Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Twenty Tunes 49

Here's my top 20 songs that I loved/lovin' this month of January 2012 :)
  1. Don't Stop - Foster The People
  2. Set Fire to the Rain - Adele
  3. What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - Kelly Clarkson
  4. Lonely Boy - The Black Keys
  5. Domino - Jessie J
  6. The One That Got Away - Katy Perry
  7. It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
  8. Dear Lonely - Zia
  9. I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
  10. We Found Love - Rihanna feat Calvin Harris
  11. Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine
  12. Life's a Happy Song - The Muppets cast
  13. Ass Back Home - Gym Class Heroes Ft Neon Hitch
  14. Sabotage - Wale feat Lloyd
  15. Arms - Christina Perri
  16. It's Complicated - The Bloomfields
  17. Alive - Never The Strangers
  18. Safe and Sound - Taylor Swift feat The Civil Wars
  19. Ang Sarap Maging Single - Eevee
  20. Good Feeling - Flo Rida

Monday, January 30, 2012

Review: "My Cactus Heart"


My Cactus Heart is an interesting movie because while the premise is familiar there are new stuff in it worth checking out. Star Cinema is labeling it as a “mainstream-indie hybrid” as it is produced by their new indie outfit Skylight Films (ala Fox Searchlight of 20th Century Fox) which I interpret as a commercial story produced under an indie budget. It's an experimental movie of some sort but while I could see the effort to take the Pinoy romcom genre to a different direction, they weren't brave enough to pursue it as they still settled for what is expected. Sandy (Maja Salvador) swears off love after her dad left their family when she was young. But Sandy's stance is challenged when she meets Karlo (Matteo Guidicelli) who is willing to do everything just to win her heart.

The movie opens with an animated sequence which is quite lovely and while the technical side of it is not as polished as RPG: Metanoia was, it was still captivating and quite artistic too boot. Seeing that sequence made me think that this movie could be unique. And true enough, the narrative style of the movie used various techniques and tricks in introducing the characters and the story. It's an interesting take as we actually don't know what to expect. Or so it seems. Sadly, the non-linear approach of storytelling was just halfhearted as the movie practically abandoned it in the second half in favor of the Pinoy romcom template. It was really disappointing because they could really do more if they didn't held back.

The script did a good job in developing the love story of Sandy and Karlo. While there's a cheesy soulmate angle squeezed in, the movie was still able to make you feel the natural progress of two people falling for each other. However, the script tends to over explain the characters' feelings especially Sandy's apprehension with love but the direction was competent enough to not let everything be spoonfed to the audience and just let the small moments speak for themselves.

Competent direction is supported by good performances from the cast. Maja Salvador might not be the biggest or most hyped star of her generation but this young actress' screen presence is strong. She delivers her lines with ease and makes you understand her character even more. Matteo Guidicelli is quite a surprise as he did a solid job and the only thing that held him back was his accent which is distracting at times. Xian Lim's role is not as important as the marketing of this movie would suggest otherwise but he did okay and has the charisma of a leading man (the girls in the theater where we watched this squealed when he first appeared on screen).

My Cactus Heart attempted to be a step above of your typical local romcom but in the end it falls short. Overall, it's still a good movie but it just didn't live up to the potential and it's quite a shame. 7 / 10

Chart Recap 183 (Philippine Music Charts)

Here is this week's recap of weekly music charts in Mega Manila FM radio stations. These charts are first gathered and first posted at the Philippine Music Charts Thread over at Pinoyexchange.com. If you want to check out last week's recap then you can find it here and as for the latest available albums charts just go here

MYX Hit Chart
January 29-February 4, 2012
  1. One Direction - One Thing (2nd week at #1)
  2. Taylor Swift - Ours
  3. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
  4. Donghae & Eunhyuk - Oppa Oppa
  5. David Archuleta - Wait
  6. Greyson Chance - Hold on 'Til the Night
  7. Sponge Cola - Stargazer
  8. Never the Strangers - Alive
  9. Yeng Constantino - Pag-Ibig (new entry)
  10. Slapshock - Ngayon Na
  11. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
  12. Christian Bautista - Beautiful to Me (new entry)
  13. Super Junior - Superman
  14. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
  15. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
  16. Rihanna - You Da One (new entry)
  17. Gloc-9 feat. Denise Barbacena - Hari ng Tondo
  18. Eevee - Ang Sarap Maging Single
  19. Chicosci - Unbelievable
  20. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) (new entry)

MYX International Top 20
January 28-February 3, 2012
  1. One Direction - One Thing (2nd week at #1)
  2. Taylor Swift - Ours
  3. Donghae & Eunhyuk - Oppa Oppa
  4. David Archuleta - Wait
  5. Greyson Chance - Hold on 'Til the Night
  6. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
  7. Super Junior - Superman
  8. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
  9. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
  10. Rihanna - You Da One
  11. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)
  12. ZE:A - Watch Out
  13. Kis-My-Ft2 - We Never Give Up
  14. Westlife - Beautiful World
  15. Selena Gomez and the Scene - Hit the Lights
  16. Beyoncé - Dance for You
  17. Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris - We Found Love
  18. Pitbull feat. Chris Brown - International Love
  19. Willow Smith feat. Nicki Minaj - Fireball
  20. Will.I.Am feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez - T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)
Pinoy MYX Countdown
January 28-February 3, 2012
  1. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba (2nd week at #1)
  2. Sponge Cola - Stargazer
  3. Never the Strangers - Alive
  4. Yeng Constantino - Pag-Ibig (new entry)
  5. Slapshock - Ngayon Na
  6. Christian Bautista - Beautiful to Me
  7. Gloc-9 feat. Denise Barbacena - Hari ng Tondo
  8. Eevee - Ang Sarap Maging Single
  9. Chicosci - Unbelievable
  10. Karylle - Basically
  11. BBS feat. Kean Cipriano - Habang Buhay
  12. Typecast - The Promise (Kono Yakusoku)
  13. Kamikazee - Halik
  14. Hijo - Di Mo na Kaya (new entry)
  15. Kiss Jane - Tayong Dalawa (new entry)
  16. Kilos - Heart of Legends
  17. Giniling Festival - Burgis
  18. Paraluman - Kapitan
  19. Loonie feat. K.A. Antonio - From Saudi with Love
  20. Young JV feat. Akiko - Alay
RX 93.1: The Countdown Top7 and The Wannabees
January 26, 2012
  1. What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - Kelly Clarkson (1st week at #1)
  2. I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
  3. Princess of China - Coldplay feat. Rihanna
  4. Domino - Jessie J
  5. Young Wild and Free - Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars
  6. You Da One - Rihanna
  7. We Found Love - Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
  8. Dear Lonely - Zia
  9. 5 o' Clock - T-Pain feat. Wiz Khalifa, Lily Allen
  10. Without You - David Guetta feat. Usher
  11. Lonely Boys - The Black Keys
  12. International Love - Pitbull feat. Chris Brown
  13. Astronaut - Simple Plan
  14. Mirror - Lil Wayne feat. Bruno Mars
  15. The One That Got Away - Katy Perry
  16. Fight for You - Jason DeRulo
  17. Fly - Nicki Minaj feat. Rihanna
  18. It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
  19. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
  20. Set Fire to the Rain - Adele

97.9 Home Radio Easy 10 Countdown
January 27, 2012
  1. Safe & Sound - Taylor Swift feat Civil Wars
  2. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
  3. Lighthouse - Westlife
  4. Born This Way - Maria Aragon
  5. Constant Change - The Manhattan Connection
  6. Dreams Don't Turn Dust - Owl City
  7. Marry Your Daughter - Brian McKnight
  8. Tinamaan Ako - Anne Curtis
  9. Moves Like Jagger-Maroon5 feat. Christina Aguilera
  10. Hold On Till The Night - Greyson Chance

Mellow 94.7: 10 Strong Countdown
January 27, 2012
  1. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
  2. The One That Got Away - Katy Perry
  3. Push - Avril Lavigne
  4. Heartbeat - The Fray
  5. Turning Tables - Adele
  6. Young Wild and Free - Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars
  7. It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
  8. Criminal - Britney Spears
  9. What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - Kelly Clarkson
  10. You Da One - Rihanna


Wave 891 Soul Review Countdown
January 27, 2012
  1. Slide Over - Baby Bash feat Miguel
  2. Ride 4 U - Far East Movement feat Kid Cudi and Chip the Ripper
  3. Only Wanna Give It To You - Elle Varner feat J. Cole
  4. Sabotage - Wale feat. Lloyd
  5. Talk that Talk - Rihanna feat Jay-Z
  6. The Woman You Love - Ashanti feat Busta Rhymes
  7. If You Want - Brandon Starz feat Sammie
  8. A-- Back Home - Gym Class Heroes Ft Neon Hitch
  9. Young, Wild and Free - Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars
  10. The Champ - Nelly
  11. T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)- will.i.am feat Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger
  12. Naked - Dev
  13. Already There - John West feat Big Sean
  14. Fireball - Willow Smith feat Nicki Minaj
  15. Strip - Chris Brown
Tambayan 101.9 Top 20
January 28, 2012

1. Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera (3rd Week)
2. Tinamaan Ako - Anne Curtis
3. I Won't Last A Day Without You - Sarah Geronimo
4. Give Me Everything - Pitbull feat. Neyo, Afrojack & Nayer
5. Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka - Erik Santos
6. Halik - Kamikazee
7. Saan Darating Ang Umaga - Angeline Quinto
8. Paano Na Ang Puso Ko - Bugoy Drilon
9. Kaba - Sam Milby
10. Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay - Sponge Cola
11. Mahalin Ng Totoo - Toni Gonzaga
12. Gisingin Ang Puso - Liezel Garcia
13. Hindi Kita Iiwan - Sam Milby
14. God Gave Me You - Bryan White
15. Di Bale Na - KC Concepcion
16. Marry Your Daughter - Brian McKnight
17. Ako Nalang - Zia Quizon
18 Jar Of Hearts - Christina Perri
19. One Hit Combo - Parokya Ni Edgar w/ Gloc9
20. Price Tag - Jessie J. feat. B.O.B

99.5 RT 30 Countdown
January 20, 2012
source

30. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
29. The Do - Too Insistent
28. The Subways - It’s A Party
27. Ed Sheeran - Lego House
26. Plumb - Drifting
25. Safetysuit - Get Around This
24. Angels and Airwaves - Surrender
23. Pupil - 20/20
22. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
21. Andy Grammer - Fine By Me
20. Kashmir - Electrified Love
19. Penguin Prison - Don’t Fuss With My Money
18. The Naked and Famous - Young Blood
17. 311 - Count Me In
16. The Drums - How It Ended
15. The Black Keys - Howlin’ For You
14. Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn
13. Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
12. Icona Pop - Nights Like This
11. Cake - Mustache Man
10. Cage The Elephant - Aberdeen
9. The Bloomfields - It’s Complicated
8. Mutemath - Blood Pressure
7. Friendly Fires - Hurting
6. Foster The People - I Would Do Anything For You
5. Never The Strangers - Alive
4. Kidda - The Whistler
3. M83 - Midnight City
2. Florence and the Machine - Shake It Out
1. Blink 182 - After Midnight

99.5 RT 30 Countdown
(January 27, 2012)

30. Outasight - Tonight Is the Night
29. Reform The Resistance - Tonight We Ride NE
28. Plumb - Drifting
27. Safetysuit - Get Around This
26. Four Years Strong - Just Drive NE
25. Pupil - 20/20
24. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
23. Kashmir - Electrified Love
22. Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn
21. The Naked and Famous - Young Blood
20. Death Cab for Cutie - Underneath The Sycamore HNE
19. 311 - Count Me In
18. The Black Keys - Howlin’ For You
17. The Subways - It’s A Party
16. Angels and Airwaves - Surrender
15. The Drums - How It Ended
14. Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
13. Cage The Elephant - Aberdeen
12. The Bloomfields - It’s Complicated
11. Never The Strangers - Alive
10. Icona Pop - Nights Like This
9. Friendly Fires - Hurting
8. Cake - Mustache Man
7. Penguin Prison - Don’t Fuss With My Money
6. Mutemath - Blood Pressure
5. Foster The People - I Would Do Anything For You
4. Florence and the Machine - Shake It Out
3. Kidda - The Whistler
2. M83 - Midnight City
1. Blink 182 - After Midnight
JAM88.3's Hit List
January 23, 2012

1. The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
2. The Joy Formidable - Endtapes
3. Arctic Monkeys - Evil Twin
4. The Drums - How It Ended
5. Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out
6. Empire Machines - Sweet Teeth
7. Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Monarchy Of Roses
8. Bastille - Get Home
9. Coldplay - Paradise
10. Snow Patrol - This Isn't Everything You Are
11. Said The Whale - Lines
12. Tennis - Origins
13. The Maccabees - Feel To Follow
14. Chairlift - Sidewalk Safari
15. States - Generation
16. Coldplay - Charlie Brown
17. Say Anything - Burn A Miracle
18. Low Suns - Never Gonna Care
19. M83 - Midnight City
20. Surfer Blood - I'm Not Ready
21. M83 - Steve McQueen
22. Snow Patrol - New York
23. Dog Is Dead - Hands Down
24. Techy Romantics - Escape
25. Tracey Thorn - Night Time

18th Screen Actors Guild Awards Winners

Here's the list of winners and well I was way off with my predictions!. Anyway, here's the list of winners and some comments

Film

Best Performance by a Cast Ensemble
“The Help”

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Jean Dujardin – “The Artist”

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Viola Davis – “The Help”

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Christopher Plummer – “Beginners

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Octavia Spencer – “The Help”

Best Stunt Ensemble
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2

The Artist may have lost the top prize to The Help but they are still a winner with DuJardin pulling off an upset over Hollywood A-Listers George Clooney and Brad Pitt. This is clearly a sign how well loved The Artist is and there's no doubt in mind it will win the Oscar. My gusty prediction of picking McCarthy didn't happen and Spencer still prevailed and is now unstoppable to win her Oscar next month. Ditto Plummer (although fellow 82 year old Oscar-less Max Von Sydown could be a spoiler). Davis is also on track to win her Oscar with this major win.

TV

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
“Modern Family”

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
“Boardwalk Empire”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin – “30 Rock”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Betty White – “Hot in Cleveland”

Outstanding Performance a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Steve Buscemi – “Boardwalk Empire”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Jessica Lange – “American Horror Story”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Paul Giamatti for Too Big to Fail

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Kate Winslet for Mildred Pierce

Best Stunt Ensemble
Game of Thrones

Basically the same set of winners for the Series categories except Lange beat out last year's winner Margulies. Wow Baldwin won for 6 straight years already? I like him in 30 Rock but this is too much adoration by the guild. I love Modern Family though so I'm glad they won again and had the kids do the acceptance speech. Overall, tepid choices SAG.
Link

Sunday, January 29, 2012

My 18th Screen Actors Guild Awards Predictions

The 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be held on January 29, 2012 (January 30 here in the Philippines at 9 am via Velvet Channel with primetime telecast at 10 pm and replay on February 4, Saturday at 9 pm) and as always here are my predictions:

Film

Best Performance by a Cast Ensemble
“The Artist”
“Bridesmaids”
“The Descendants”
“The Help”
“Midnight in Paris”

Winner: “The Artist”
Close Second: “The Help”
Wildcard: “Bridesmaids”

I initially predicted The Help will easily win this but I think The Artist will take it all the way to the Oscars just like Slumdog Millionaire and The King's Speech did (they beat films with bigger ensembles and stronger acting showcases because they are the films to beat in the Oscars). But the large cast and strong acting of actors of both The Help and Bridesmaids should never be counted out.

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Demian Bichir – “A Better Life”
George Clooney – “The Descendants”
Leonardo DiCaprio – “J. Edgar”
Jean Dujardin – “The Artist”
Brad Pitt – “Moneyball”

Winner: George Clooney for “The Descendants”
Close Second: Brad Pitt for “Moneyball”
Wildcard: Jean Dujardin for “The Artist”

George vs Pitt once again and both haven't won a SAG yet. Well Clooney did as part on the Ensemble of the TV drama ER in the 90s but no solo SAG for him yet and he has the momentum so I'm giving him the edge. If the votes split between the two A-Listers, I think the win will go to Dujardin.

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Glenn Close – “Albert Nobbs”
Viola Davis – “The Help”
Meryl Streep – “The Iron Lady”
Tilda Swinton – “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
Michelle Williams – “My Week with Marilyn

Winner: Viola Davis for “The Help”
Close Second:Meryl Streep for “The Iron Lady”
Wildcard: Michelle Williams for “My Week with Marilyn"

Davis vs Streep but I think the Guild will give it to Davis since Streep already won in 2008 for Doubt so I think they will support Davis this year. A vote split could pave way for Williams sneaking in to get the top prize.

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Kenneth Branagh – “My Week with Marilyn”
Armie Hammer – “J. Edgar”
Jonah Hill – “Moneyball”
Nick Nolte – “Warrior”
Christopher Plummer – “Beginners”

Winner: Christopher Plummer for “Beginners”
Wildcard: Nick Nolte for “Warrior”

I can't see anyone but Plummer winning this one (especially that Albert Brooks is not in the running) but if there's a potential upset here it should be Nolte for his powerful performance in Warrior.

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Bérénice Bejo – “The Artist”
Jessica Chastain – “The Help”
Melissa McCarthy – “Bridesmaids”
Janet McTeer – “Albert Nobbs”
Octavia Spencer – “The Help”

Winner: Melissa McCarthy for “Bridesmaids”
Close Second: Octavia Spencer for “The Help”
Wildcard: Jessica Chastain for “The Help”

Admittedly this is a gutsy prediction as Spencer has the momentum right now but I think the TV actors in this guild will rally to support McCarthy and could give her a surprise win. Chastain is also pretty much in contention as her amazing body of work the previous year will speak well to the actors and give her the award instead.

Best Stunt Ensemble
The Adjustment Bureau
Cowboys & Aliens
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
X-men: First Class

Winner: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Close Second: X-men: First Class
Wildcard: The Adjustment Bureau
TV

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
“30 Rock”
“The Big Bang Theory”
“Glee”
“Modern Family”
“The Office”

Predicted: "Modern Family"
Close Second: "The Big Bang Theory"

All but The Big Bang Theory won already and with Modern Family more popular than ever this season I think it's almost a certainty they will again this year. But The Big Bang Theory is very popular and they might reward the only non-winner in this category although the snub over two-time Emmy winner Parsons is making me think otherwise.

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
“Boardwalk Empire”
“Breaking Bad”
“Dexter”
“Game of Thrones”
“The Good Wife”

Winner: "Breaking Bad"
Close Second: "Boardwalk Empire"
Wildcard: “Game of Thrones”

Tough category to predict and to bet against HBO but I'm guessing Breaking Bad speaks well to the actors and this might be the year they reward the show.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin – “30 Rock”
Ty Burrell – “Modern Family”
Steve Carell – “The Office”
Jon Cryer – “Two and a Half Men”
Eric Stonestreet – “Modern Family”

Predicted: Steve Carell for “The Office”
Close Second: Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock"
Wildcard: Ty Burrell for “Modern Family”

Baldwin won for the last 5 years but I think this will be the year it will end and SAG will honor the surprisingly Emmy-less Steve Carell for his memorable turn as Michael Scott in The Office. Emmy winner Burell could sneak in as well if the Modern Family love is strong

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Julie Bowen – “Modern Family”
Edie Falco – “Nurse Jackie”
Tina Fey – “30 Rock”
Sofia Vergara – “Modern Family”
Betty White – “Hot in Cleveland”

Winner: Betty White for “Hot in Cleveland”
Wildcard: Sofia Vergara for “Modern Family”

Legendary White just turned 90 recently and well she is still well-loved by this guild (she got a surprise nod for her Hallmark TV Movie!) so she will likely pull a repeat win here. Vergara is such a scene stealer and it's the type of performance that they usually honor (see David Hyde Pierce's and Megan Mullaly's multiple wins with Frasier and Will & Grace, respectively).

Outstanding Performance a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Patrick J. Adams – “Suits”
Steve Buscemi – “Boardwalk Empire”
Kyle Chandler – “Friday Night Lights”
Bryan Cranston – “Breaking Bad”
Michael C. Hall – “Dexter”

Prediction: Kyle Chandler for “Friday Night Lights”
Alternate: Steve Byscemi for "Boardwalk Empire"
Wildcard: Bryan Cranston for “Breaking Bad”

Chandler could repeat his Emmy win here although Buscemi might repeat as well. It's really a tough category especially that three time Emmy winner Cranston is in the mix. Cranston has never won a SAG award but this might be the year. But I'm pulling for Chandler, a long time TV actor will get his due for the final season of his critically acclaimed show.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Kathy Bates – “Harry’s Law”
Glenn Close – “Damages”
Jessica Lange – “American Horror Story”
Julianna Marguilles – “The Good Wife”
Kyra Sedgwick – “The Closer”

Predicted: Jessica Lange for “American Horror Story”
Alternate: Julianne Marguilles for “The Good Wife”
Wildcard: Kathy Bates for “Harry’s Law”

Lange definitely made headlines with her performance in American Horror Story and her Hollywood status will cement her for the win. But never underestimate SAG darling Marguilles to win again or veteran Bates to pull off a surprise.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Laurence Fishburne for Thurgood
Paul Giamatti for Too Big to Fail
Greg Kinnear for The Kennedys
Guy Pearce for Mildred Pierce
James Woods for Too Big to Fail

Winner: Greg Kinnear for The Kennedys
Close Second: Guy Pearce for Mildred Pierce
Wildcard: Laurence Fishburne for Thurgood

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Diane Lane for Cinema Verite
Maggie Smith for Downton Abbey
Emily Watson for Appropriate Adult
Betty White for The Lost Valentine
Kate Winslet for Mildred Pierce

Prediction: Kate Winslet for Mildred Pierce
Close Second: Maggie Smith for Downton Abbey
Widlcard: Betty White for The Lost Valentine

Best Stunt Ensemble
Dexter
Game of Thrones
Southland
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
True Blood

Winner: Game of Thrones
Close Second: Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
Wildcard: Southland

Meeting Chico and Delamar

So yesterday I was at the The Best of Chico & Delamar's Morning Rush Top 10 Book Launch at Robinsons Galleria and wow it was an experience I will never forget. It's my first time to line up for any celebrity signing session ever! But it was all worth it. Been listening to Chico and Delamar since 2000 when they moved to the now-defunct 93.9 KC FM although I already heard about them way before but I was more of a fan of 93.9 WKC/KC FM when I was a child so didn't listen to them. Anyway, when KC FM folded up in 2002 I remembered I cried was teary eyed when Chico and Delamar said their goodbyes but then a couple weeks later they went back to RX 93.1 and stayed there ever since. I just love this tandem, they're fun to listen to after all these years. When I heard that they were going to have a book signing I said to myself that I should never miss this opportunity to finally meet them.

I arrived at Robinson's Galleria around 11 am and when I went to the activity center no one was there yet save for the people setting up the stage so I decide to stroll in the mall (it's only my second time there so I'm not familiar with it) and when I returned around 11:45 am, a lot of people were already there but still I was able to find a seat. When I was already comfortable sitting, they announced the registration for the book signing is ready and people rushed to be the first one in line so I ended up #86 which is OK because at least I got seat saved anyway. The hardcore rushers were hanging out near where I sat and I was actually busy reading their code names printed at the back of their customized book launch shirts. Around 12:15 pm DJ Gino arrived and the girls started squealing and flocked him immediately. I also saw Louie D of The Daily Survey and Countdown Top 7! Chico and Delamar arrived 15 minutes before 1 pm and wow the cheers were loud. I could see in their eyes that they were so happy with the huge turnout. During the event proper, it was really funny when they were reading out excerpts from the book and Chico says "basa!" ala Bubble Gang's Dating Doon segment before. Chico couldn't help but oblige when people started telling to do his "call center guy!"and "Jackie Tyanak" personas. Delamar was funny as well when she pointed that she made a joke but only one noticed it at all haha. The hardcore rushers kept on chanting "ODH!" as well for one of the most popular rusher Oscar Delahopia (who I also got to chance to meet). As Chico joked "Fans day eto ni ODH hindi book signing"

When it was my turn for the book signing, I was flattered when Chico said to me "Oh ikaw pala si Forg!" and then he announced on the stage "We also have here one of our regulars Forg, so nice to finally meet you" and I was touched because they did that to two earlier rushers who they met for the first time but those were really active Rushers and have entries on the book while I don't participate everyday so I wasn't expecting that they were familiar with my codename. I left around 3 pm and the lines were still long. I heard Chico and Delamar finished signing the books past 6 pm! Congratulations Chico & Delamar! You deserved all the love and success :)

As for me the long wait to finally meet them was definitely worth it. :)

Anyway, here's a picture of my signed book:




Friday, January 27, 2012

Billboard Hot 100 (Issue Date: Feb. 4, 2012)


Adele did it again! And not just once, or twice but thrice! Set Fire to the Rain ascends to #1 on this week's Billboard Hot 100 dislodging Rihanna's We Found Love which ruled the chart for 10 non-consecutive weeks. This is Adele's 3rd #1 after the smashes Rolling in the Deep and Someone Like You which are still charting at #41 for the former on its 55th week (the longest chart sitter) and #19 for the latter on its 29th week. Set Fire to the Rain topped the chart on its 21st week on the chart but it should be noted the song became an official promoted single only last December and the weeks this song accumulated before was due the strength of the sales of the song as an album cut. Moreover, Adele's album "21" is still on top of the Billboard 200 albums chart for a 17th week. It's actually not the first time that Adele held the top spots of both charts as it also happened on May-June 2011 with Rolling in the Deep at #1 and on November of the same year with Someone Like You at #1.

Jumping to #4 this week is David Guetta's Turn Me On which features Nicki Minaj. The track topped the Hot Digital Songs this week and is a contender for the top spot for the next couple of weeks. This is the French DJ's 3rd Top 5 hit after Sexy Chick (feat Akon) and Without You (feat Usher). This is technically Minaj's 3rd Top 5 hit but the first one was just a one-week credit for Britney Spears Til The World Ends remix which peaked at #3. Her most successful song so far is of course Super Bass which also peaked at #3.

Kelly Clarkson logs her 10th Top 10 single as What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) leaps #21 to #8 easily surpassing the #10 peak of her earlier single Mr. Know it All. This is the first time that she had two top 10 hits from one album since her most successful album "Breakaway" yielded 4 top 10 hits: Breakaway (#6), Since U Been Gone (#2), Behind These Hazel Eyes (#6) and Because of You (#7) from 2004-2005. Clarkson has two #1 hits with her American Idol coronation song A Moment Like This in 2002 and My Life Would Suck Without You in 2008. Her other top 10 singles are Miss Independent (#9) and Never Again (#8). 2012 marks the 10th year since Clarkson won American Idol and it's impressive how she stood the test of time.

Finally landing her first top 10 hit is British pop star Jessie J as her single Domino leaps #15 to #10 this week. The song is currently the #1 song on the UK Singles chart for a second week. Can this also top the Hot 100? Let's wait and see.

This week's top debut comes from the Glee cast with their rendition of David Guetta's Without You at #28. 4 other Glee tracks debuts this week.

Here are some songs to watch for which are potential big hits on the chart with their fast rising sales and airplay: International Love by Pitbull feat Chris Brown enters the top 20 at #18 from #23, Ass Back Home by Gym Class Heroes feat Neon Hitch climbs #33 to #24 and Blackout by Breathe Carolina ascends #42 to #32.

On the other hand, there are songs that are taking their precious time on a slow ascent on the upper rungs of the Hot 100. One of which is Selena Gomez & The Scene's Love You Like a Love Song which earns its new peak at #23 on its 31st week on the chart, two spots away on matching the Disney star's (and her band's) highest charting single to date Who Says which peaked at #21 last year. Normally, when a song spent 20 weeks on the chart and is no longer or not in the Top 50 it automatically drops out and go recurrent but there are exceptions like Colbie Caillat's Brighter Than the Sun which finally breaks the top 50 this week at #48 on its 23rd week on the chart. The song could've dropped two weeks ago but since it's still rising on both airplay and sales (albeit on a low rate) it is exempted from the rule.

Here is this week's Billboard Hot 100 as posted at Pulse Music Board:

01 02 21 Adele, Set Fire To The Rain
02 01 18 Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris, We Found Love
03 03 17 Flo Rida, Good Feeling
04 10 08 David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj, Turn Me On
05 06 15 Katy Perry, The One That Got Away
06 04 17 Bruno Mars, It Will Rain
07 05 21 LMFAO, Sexy & I Know It
08 21 05 Kelly Clarkson, Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)
09 07 24 Jay Z & Kanye West, N***as In Paris
10 15 15 Jessie J, Domino

11 08 09 Tyga, Rack City
12 09 15 Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa ft. Bruno Mars, Young, Wild & Free
13 14 31 Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera, Moves Like Jagger
14 11 16 Big Sean ft. Nicki Minaj, Dance (A$$)
15 13 21 J Cole, Work Out
16 12 44 LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock, Party Rock Anthem
17 18 21 David Guetta ft. Usher, Without You
18 23 12 Pitbull ft. Chris Brown, International Love
19 16 29 Adele, Someone Like You
20 19 24 Gavin DeGraw, Not Over You

21 20 10 Drake ft. Lil Wayne, The Motto
22 17 32 Gym Class Heroes ft. Adam Levine, Stereo Hearts
23 24 31 Selena Gomez & The Scene, Love You Like a Love Song
24 33 06 Gym Class Heroes ft. Neon Hitch, Ass Back Home
25 28 11 Rihanna, You Da One
26 27 17 Luke Bryan, I Don't Want This Night To End
27 26 13 Toby Keith, Red Solo Cup
28 NE 01 Glee Cast, Without You
29 30 16 Hot Chelle Rae ft. New Boyz, I Like It Like That
30 39 10 Drake ft. Rihanna, Take Care

31 31 15 Drake ft. Nicki Minaj, Make Me Proud
32 42 12 Breathe Carolina, Blackout
33 25 24 Drake, Headlines
34 32 20 Kelly Clarkson, Mr Know It Al
35 38 19 Coldplay, Paradise
36 34 28 Cobra Starship ft. Sabi, You Make Me Feel...
37 45 14 Chris Young, You
38 36 38 Lady Antebellum, Just a Kiss
39 37 43 Pitbull ft. NeYo, Afrojack & Nayer, Give Me Everything
40 29 17 T-Pain ft. Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen, 5 O Clock

41 40 55 Adele, Rolling In The Deep
42 35 39 Foster The People, Pumped Up Kicks
43 41 18 Eric Church, Drink In My Hand
44 47 11 Taylor Swift, Ours
45 46 09 Outasight, Tonight Is The Night
46 44 13 Wale ft. Miguel, Lotus Flower Bomb
47 49 20 The Band Perry, All Your Life
48 51 23 Colbie Caillat, Brighter Than The Sun
49 43 39 Nicki Minaj, Super Bass
50 58 03 Gotye ft. Kimbra, Somebody That I Used To Know

51 55 06 Chris Brown ft. Kevin McCall, Strip
52 NE 01 Tyga ft. Lil Wayne, Faded
53 56 07 Jake Owen, Alone With You
54 54 14 Christina Perri, A Thousand Years
55 50 17 Zac Brown Band, Keep Me In Mind
56 NE 01 Glee Cast, We Found Love
57 59 08 J Cole ft. Trey Songz, Can't Get Enough
58 52 19 David Nail ft. Sarah Buxton, Let It Rain
59 48 17 B.o.B. ft. Lil Wayne, Strange Clouds
60 61 14 The Fray, Heartbeat

61 57 18 Jason Aldean, Tattoos On This Town
62 NE 01 Glee Cast, Moves Like Jagger/Jumpin'...
63 68 06 Keith Urban, You Gonna Fly
64 85 02 The Wanted, Glad You Came
65 53 11 Lady Gaga, Marry The Night
66 66 05 Lee Brice, A Woman Like You
67 65 11 The Black Keys, Lonely Boy
68 62 14 Rick Ross ft. Nicki Minaj, You The Boss
69 70 10 Avicii, Levels
70 NE 01 Glee Cast, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

71 71 16 Martina McBride, I'm Gonna Love You Through It
72 22 03 Jason Mraz, I Won't Give Up
73 64 06 will.i.am ft. Jennifer Lopez & Mick Jagger, T.H.E.
74 72 11 Kenny Chesney, Reality
75 73 11 Dierks Bentley, Home
76 75 05 Young Jeezy ft. Andre 3000 & Jay Z, I Do
77 69 16 Beyonce ft. Andre 3000 or J Cole, Party
78 80 11 Scott McCreery, The Trouble With Girls
79 84 03 Jay Z & Kanye West, Gotta Have It
80 77 08 Justin Moore, Bait A Hook

81 74 10 Beyonce, Love On Top
82 79 13 Florence + The Machine, Shake It Out
83 60 02 Train, Drive By
84 87 05 Ellie Goulding, Lights
85 81 10 Hunter Hayes, Storm Warning
86 83 06 Edens Edge, Amen
87 76 03 Skrillex ft. Sirah, Kyoto
88 NE 01 Glee Cast, Summer Nights
89 86 05 Fun. ft. Janelle Monae, We Are Young
90 82 14 Beyonce, Countdown

91 63 05 Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars, Safe & Sound
92 89 05 Waka Flocka Flame ft. Drake, Round of Applause
93 88 08 Brad Paisley, Camouflage
94 100 04 Rihanna ft. Jay Z, Talk That Talk
95 90 03 Montgomery Gentry, Where I Come From
96 RE 02 Lady Antebellum, Dancin' Away With My Heart
97 97 02 Foster The People, Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)
98 NE 01 Mary J Blige ft. Drake, Mr Wrong
99 NE 01 George Strait, Love's Gonna Make It Alright
100 NE 01 Jay Z & Kanye West ft. Frank Ocean, No Church In The Wild

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Chart Recap Extra: Album Sales 69

Here are the best selling albums in the Philippines courtesy of Astroplus (to follow) and Odyssey. These charts are first posted at the Philippine Music Charts Thread at Pinoyexchange.com


Odyssey Top-Selling Albums
January 09 – 15, 2012

Overall
  1. Exciting - ZE:A (Warner Music)
  2. Kendeng Kendeng - Willie Revillame (Viva Records)
  3. Patuloy Ang Pangarap - Angeline Quinto (Star Records)
  4. The Hottest Hits… Ever - Various Artists (MCA Music)
  5. 21 - Adele (Warner Music)
  6. Annebisyosa - Anne Curtis (Viva Records)
  7. Full Blast 3, Maximum Pop Hits - Various Artists (Ivory Records)
  8. Best Of Praise & Worship Music - Various Artists (Warner Music)
  9. With Love - Gary V. (Star Records)
  10. No Water, No Moon - Bamboo (Polyeast Records)

source

OPM
  1. Kendeng Kendeng - Willie Revillame (Viva Records)
  2. Patuloy Ang Pangarap - Angeline Quinto (Star Records)
  3. Annebisyosa - Anne Curtis (Viva Records)
  4. Full Blast 3, Maximum Pop Hits - Various Artist (Ivory Records)
  5. With Love - Gary V. (Star Records)
  6. No Water, No Moon - Bamboo (Polyeast Records)
  7. Duet Yourself - Marcelito Pomoy (Star Records)
  8. Today’s Favorite Love Songs Unplugged 7 - