‘In Love We Trust’: Bittersweet, universal

(Published Feb. 5, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

A mature, universal drama about sacrifice and post-marital obligations, “In Love We Trust” (a.k.a. “Zuo You”) is among four films screening at the ongoing Spring Film Festival at the Shangri-La Mall Cineplex until Feb.9.

The film by Wang Xiaoshuai delicately tackles the dilemmas of a mother, real estate agent Mei Zhu (Wiewie Liu), who thinks of possible ways to save her ailing child’s life. Her daughter Hehe (Chuqian Zhang) is stricken with leukemia, so Mei Zhu asks the girl’s biological father, ex-husband Xiao Lu (Jiayi Zhang), to help out.

The situation is likewise difficult for the desperate mother’s current husband, Xie Huaicai (Taishen Cheng), who unconditionally treats her daughter as his own. To make things more complicated, the biological parents are rejected as bone marrow transplant donors. Mei Zhu suggests to her ex that having a new sibling may ultimately prove helpful to Hehe. That idea soon becomes a plan that she single-mindedly pursues.

“In Love We Trust” presents emotional scenarios quite deftly. The quandaries of the characters are challenging, but not unfathomable; the drama is largely dependent on its mostly realistic representation of disrupted marital relationships. Intriguingly, the boundaries of marriage dissolve, or are disregarded, to save a life. It’s not hard to process, but not so for those directly involved.

The ex-husband’s second wife Dong Fan (Nan Yu) is an integral part of the fragile situation, a side that’s also satisfyingly defined. She’s both an outsider and a pivotal figure, not just a justifiably jealous spouse.

Moving and consistently moody, “In Love We Trust” doesn’t become hysterically melodramatic. However, some scenes could have been shortened, and some foreshadowing devices are just too obvious (one just waits for Mei Zhu’s clumsiness with her mobile phone to figure into later events).

Interestingly, the story is one that can work in a different setting. Still, “In Love We Trust” has cleanly composed imagery with distinct elements from Chinese culture. It’s easy to appreciate this contemporary and bittersweet spouse drama, a tale that keenly questions the parameters of such relationships.

For screening schedules, contact Shang Cineplex (633-2227), or Ateneo Leong Center (426-6001 local 5208-5209).

Random Life Forms

Characters I created and drew in 2002:

The Gatekeeper

King Kraken

Scarab Drone

Mateo the Misfit

‘True Blood’ quenches thirst for vampires

(Published Feb. 1, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

“True blood,” inspired by a series of books by Charlaine Harris, imaginatively presents an uneasy coexistence between humans and legendary creatures.

Vampires all over the world reveal themselves after a synthetic replacement for blood has been introduced, which meant that they need not feed on humans any longer. This change radically affects social, religious, and political mores all over the globe, and that huge transformation is reflected in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps.

Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), a telepathic waitress, openly starts a romantic relationship with vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer). This attracts the attention of a serial killer, who targets humans with ties to vampires. Apart from the blood-drinkers, the town secretly has its share of other fantastical creatures, including shape-shifters.

Season 1 of “True Blood” is properly mysterious, expounding only on the core relationships and partially hinting at the bigger, more complex connections surrounding them. Because the vampires are a new group establishing itself, they’re often met with prejudice and suspicion. Some humans think they’re all predatory monsters; for others they’re just cattle-like providers of addictive (and profitable) vampire blood.

Season 2 is still edgy and sexy, but has more camp situations. Sookie’s brother Jason (Ryan Kwanten) is used for more contrived comic moments. Intrepid Sookie, meanwhile, becomes more of a damsel in distress. Her best friend Tara (Rutina Wesley) becomes a villainess’ puppet, while their boss Sam (Sam Trammell) is targeted as part of a connected supernatural scheme. The second season still has stirring drama; vampire sheriff Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) searches for his missing maker, the messiah-like Godric (Allan Hyde), and starts wooing Sookie in his own bizarre way.

In “True Blood,” the mythical monsters can be human and the humans can be unthinking beasts. It’s escapist, but it also dissects the complexities of the human psyche quite often.

Season 2 of “True Blood” airs daily on HBO Signature.

‘Wild’ imagination

Maurice Sendak’s adored book “Where the Wild Things Are” gets a dreamy and poignant cinematic translation by Spike Jonze and company, but it’s a tale that adults will appreciate more than kids. Progressing in a pace that might challenge the younger viewer, “Where the Wild Things Are” nevertheless transmits its heartfelt thoughts about generational divide and childhood apprehensions clearly. It’s easy to identify with the occasionally bratty but wildly imaginative Max (Max Records), who gets a better understanding of limitations in the realities he lives in and visits. The distinctly divided worlds of distressed grownups and emotive monsters blur into a dramatic contemplation of growth and filial bonds in this special undertaking.

“Where the Wild Things Are” is an Ayala Cinemas exclusive opening on Feb. 3.

The Other Avatar Movie

Nice-looking poster of live-action Aang and Zuko. I hope the movie doesn’t suck. Oh, it’s just called “The Last Airbender” now.

Familiar yet unconventional ‘Princess’

Some spoilers ahead.

The animated “The Princess and the Frog” recreates the magic formula of classic romance-adventure Disney cartoons while harnessing a contemporary vibe. Tiana is independent and determined, a young black waitress who dreams of running her own New Orleans restaurant. Things aren’t easy, and they’re about to get unbelievably difficult. One fateful day, she tries to turn a pleading frog back to human--a foreign prince, actually--by kissing it, but becomes a frog herself.

The journey is colorful and bouncy with music, but while the songs aren’t as memorable as the well-crafted ones from the hit Disney movie soundtracks of years past, there are some good lyric-driven tunes and playful numbers. And there are quirky, unique characters that join the frog couple’s quest, like the trumpet-playing alligator Louis and the romantic firefly Ray, who both add comedic and dramatic moments to the adventure. The ragtag band of swamp critters faces the villainy of the Shadow Man, a creepy, Jafar-like adversary.

One odd thing about it, though: Tiana is like the classic princesses Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella, in the sense that she’s ultimately rescued by the dashing prince. Sure, she’s her own woman and all, capable of working for her own future and hardly a defenseless damsel, but she could’ve gotten a better ending.

But it’s still entertaining and empowering, and a nice return to a less visually “busy” animated style.

“The Princess and the Frog” opens February 3 in Metro Manila.

Triumvirate

1. I miss Conan. I remember watching him in 1996, when our cable was new. We got to watch the show twice a week, every Saturday and Sunday. It was easy to like him; he went out of his way to make people laugh with sketches that were just insane. I regularly looked forward to the show, excited in a way I never was for the preceding talk show, whose host I found bland and nowhere near as funny as Conan. It was great that JackTV eventually got the Late Night show and aired it five times a week, about five years ago.

Anyway, it’s been over a week since Conan left the Tonight Show. It’s still fun to see his “I’m With CoCo” Facebook page increasing by dozens every few minutes. As of this writing, there are 884,330 fans, people from all over that he entertained and inspired through the years.

2. I won a Where the Wild Things Are poster (the version below), signed by the director and cast, in a raffle held at last Friday’s preview screening. Cool poster. And what a sad but beautiful movie.

3. It’s been a good month for superhero comics. Secret Six is fun and crazy as usual, but I’m missing Nicola Scott. The JLA roster is changing, and it looks promising. And I love that Marvel’s Dark Reign is finally ending. It’s basically a retread of the original Thunderbolts’ first year; Norman Osborn and his villain posse masquerade as heroes, but that’s about to end with the Siege event. I like the related Avengers Initiative and Mighty Avengers stories. In three months, the Avengers books will be ending, to be followed by a revamp. Initiative is rumored to become “Avengers Academy.” Interesting.

‘24’ Season 7: No shortage of merciless villains for Jack Bauer

(Published January 31, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

After a season of dreadfully predictable and rehashed storylines, action series “24” re-ignites with a renewed sense of immediacy in its seventh season. Kiefer Sutherland portrays iconic Jack Bauer once again, the no-nonsense agent who’s gotten really good at averting terrorist-caused catastrophes.

Season seven immediately starts with interesting revelations. CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) has been disbanded, so Jack learns of an impending attack from the FBI. Bauer’s former co-worker and friend Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard), long thought deceased, is alive and kicking, and may be masterminding a new terror attack. But Almeida is undercover and covertly working with former CTU do-gooders Chloe O’Brien (Mary Lynn Rajskub) and Bill Buchanan (James Morrison).

Just as intriguing is the concurrent arc involving new US President Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones). Initially unaware of a plot to destabilize her government from within, President Taylor is about to send troops to a chaotic African country. Calculated and vicious attacks soon threaten her, her family and countless Americans on that fateful day.

The cast of “24” is partly revitalized due to the addition of President Taylor, as well as FBI tech geek Janis Gold (Janeane Garofalo), and determined FBI agent Renee Walker (Annie Wersching). The new dynamics, especially the new characters’ interactions and uneasy alliances with Bauer, revive and spice up tension, reminding us that despite his continued defiance of rules, he relies heavily on the assistance of a few trustworthy allies.

The season doesn’t have a shortage of contemptible villains. Bauer regularly encounters merciless adversaries, from disposable henchmen to disguised assassins. But some of his most dangerous foes this time include General Juma (Tony Todd), whose forces took the President hostage inside the White House, and Jonas Hodges (Jon Voight), who commands a well-armed and imposing private army.

“24” is mostly well-paced, although there are a few cliffhangers that hardly pique interest for succeeding episodes, and scenarios that ultimately translate as unnecessary padding. Still, much has improved, and longtime fans will especially appreciate the return of familiar faces and continuity ties to previous seasons. While Jack Bauer may not change much, the character is clearly defined as a fallible, hardened hero, racing against time and doing whatever it takes to take down the most reprehensible miscreants of the day.

Season seven of “24” previously aired on C/S 9. Season eight airs Tuesdays, 8 p.m., on RPN-Solar TV.

Earth’s Mightiest III

My last Avengers set. These are drawings of the remaining members, including Jarvis, but excluding Moira Brandon.

EAST COAST AVENGERS: Members associated with the New York-based team. Mr. Fantastic, Sersi, Invisible Woman, Edwin Jarvis, Black Widow, Black Panther, Beast, Hellcat

WEST COAST AVENGERS: Some Wackos and related Avengers. Firebird, Human Torch, Vision, Machine Man, War Machine, Two-Gun Kid, Moon Knight, Living Lightning

FALLEN AVENGERS: The (temporarily) deceased ones. Captain Marvel, Thunderstrike, Dinah Soar, Marrina, Swordsman, Gilgamesh, Whizzer, Dr. Druid, Yellowjacket

NINETIES AVENGERS: Members inducted or active in the ‘90s. Stingray, Darkhawk, Sandman, Demolition Man, Magdalene, Iron Man (Teen Tony Stark), Swordsman, Deathcry, Masque

ASSEMBLED III

‘Tooth’ hurts

Man, The Rock in a tutu. More cringe-inspiring than cute, “Tooth Fairy” is another of Dwayne Johnson’s kid-friendly endeavors. He plays fading hockey player Derek Thompson, punished by fairies for dashing dreams. As a tooth fairy, he learns to respect people and fairies more, and makes others believe in their dreams. The End. Well, that’s pretty much it. It’s unabashedly goofy and corny, but kids that pay attention might pick up a thing or two about following dreams. Maybe.

