Shrek 2 Movie Review

Just a few moments ago, I got a chance to watch Shrek 2 Adrienne Nicole Bernal. Shrek 2 is Probably one of the funniest cartoon movies I've ever seen. I consider to it to be even funnier than the first one. I really applaud the writers to be able to come up with such funny and entertaining scenes.

It also made me think a lot about the archetypes in movies catered to young girls, more specifically those Disney prince-charming-saves-princess and happily-ever-after types of stories. I think it's brilliant that the makers of Shrek decided to go against these archetypes and trends in storytelling. As much as many of the scenes were deemed as comedic, I found that they were actually very satirical and critical of the concept of happily ever after.

I have seen Shrek 3 and I remember that I was a bit disappointed by it. So really, this second installment is my favorite of all the Shrek movies. This is something that is surely not just for kids but is also for the entire family. Very entertaining and highly recommended!

PS
I have decided that I need to start thinking about some sort of ranking system for my reviews. You know, like I can say if it's 4/5 stars or something like that. I am still thinking of the guidelines and mechanics to make sure I do have some sort of standards for how I judge the films I view. I will be posting that soon.

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Harry Santos and the Deathly Hallows

A video I made when I got bored.

All posts and movie reviews are getting delayed because of technical difficulties. My laptop charger and/or battery has failed me. I am hoping for your continued support. Thank you.

Harry's Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time

Let me begin by saying that these are not in order. I think being able to distinguish and order these films would be close to impossible. There are probably hundreds of films that didn't make it to this list that are very close to my heart. These films would be, I guess, the closest but not necessarily better than those that didn't make it to the list.

1. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

This a great example of the kind of humor that I love. This is my definition of a "feel-good" film. This movie, the characters, and the style and execution of Wes Anderson is just very close to my heart. It is surely one of the greatest influences in my concept of storytelling.

2. The Beach (2000)

Aside from the good story, what this movie will be able to give you is ideology. And that is a sign of a truly effective movie: it conveys a message. A message that will stick to you long after you've seen the film. There is more to life, there is more to what has been taught to us, there are alternatives. It will challenge most of our preconceived notions most especially our concept of travel.

3. I Heart Huckabees (2004)

Existentialism is not a hard concept to understand and this film tackles the different concepts and conflicting ideas about it. Basically, it tackles all the questions and anxieties about "be-ing" or existing and it does so in a very entertaining and funny way. Surely one of my all-time favorites.

4. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

I think to fully understand this film, one must first know who Hunter S. Thompson is and how his works has affected American politics and history. For those who don't know, I suggest you watch documentaries Gonzo or Breakfast with Hunter. After being introduced to his style of "gonzo journalism" you will see beyond the trippy and drugged experience of the whole film. For me, it is something that is somewhat a contrast from typical society and can really teach us to have a new perspective and to have a more open mind.

5. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Of course, I am very much influenced by Quentin Tarantino's style of film-making and storytelling. The reason I chose this one is because it is the one I can relate to the most. Perhaps because it is the most recent one. What I mean is that I found it to be more entertaining than Pulp Fiction for instance because it is more recent and relevant to my time. The humor and entertainment you will get from this film is astonishing and it is combined with Tarantino's masterful style. Plus, the conversations and plot is testament to his superb writing skill.

6. Pi (1998)

At first, I couldn't choose between this one or Requiem for a Dream. But then in the end, I chose the one that best portrays Darren Arronofsky's skill and style that has surely influenced me so much. Probably the greatest influence in my editing and sequencing. This movie is the type that will mess up your mind and reality. Its grainy black and white film just adds to the whole experience of this movie. That's probably it: it is more than just a movie--it is also an experience.

7 Into the Wild (2007)

Another film that deals with ideology and changing the way we think. This is probably more on the story and character than film-making. It is a very inspiring movie that will change many preconceived concepts you already have. It stoke one's love for travel and adventure and even change the very definitions and concept of what "travel and adventure" really means.

8. The Machinist (2004)

Aside from Christian Bale's shocking weight loss for this film, this movie is very close to my heart because of its story and character development. It is this man vs himself struggle, sort of a psychological suspense that will mess up your mind. The cinematography and colors are also all so beautiful. An all-time favorite that is very close to my heart.

9. The Brothers Bloom (2008)
This is probably something I would consider a great masterpiece when it comes to storytelling and cinematic style. It is truly an inspiration. I already made a review about it in a previous post if you want to see why I love this film.

10. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

A film that I watched only recently but instantly made it to this list. This is a movie that gives you an experience of the whole emotional spectrum. It will make you feel happiness, sadness, anger, fear, remorse, and of course redemption. I felt very emotional after watching this film and really made me contemplate on the concepts of life, sociology, and justice. This is a mark of a truly brilliant and effective film.

John Safran Race Around the World

John Safran is truly a major influence in my concept of film making. Aside from the controversial and mostly unusual topics that his shows tackle, what I consider to be his best works would be his earlier days when he started in Race Around the World.

I don't even remember how I eventually stumbled upon his videos. All I know is that after watching his first story, I didn't stop until I've finished all ten. And from there I've been a really big fan.

Race Around the World in the Australian network ABC was a reality show that featured aspiring documentary film makers. The idea was that the contestants would be making travelogues. John Safran instantly became a fan-favorite because of the unique perspective of the world that he is able to show in his films.

John Safran gets stuck in a subway in Japan

He started with the concept of being stuck in a subway overnight and make a documentary of what it is like when it is closed and when no one gets to see it. It's like showing something the most people don't get to see and overlook. During his attempt, he gets trapped in an even smaller space.

The fact that he was stuck in a small room did not stop his creativity from pushing through and making a film. And not only is this the most unusual and unheard of documentary portrayal of Japan, he was able to manage with very limited resources and still come up with a very entertaining output. Truly an inspiration. Be sure to checkout his other Race Around the World videos. They're even funnier like episode where he asks a shaman to put a curse on his ex or when he ran around naked in Israel!

The Brothers Bloom (2008)

There are a few recent films that have done their job well in entertaining me like The Hangover or Zombieland. They have this very now, very edgy fast-paced, and never draggy vibe. They actually really surprised me since I thought I have this bias of not liking newly made films as much as older or unpopular ones. But these aren't what I came here to talk about. I came here to talk about one film: The Brothers Bloom.

It is more than just a movie. It is a brain stimulant. It is an overdrive of the imagination. It didn't need animation or fancy computer graphics to portray its overall post-modern feel. The blending of production design and the story and characters is almost chaotic yet at the same time coherent.

And the lighting. The lighting is superb as much as it is surprising. There are times when spot lights are directed toward the camera giving you this very theater feel. And combined with the characters, it truly is like watching a really good and very high-budget play.

The director, Rian Johnson (some of you might be familiar with "Brick"), is someone I would consider to be a visionary. I am just enthralled by his imagination and creativity in this film. He did have 20 million dollars to burn for the film though. But I'd say every penny's worth was really maximized. From trips around europe to a camel escaping a zoo. Very creative spending, I would say.

And if all of this still doesn't convince you to watch it then you might just miss out on getting a chance to see Rachel Weisz's butt. All in all, it is weird and funny. I highly recommend it to those who haven't seen it.