Budjette Tan, I think. I collected fantasy trading cards back then and had fun doing this.

Alamat characters are TM and © their respective creators. For the rest of the set, check out my art blog. Will post them (and the previously promised Batman-DD pages) eventually. Thanks for scanning, Benedict.

Powered ‘Up’ and flying high

Carl Fredricksen is a grumpy old man, a widower in his 70s who dislikes how his neighborhood is changing. The former balloon-maker eventually gets evicted from his decades-old house, but before he can be brought to a retirement home, he executes an ingenious escape plan. Using hundreds of balloons tethered to his house, Carl launches his home into the sky and maneuvers it to South America, his longtime dream destination. An accidental stowaway, an enthusiastic kid named Russell, joins him in his journey, and both discover the wonders and perils of a mysterious land.

Yes, in that reality, balloons can carry a multi-ton house, one of a few fantastical, science-defying ideas that we just accept unhesitatingly. “Up” is colorful and lively, a heartwarming tale about missed opportunities, lasting friendships, and realized dreams. As with other great animated features’ stories, the film explores simple but easily identifiable concepts like freedom or the pursuit of happiness. Those are complemented by a solid script, making us root for and relate to the movie’s unlikely adventurers.

In just a few minutes, Carl Fredricksen’s life with his wife is told using just visuals and music, expressively highlighting their times of joy and loss. Especially saddening are brief but powerful scenes, including one set in a clinic that implies the couple’s inability to have children. It also depicts Carl as a tender, reassuring presence, even when his wife became seriously ill years later.

Unlike that backgrounder, eight-year-old Russell’s story is told in his own words, but it briefly and succinctly sums up his situation: he’s neglected at home, which is why he spends most of his time exploring the outside world.

The adventure is not without menaces; the villainy of a tragic figure threatens to cut short Carl and Russell’s unusual journey. And it’s one shared trip that viewers won’t soon forget. Moving and enchanting, “Up” is a high-flying treat for the young and the young at heart, whether you’re eight, 78, or thereabouts.

“Up” will be in Metro Manila cinemas starting August 19. Also, catch the animated short “Partly Cloudy,” preceding every screening.

‘Flight of the Conchords’ soars anew

(Published July 31, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

In season two of the hilarious “Flight of the Conchords,” struggling musicians Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement experience tougher career mishaps and other inanities. The talented but unsuccessful folk duo from New Zealand is neglected by their manager, Murray (Rhys Darby), who has been focused on his other talents, the hit-making band Crazy Dogggz. But early into this new season, the expected reversion to the status quo happens, and the old silly dynamic is revived.

That hasn’t grown old, and the familiar oddball humor is replicated further. The Conchords are still an unappreciated band trying to make it big in New York. They’re creative, but they’re sometimes forced to play at the oddest venues, including libraries and elevators. Managed by the inefficient Murray, Bret and Jemaine mostly get into nonsensical situations, which escalate into gut-busting misadventures. They break into musical musings, the interspersed videos crucial to every episode’s theme.

The songs are still catchy--not as musically or lyrically as previous ones, but they’re memorable. Most of the videos look better, or have better visual effects. The Conchords get to perform different musical styles again, and even their sole fan/stalker Mel (Kristen Schaal) gets to sing about her obsessions in her own number.

Bret and Jemaine are awkward and naive, but their songs get reflective from time to time. Like in its initial season, the musicians still discuss trivial matters, and find themselves in situations that they have to endure.

In a new episode of the show, the friends become so poor that they have to resort to peddling drinking straws (and later, themselves). In another episode, Bret opines in a number that Eminem and other famous rappers are “not very good,” and forms his own gang. In another arc, Jemaine and Murray run into jerks who ridicule New Zealanders.

While it’s not as witty or focused as before, “Flight of the Conchords” still manages to elicit hearty laughs. The fusion of music and comedy is distinctly weird and whimsical, and it’s still easy to get into that unique brand of hilarity.

New episodes of “Flight of the Conchords” will air on HBO starting August 3, at 11 p.m.

‘Orphan’: Little Miss Moonshine

“Orphan,” starring Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard as doting parents who lost a child and unwittingly adopts a sinister one, occasionally frustrates with its horror clichés and structure. But director Jaume Collet-Serra understands them and somewhat circumvents the predictable sequences by misleading with the score and visuals, aptly eliciting nervous giggles in the process. “Orphan” also perplexes favorably when building up horrific situations. The titular character is Esther (Isabelle Fuhrman), whose innocent, adorable façade belies her calculating nature. There’s a big twist, a revelation that works and makes sense of hints dropped throughout the story. It’s sick and twisted, ultimately rewarding those viewers who endured the charade and grueling scenes of cuckoo kid mayhem.

‘Legion’ Forever

It’s obvious which Legion team is Geoff Johns’ favorite. The revamped pre-Crisis version of the team has appeared in some issues of JSA and JLA, and those Legionnaires are finally featured in their own miniseries, Legion of 3 Worlds. But other versions of the team, like the beloved “Archie” Legion and the recent “Threeboot” iteration, share the title and the spotlight too. The combined teams oppose Superboy Prime and the Time Trapper, who try to destroy the 31^st century’s interplanetary heroes with the help of a newly formed Legion of Super Villains.

That’s easier said than done, of course; present-day Superman teams up with the three Legions, who help resurrect not one but two (count ‘em, two!) major teen heroes. There are huge slam-bang scenes, intricately drawn by the legendary George Perez.

The five-issue series is chockfull of moments that should please followers of the creators, the Legion, even the Teen Titans. It’s not necessarily for the uninitiated, but it’s the Final Crisis tie-in that’s easiest to understand and is the most enjoyable of the lot.

Practically every Legionnaire and their allies (including L.E.G.I.O.N., the Subs, etc.) appear briefly a la the climactic rosters in Avengers Forever and Avengers-JLA. It’s unoriginal in that regard and puts one off a little. Also, what happened to the Archie Legion’s world is unclear. When did the catastrophe happen?

But overall, Legion of 3 Worlds is still big, epic, superhero fun. That’s rare in this era of company-wide events.

Mutatis Mutandis

The X-Men, Feb. 2000, fully penciled on 11” X 17” vellum.

Wow, I drew Marrow. I wasn’t fond of the character before, but Joe Kelly eventually handled one of the X-books and made her interesting enough.