Languid ‘Legion’

Angels we have heard on high, swarming bugs all o’er the plains. There’s angel-on-angel violence in “Legion,” which is a watered-down, fright-free mash-up of “The Prophecy,” “The Terminator,” and “Night of the Living Dead.” So, there’s a heaven-spawned conflict that spills over to earth, a prophesied child of importance, and a legion of zombie-like humans possessed by angels--angels! Paul Bettany portrays a former angel turned buff, badass mortal, who gives his enemies hell by shooting ‘em up. There’s a stunt sequence where his angel arch-foe does wing fu while Bettany’s character does Matrix acrobatics. That’s about it; scenes leading to, and after that confrontation don’t have as much energy or choreography. The apocalypse mythology is also very loosely done, making it hard to give a damn about this version of the end times.

Team Conan

“And I want to say to the kids out there watching, you can do anything you want in life. Unless Jay Leno wants to do it too.” -- Conan O’Brien, in last week’s Tonight Show monologue

I faved a few Conan drawings at DeviantArt, and posted one of my own (above) last night. I’ve been a fan of the guy for a long time, and Robert Smigel’s Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.

The late night talk show debacle has led to some interesting jab-filled monologues, and I must admit that I’m enjoying them. David Letterman is making fun of Jay Leno and an NBC exec, while Leno jokes about Letterman’s intern fetish. I still feel sad about Conan’s situation, but I’m glad that Rosie O’Donnell, Patton Oswalt, and Howard Stern have spoken up and sided with him on the controversy (look for the audio recordings on YouTube). I listened to their take on the drama, and yeah, they pretty much paint Jay Leno as the Big Bad in all this.

I suddenly became a fan of Jimmy Kimmel’s, because he totally owned Leno during his “10 @ 10” appearance.

Leno: What’s the best prank you ever pulled?

Kimmel: I think the best prank I ever pulled was I told a guy that, five years from now, “I’m gonna give you my show.” And then when the five years came, I gave it to him, and then I took it back almost instantly.

Leno: Ever order anything off the TV?

Kimmel: Like NBC ordered your show off the TV?

Leno: What’s the most number of lapdances you’ve had in one night?

Kimmel: Strippers, I don’t like in general because you have this phony relationship with them for money, similar to that when you and Conan were on the Tonight Show together, passing the torch? You know what I’m saying.

- - - -

Man, Kimmel is awesome. Anyway, if Conan really does leave NBC soon, I hope his new show on another network does really well.

Unusual Defender of Gay Marriage

I enjoyed reading Republican Theodore Olson’s very articulate article, “The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage: Why same-sex marriage is an American value.” The author is speaking out against California’s anti-gay Prop 8. Some excerpts:

“The fact that individuals who happen to be gay want to share in this vital social institution is evidence that conservative ideals enjoy widespread acceptance. Conservatives should celebrate this, rather than lament it.”

“Preventing lesbians and gays from marrying does not cause more heterosexuals to marry and conceive more children. Likewise, allowing gays and lesbians to marry someone of the same sex will not discourage heterosexuals from marrying a person of the opposite sex. How, then, would allowing same-sex marriages reduce the number of children that heterosexual couples conceive?”

“Another argument, vaguer and even less persuasive, is that gay marriage somehow does harm to heterosexual marriage. I have yet to meet anyone who can explain to me what this means. In what way would allowing same-sex partners to marry diminish the marriages of heterosexual couples? Tellingly, when the judge in our case asked our opponent to identify the ways in which same-sex marriage would harm heterosexual marriage, to his credit he answered honestly: he could not think of any.”

“When we refuse to accord this status to gays and lesbians, we discourage them from forming the same relationships we encourage for others. And we are also telling them, those who love them, and society as a whole that their relationships are less worthy, less legitimate, less permanent, and less valued. We demean their relationships and we demean them as individuals. I cannot imagine how we benefit as a society by doing so.”

Read the entire article here.

Weird science, fun music mark ‘Phineas and Ferb’

(Published Jan. 15, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

In the Disney cartoon series “Phineas and Ferb,” the titular characters are well-meaning genius stepbrothers whose super-inventions let them do practically anything. On separate occasions, they’ve built a city-wide roller coaster, constructed and ran a restaurant in their backyard, and even lifted the lost land of Atlantis from the ocean floor using their scientific creations.

“Phineas and Ferb” was co-created by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, who previously worked on other animated shows like “Rocko’s Modern Life” and “The Simpsons.”

Inquisitive Phineas and laconic Ferb are egghead siblings that get along. They quickly transform their outlandish ideas into reality, much to the annoyance of their older sister Candace, who thinks the brothers’ activities are potentially disastrous, or are getting her in trouble. But evidence of their big science adventures often conveniently and totally disappears.

The boys’ inventions aren’t always a secret. In the heartwarming “Mom’s Birthday” episode, they unintentionally upstage Candace’s birthday gifts with their hi-tech greeting card and other gadgets, but they let their sister shine by showing a video of her performing an original song called “Mom, It’s Your Birthday.”

The kids’ adventures are made livelier by catchy tunes, including the ‘80s-inspired “I’m Lindana And I Want To Have Fun” (sung by the kids’ mom, a one-hit wonder), and the touching ballad “Little Brothers” (which makes Candace recall good times with the younger kids). Songs help enhance the stories, adding depth to various characters’ perspectives.

Each episode of the family-friendly series also focuses on Phineas and Ferb’s pet platypus Perry, secretly Agent P, who pursues the mad scientist Dr. Doofenshmirtz. Agent P always thwarts his arch-foe’s nutty schemes, and returns to his unsuspecting owners near the end of every story.

Clean humor, charming music and “impossible” science add up to short but sweet episodes, a working formula that makes the colorful and feel-good “Phineas and Ferb” pleasantly diverting for kids and older viewers.

“Phineas and Ferb” airs nightly at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Disney Channel.

Skittish ‘Squeakuel’

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel” is cute but unmemorable. The squeaky little pop stars take a hiatus after a show-stopping accident sends their human guardian (Jason Lee) to the hospital. The cuddly critters go to school and are introduced to female counterparts, the Chipettes (who originally appeared in the ‘80s animated series).

Story elements are rehashed, while the situations are, understandably, kiddie cartoon-predictable. The song selection is semi-hip--the girls performed “Single Ladies” and “Hot N Cold” (but no, the line “you PMS like a bitch” wasn’t sung). The new version of “We Are Family,” while relevant to the movie’s sibling drama, isn’t a very catchy one. And like the first movie, “Squeakuel” ends rather abruptly (despite the extra comeuppance scene). It’s of little consequence, a diverting movie that tries to appease multiple demographics, but is ultimately one that they’ll forget about.

Titans Will Clash

My, what a spoiler-ish poster. But it looks damn good.

“Clash of the Titans” was among my favorite movies when I was a kid. I remember owning the action figure version of Thallo, a minor character. This new movie stars Sam Worthington and Liam Neeson as Perseus and Zeus, respectively. I do hope they have a modern version of Bubo the cute robot owl.

Rescuing a ‘New’ Avenger anew

Some spoilers ahead.

In New Avengers Annual # 3, another member is held captive by Norman Osborn and company. Shortly after the imprisonment and liberation of Luke Cage, Ronin attacks the Dark Avengers by himself, and is eventually captured (in The List: Avengers one-shot). This inspires practically the same divert-and-rescue tactic all over again, and the New Avengers embarrass Norman and the pseudo-heroes once more.

Be that as it may, it’s a solid issue with impressive art by Mike Mayhew and Andy Troy. What’s with the altered cover image, though? Jessica Jones’ face looks better in this promo piece (right) than in the final product, where she looks a little constipated.

Yes, Jessica Jones is back as Jewel, a nice, if unsurprising, addition to this Avengers team. It’s good to see her fighting alongside other tough heroines in this story.

The last page isn’t exactly a shocking cliffhanger, because anyone who knows about the Siege event knows about the return of a certain patriotic hero to the team. A good ending and a good read, just the same.

‘Sherlock’ owns

Clever and edgy, Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes” re-imagines the brilliant detective in an adventure that brings him head to head with some of his most ingenious foes. Robert Downey, Jr.’s street-smart, dauntless Holmes marvels; the character’s inventive crime-solving methods and calculating mind are focused on, aside from his personality quirks. Downey is joined by Jude Law (as the questioning but devoted sidekick Dr. Watson), Rachel McAdams (as stealthy Irene Adler), and Mark Strong (as the mysterious Lord Blackwood). Enigmas are unraveled and/or debunked creatively and humorously, but a few story ideas are smartly left out, possibly to be explored later in a “Sherlock Holmes” sequel.

‘Zombieland’: Hilarious survival guide

Jesse Eisenberg reliably plays a geek again in “Zombieland,” but this time his virginal nerd follows his own set of rules to survive a world subjugated by an undead plague. Sidesplitting one moment and moving the next, the movie refreshingly caricatures the archetypal brainy loser, the badass action hero, the untrusting female, and the cunning kid. There are unnecessary sequences, and the climactic amusement park scenario unfolds and ends conventionally, but the non-stop irreverence and Bill Murray’s appearance make “Zombieland” a special treat.

‘Brave and the Bold’: A brighter, chummier Batman

(Published Dec. 31, 2009, PDI-Entertainment)

Based on the DC comics team-up book from several decades back, the animated TV series “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” has a friendlier, more easy-going Dark Knight. His adventures aren’t strictly confined to Gotham City this time, as Batman saves the world with some of the famous and obscure heroes of the DC Universe. Their temporary alliances are formidable, and they trounce some of the strangest and toughest super-foes.

The deliberate retro look utilizes a brighter color palette and more offbeat designs, giving the show a fun, playful vibe. This chummier Batman is more accessible to younger viewers, but is charming and solidly written enough that adults can enjoy it as well for its full half hour.

Voiced by Diedrich Bader (formerly of “The Drew Carey Show”), the latest incarnation is open to mentoring young new crime fighters, such as the Blue Beetle (in one episode, it’s said that Robin is grown up, and is the protector of another city). Batman is also more competitive this time; he has a friendly rivalry with recurring guest hero Green Arrow.

Both comic book geeks and the unfamiliar will appreciate the choice of team-ups. In a musical episode, the singing villain Music Meister (the excellent Neil Patrick Harris) is confronted by Batman and the fetching heroine Black Canary. In other engaging episodes, the Caped Crusader is joined by the space-faring Adam Strange, the shrinking adventurer Atom and the sea king Aquaman, among others. Opening sequences inventively compress other partnerships into exciting mini-adventures that run for only about two-and-a-half minutes.

While it’s nowhere as grand as the old “Justice League Unlimited” series, “Brave and the Bold” has its own tone, and focuses on variety. The mixing and matching works and the stand-alone episodes are easy to get into. Batman is part of a bigger whole here, and is glad to acknowledge it.

“Batman: The Brave and the Bold” airs Sundays, 9 p.m., and Mondays, 5 p.m. on Cartoon Network.

Yearender, Oh Nine

What a year. In 2009, I:

- drank only one bottle of beer.

- enjoyed Fantastic Mr. Fox, Milk, The Hangover, District 9, Star Trek, Religulous, Watchmen, Julie and Julia, Zombieland, and Avatar.

- edited a foreigner’s manuscript; it was a worthwhile, educational experience.

- loved songs like Taylor Swift’s “Fifteen” (“When all you wanted was to be wanted”), Lily Allen’s “F**k You” (“So you say it’s not okay to be gay”), Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” (“Waging wars to shape the poet and the beat”), Heather Nova’s “Ride” (“I need a stranger to tell me I’m beautiful”), and Brett Dennen’s “Heaven” (“What the hell is heaven?”).

- drew more, and belatedly discovered the inspiring DeviantArt community.

- discovered dozens of funny or touching drawings devoted to the perceived Jet-Zuko pairing, also by DeviantArt artists.

- couch potatoed and was entertained by Brave and the Bold, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Harper’s Island, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, 30 Rock, TMZ, Glee, Chelsea Lately, True Blood, 24, and How I Met Your Mother.

- got really bored with Fringe and Heroes.

- finally switched to DSL after years of using dial-up.

- was fascinated by Lady Gaga, and fantasized about designing crazy costumes for her.

- was irked and disgusted by religion-backed homophobia.

- looked at YouTube videos for hours, and was amused by the humor of Chelsea Handler, Kathy Griffin, Bill Maher, and Ray William Johnson.

- started a thread and asked high school batchmates on Facebook if there were times when they hated school.

- interviewed a few people, and now consider those with Sam Bradley, Kaskade, Alexander Skarsgard, and Miguel Escueta as some of my favorites.

- took down my Christmas tree in July.

- removed my college diploma from its frame, and replaced it with a cover of my old comic book and reviews of it printed on colored paper.

- lost weight, gained weight, lost weight, gained weight.

- read dozens of comic books.

- appreciated things I took for granted.

May 2010 be prosperous and peaceful. Thanks to all the wonderful people who made '09 pleasant. Happy New Year!

LNA: Five Years Later

Five years ago, I released the self-published comic book “Lexy, Nance & Argus: Sex, Gods, Rock & Roll.” Time flies; I remember staying at the printing press for long hours, checking if the page signatures were correct, and making sure that no blank page made it to the binding stage. By Dec. 23, copies had been delivered to Comic Quest Megamall. I’m grateful to my friends John and Benedict, who helped me get the book out there, and I’m thankful to the people who bought copies and/or took time to say really good things about it.

I’ve been asked a lot if a sequel is in the works. No, there won’t be one. And while I’m at it, no, the book is fiction, and no, I wasn’t molested as a child. But yes, I want to revisit some places. I’d like to write my character Jim again someday. I’m thinking of calling that future book “Psychic Love: Jim and Ma-An Save the World.” Or something. But while I’m not going to devote an entire comic to Lexy and the gang anytime soon, I do play with ideas from time to time. Their stories never truly end, and this recent image tells a few new ones. But I’d rather let them talk about it:

ARGUS: It was weird having Joop there. But seeing him again, with his pretentious tattoos and closet-era George Michael stubble, well, it’s like being punched in the gut… but you actually like it, know what I mean? Yeah, the “friends with benefits” thing got too complex. My heart broke. Yeah, he’s ten years younger, but we totally get each other. Um, when we’re not pissing each other off, that is. He’s so talented, it’s ridiculous, and you don’t see his brand of audacity these days. It’s like his parents knew he’s destined for greatness. They just had to name him after the daddy of the pantheon. Or the ginormous planet.

LEXY: We’re now in our thirties, worrying about the future more, but enjoying family life immensely. I guess that’s how we are, five years after, in a nutshell.

NANCE: It’s been five years?! I didn’t notice. A few lovers have come and gone. But I’m more concerned these days about my kids. And my career. Okay, I’ll only admit it here. I’m in a relationship. With a married couple from showbiz. There, I said it. I don’t see it going anywhere, but so far, it’s fun.

JIM: Man, what a slut. Just kidding, Nance. Me, I don’t need to say anything. Everything’s in the picture. I just wanna greet everyone, Merry Horusmas. Or Merry Solmas.

ARGUS: Happy Holidays to everyone! Except homophobes and other creeps. You know who you are, you unthinking, self-righteous, ugly hypocrites. Oh, and thank you, Stef, for taking the picture. Eat the fruitcake.

Toys, Tinsel, Tree

“Toys, Tinsel, Tree” ended up the way I envisioned it. It’s just a fun piece from start to finish.

Santas Good, Bad, Badass

Yuletide carols, cartoon ducks, superheroes, and the many faces of Santa Claus! Some comic books for the holidays:

Ant-Man’s Big Christmas- Avengers Ant-Man and the Wasp makes a boy’s wish come true for Christmas--they teach his horrid, obnoxious relatives the error of their ways! An oddly uplifting holiday revenge story.

JLA # 60, “Merry Christmas, Justice League--Now Die!”- Santa Claus has super powers and joins the League in Plastic Man’s silly story, as told to Woozy Winks’ young, skeptical nephew.

Generation X Holiday Special, “Yes, Jubilee, There is a Santa Claus”- Nanny and Orphan Maker strike during the holidays, but Generation X keeps them from ruining some kids’ Christmas. Also, Jubilee meets Santa Claus.

Battle Pope # 10, “The Christmas Pope-tacular”- Sacrilegiously funny, as usual. Jesus fights Santa for upstaging him on his birthday.

Donald Duck # 203, “The Golden Christmas Tree”- Donald’s nephews want the perfect tree, but they find themselves fighting a hag who wants to end the holiday in this quirky short story.

Howard the Duck Holiday Special, “Wreck the Malls with Hydra’s Folly”- Howard grudgingly dresses up as a store Santa, and later goes on a mission to save the real one from the forces of Hydra. Wacky stuff.

Bone Holiday Special, “Happy Winter Solstice!”- In this cute four-pager, Bone and Thorn pick out an evergreen for Winter Solstice, “a very old tradition.” Bone also plays Santa to a pair of Rat Creatures, giving them piping hot quiche during a truce.

Richie Rich Digest # 4, “Santa Paws”- Richie’s dog Dollar dresses up as Santa and cheers up a group of less-fortunate dogs. Weird, but somewhat touching.

Spectre # 12, “The Spectre of Christmas!”- Spectre Hal Jordan meets Santa Claus, Charles Dickens, and Ebenezer Scrooge in this surreal, ruminative issue.

Jingle Belle Holiday Special, “Santa Claus Vs. Frankenstein”- Santa’s daughter Jingle Belle discovers and revives the real Frankenstein’s Monster, who soon helps out in Santa’s workshop. The two icons “fight” to save Christmas.

Pinky and The Brain Christmas Special, “Jingle Narf”- The rodents infiltrate Santa’s toy factory to reprogram a large batch of toys, but the ploy backfires, of course, thanks to Pinky.

Marvel Holiday Special 1992, “Yule Memory”- In this moving tale, Thanos celebrates a combination of pre-Christian Yule holiday and modern earth Christmas with young Gamora to give her the illusion of family.

Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special, “The Lobo Xmas Sanction”- In this bloody, Simon Bisley-illustrated one-shot, Lobo fights a butt-kicking Santa--to the death! Disturbing and hilarious.

DC Comics Presents # 67, “’Twas the Fright Before Christmas”- Superman teams up with Santa Claus to foil Toyman’s schemes. “Trust me, son--on this of all nights, there is nobody faster than me!”

Simpsons # 52, “Worst Christmas Ever!”- The hunt for a popular toy set wears out last-minute Springfield shoppers, but Homer discovers an abandoned truck carrying several toy sets, and is forced to play Santa.

Sensational She-Hulk # 8, “The World’s Greatest Detective”- She-Hulk and a disguised Santa team up to catch a crook. She-Hulk gets a gift that will be useful in a future holiday issue (# 36, to be exact).

Green Lantern # 59, “Green Christmas”- GL Kyle Rayner is new to the Titans, and spends Christmas Eve on monitor duty. But Donna eventually gives him a present, mistletoe, which she holds above them. Sweet.

Futurama Comics # 6, “Christmas Time is Fear”- The robot Santa Claus terrorizes Fry and the gang once again. But the feared automaton is allied with two other villains this Christmas!

Hulk # 378, “Rhino Plastered”- In this funny flashback issue, gray Hulk fights the Rhino, dressed up as Santa Claus. A little girl named Virginia stops the insanity.

DC Universe Holiday Bash! II, “Present Tense”- There are many stories in this comic, but the irreverent two-pager stands out. Santa visits Apokolips to hand Darkseid a lump of coal. The dark god orders his men to kill Saint Nick, but the jolly one escapes.

Stained Glass Santa

“Stained Glass Santa” started out as something different; I wanted a black and white snowflake-like design behind Saint Nick. But after seeing the spacing and symmetry, the drawing evolved into this. Santa’s checking his list twice, now on his nifty handheld gadget. Thanks for scanning, John.

Human avarice, non-human ‘Avatar’

In James Cameron’s new scifi epic “Avatar,” humans are the alien invaders threatening the resource-rich planet Pandora. In the distant future, humans upload their consciousness into the copied bodies of the Na’vi, the cat-like, blue-skinned natives of that beautiful but deadly world. A crippled ex-soldier (Sam Worthington), using an Avatar, assimilates eventually, and finds himself defending these beings from his fellow humans.

The story is just okay and predictable, but James Cameron, as usual, makes up for it in high-stakes action spectacle. Regardless of the familiarity of the spy-becomes-savior story, the visuals are magnificent; some of the creatures look nicely Star Wars-esque. The environmental and culture preservation messages don’t go to waste, but the effects wizardry and the massive battle scenes are the parts you’ll enjoy and remember most about it.

Marvel Boy after ‘Dark’

Finally, the details surrounding Noh-Varr’s exit are revealed in Dark Avengers Annual # 1. This standalone story further embeds the former antihero into the Marvel Universe. But what’s with Chris Bachalo’s art? He used to be excellent in titles like Generation X and Death. The details look undershaped, and the new costume just doesn’t stand out at all, sadly. It’s an issue you can miss, regardless of the major overhaul and its connection to the Siege crossover event.

‘New Moon’: Monster mush

Monster romance-drama “Twilight: New Moon” is an improvement over its money-making predecessor, but while it’s not as slow and dull as the first movie, it’s still quite a chore. This time, Bella (Kristen Stewart) is torn between two nubile lads, brooding vamp Edward (Robert Pattinson) and shirtless wolf-boy Jacob (Taylor Lautner). Amazingly, Stewart has chemistry with both, but it’s quite clear from the get-go that it’s a short-lived triangle. The new movie has some factors working for it, like new beasts in the form of the werewolf pack, Dakota Fanning as one of the governing Volturi vampires, and some stylish fight choreography. But the narrative jars quite often with baffling pauses and pacing, especially the scenes concerning Bella’s “death” prophecy. It’s hard to feel genuine concern for any of the characters, as well.

Triune

Just three recent things:

1. Kathy Griffin interviewed on Chelsea Lately. Two hilarious, audacious comediennes in one show… too bad they only had less than seven minutes together. Still worth watching and listening to repeatedly, nonetheless.

2. Met Aga Muhlach yesterday. Interesting, he’s got white hair strands at the sides. He’s still a young-looking 40-year-old, though. Cool to see him sweating under the sun, too, like the rest of us. He made an appearance at a Laguna school as part of Jollibee’s MaAga ang Pasko toy drive program.

3. Sleep schedule is shot. Again. Man.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ an exceptional epic

(Published Dec. 13, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

“Avatar: The Last Airbender,” an acclaimed animated series about an elemental boy’s quest to end a devastating war, ran for three seasons on Nickelodeon. The hit show is being translated into a live-action movie directed and written by M. Night Shyamalan, scheduled for a July 2010 release (not related to James Cameron’s “Avatar” film). The simplification of the mythology and other changes are inevitable--some fans are already complaining about casting choices for non-white roles. But regardless of how the movie turns out, the series is still an excellent program that the uninitiated should watch.

Created by Americans Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino, “Avatar” has visuals influenced by Asian culture and myths, and some of its characters have beliefs inspired by Eastern philosophies. The show looks and feels like a typical anime, fast-paced yet accessible, its heroes mostly agile or well-versed in combat.

The titular character is Aang, a boy with air-manipulating powers, raised by vegetarian monks and is the latest manifestation of the multi-powered Avatar. Hunted by the conquering forces of the Fire Nation, Avatar Aang befriends two teen siblings from the Water Tribe, Katara and Sokka. Together, they search for elemental masters who can teach Aang control over water, earth and fire.

Interestingly, the heroes discover different cultures that they learn from, and ultimately affect. Their journeys bring them to unfamiliar territories, where clans, tribes, or certain characters wear clothes that are heavily patterned after ancient Japanese, Chinese, South American, or Indian garb. The disparate-looking people help provide a bigger view of this unique world, where super-abilities are normal.

One of Avatar Aang’s most formidable adversaries is the conflicted Zuko, exiled prince of the Fire Nation. The character has a more complicated backstory -- he’s an angry warrior trying to win back his father’s respect. The guy really has issues, but he keeps things from becoming dull.

The young characters grow up and learn about sacrifice and failure during wartime. Early on, the series wins the viewer over: Dramatic transformations and epiphanies, spiritual and philosophical insights, and epic clashes make “Avatar” a truly taut, memorable, and remarkable show.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” airs on Nickelodeon (5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays). A version dubbed in Tagalog airs on TV 5 (5:30 pm. on weekdays).

Earth’s Mightiest II

A sequel of sorts to the Avengers set I did months ago. This time, I drew the inactive, honorary, and reserve members.

Modern Avengers: Captain Marvel, Sentry, Songbird, Captain Britain, Doctor Strange, Silverclaw, Echo, Antman, Ares, Jack of Hearts

Old School Avengers: Falcon, Namor, Arachne, Thing, Black Knight, Rick Jones, Crystal, Hulk

Space Avengers: Starhawk, Quasar, Starfox, Charlie 27, Vance Astro, Mantis, Yondu, Nikki, Martinex, Moondragon

Great Lakes Initiative (Formerly Great Lakes Avengers): Gravity, Grasshopper, Big Bertha, Mister Immortal, Squirrel Girl and Tippy Toe, Flatman, Doorman, Deadpool (reserve member)

Assembled Again

‘Fantastic’ Fur

Initially, the animal characters in the “Fantastic Mr. Fox” trailer may look creepy and stiff, not sleek at all like denizens of the common CGI cartoon movie. But Wes Anderson’s film is actually adorably quirky, and the stop-motion technique enhances and complements the retro-styled visuals. “Fantastic Mr. Fox” will be remembered more for its witty script, though; it’s clear early on that the well-timed humor enlivens the modern fable about sly Mr. Fox (voiced by George Clooney), who must outsmart three reviled farmers and rally together members of the threatened animal community. So while it’s not overly hip and with-it like the over-rendered animated feature of the month, this film nonetheless has a timeless appeal to it, and a fantastic world that deserves repeat visits.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” will be shown exclusively at Ayala Cinemas starting Dec. 9.

No place like ‘Waverly’

(Published Dec. 6, PDI-Entertainment)

A wholesome sitcom

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” is a wholesome sitcom aimed at tweens and teens, a half-hour show about three young mages’ misadventures. This recent Emmy winner for Outstanding Children’s Program centers on the Russo siblings, who keep their magical abilities a secret from friends and customers of their New York-based sandwich place.

The mythology is simple: Former wizard Jerry Russo (David DeLuise) gives up his powers to marry a mortal woman, Theresa (Maria Canals Barrera), but their three kids developed magical gifts. The wizards-in-training are teens Justin (David Henrie) and Alex (Selena Gomez), and their young brother Max (Jake T. Austin).

Justin is the responsible, geeky child; he does well in school and is often instrumental in undoing mystic mishaps caused by his sister Alex.

Alex easily gets bored with magic training and often chooses the easy way out, so her spells usually backfire. Max, meanwhile, shows promise, an imaginative kid who sometimes helps out his older siblings in their magic-aided pranks.

However, only one of them can keep the powers and become a full-fledged wizard.

The effects-enhanced situations talk about family bonds without being cheesy. The sometimes-shaky father-child rapport, for example, is tackled in an episode where Jerry hesitatingly teaches his daughter flying carpet “driving” lessons.

In other episodes, selflessness is subtly discussed: Alex temporarily switches bodies with her mother in an episode to let Theresa experience a traditional “Quinceanera” party that she missed when she was a teenager.

The show’s fantasy-based trappings allow for a variety of situations. In a story that parodies Harry Potter, for instance, Justin is potentially the mightiest of the young sorcerer pupils in summer wizardry school. Also, the Russo kids once teleported to Mars for a research assignment, and even became part of a horror movie.

The Russo family’s ventures are told in mostly self-contained episodes. It’s mirthful and silly about rivalry and revelry, a show that can be appreciated by kids and grownups alike.

“Wizards of Waverly Place” airs on Disney Channel every Saturday at 9 p.m.

Aviatrix ‘Amelia’

A biopic devoted to legendary American pilot Amelia Earhart, Mira Nair’s “Amelia” doesn’t entirely veer away from the grandeur and spectacle befitting the historic figure, but it concentrates more on her romances and flawed adult life. Hilary Swank agreeably portrays pioneering Earhart, a determined aviatrix who’s torn between two smitten men (Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor). “Amelia” hovers rather slowly; while the titular character’s personal life isn’t told engrossingly enough, depictions of her achievements, and the events leading to her mysterious fate, are the few times when the movie truly soars.

“Amelia” opens today in Metro Manila.

Cuteness, Coolness

I’ve been looking at people’s Deviantart galleries, and I’m getting really inspired in the process. A few drawings I faved: “Spectrum Lanterns 3D” by lordmesa, and “Hank and Bobby” by nmrosario.

Spectrum Lanterns 3D

Hank and Bobby

Celebrating Pinoy artistry and storytelling

(Published Dec. 2, PDI-Entertainment. This version has comments by John Lent that were edited out in the print and online versions due to space constraints.)

US author’s book on ‘komiks’ launched at RP cartoon fest

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Some of the most popular local feature films and teleseryes originally started out as “komiks” serials. The works of Pinoy comics luminaries were exhibited during the first Philippine International Cartoon, Comics, and Animation (PICCA) Festival held at SM Megamall and other venues.

Various aspects of the art forms were discussed in talks, book launches, film showings, and other activities. PICCA founder Boboy Yonzon expounded on the importance of the event:

“We would like to be able to give a forum for comic artists, a channel or watershed venue for them and the cartoonists. This is an advocacy intended to energize what is supposed to be a dying craft or industry. There are many talented Filipino creators; we just have to make the people aware of what we can offer.”

Yonzon published “The First One Hundred Years of Philippine Komiks and Cartoons,” written by American author John A. Lent, who lived in the Philippines from 1964-65.

Lent originally wrote the article “The first 75 years of Philippine Comics” for Comic Book Artist, a publication in the United States. The book was launched during the festival.

“After World War II, the Philippines had a very strong comic book industry, especially in the ‘50s and ‘60s,” Lent said. “Many of the comics were made into movies, which I also saw when I was in the Philippines.”

“They were drawing large audiences. Lino Brocka once told me that for every film that he entered in the international festivals, he had to make two based on komiks to get the money to do the artistic work. Ishmael Bernal told me the same thing.”

One of the comic book creators who graced the PICCA event was writer-artist Gerry Alanguilan. He released self-published works “Where Bold Stars Go To Die” and the “Elmer” compilation during the Komikon--a daylong convention held on the last day of PICCA.

“Events like the Komikon or the Metro Comicon are important in spreading awareness to the public of not only the presence, but also of the importance of Philippine-made comic books,” Alanguilan explained. “PICCA has broader goals; it strives to elevate the status and awareness of Philippine comics not only here in the country, but also internationally. The world can have a view of the comics we create and the creators we nurture.”

Alanguilan stressed the importance of recognizing veteran storytellers’ contributions to Filipino comics and to culture in general.

“I think we're getting there. Now a lot of young Filipinos know who Alfredo Alcala, Francisco V. Coching, Nestor Redondo, and Alex Niño are, which wasn’t the case just 10 or so years ago. But simply knowing they exist isn't enough. More documentaries need to be made about their life and accomplishments. More articles and books need to be written, analyzing their art and their impact on national culture.”

‘Clone Wars’ waged anew

‘Clone Wars’ shows how to expand George Lucas’ universe

(Published Nov. 30, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

The vibrant animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” expands the universe established in George Lucas’ long-finished space saga, adding previously unseen characters and conflicts to the rich mythology.

Chronicling the events between episodes II and III, “The Clone Wars” reveals that Anakin Skywalker became a mentor to young Padawan (Jedi apprentice) Ahsoka Tano, who was introduced in 2008’s “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” animated film. Like Anakin’s headstrong character, Ahsoka nevertheless learns the virtue of patience, while her master gradually wizens up to make more mature decisions.

Yes, Anakin will embrace the Dark Side of the Force later, but for now, he’s a hero and leader. His eventual downfall is barely hinted at.

The first season of “Clone Wars” is characteristically rife with epic battles and drama across several worlds; unexplored story angles, like alien races choosing sides during the conflict, are finally focused on. There are complexities to the war that were never mentioned in the prequel movies, and frenetically paced conflicts that look breathtaking as digitally rendered images.

Viewers are spared the wooden, awkward acting, and the occasional iffy dialogue that marred the prequels. The appealingly distorted and textured faces consistently project the right emotions, the characters still recognizable despite being cartoon-ized.

While new visuals and dynamics make “Clone Wars” quite immersing, some familiar action sequences, like the spaceship battles, drone with a mechanical, video game-y quality. The never-ending swarm of dumb and expendable Battle Droids can be tiring, as well. Thankfully, we only get a few minutes of Jar Jar Binks’ disastrously klutzy antics in the first season.

There are things that translate well, like the lightsaber duels, and Yoda’s combat prowess (he effortlessly takes on a droid battalion in the first episode). We get to see the secret romance between Anakin and Padme Amidala flourish. Also, Jedi Council members that only briefly appeared in the movies are given attention. And R2-D2 gets to kick butt when a double-crossing Astromech droid is exposed.

The TV show is able to explore a balance; it’s occasionally dark and intense enough for grownups, but colorful and accessible enough for younger viewers, whether they’re new or not to the Star Wars galaxy.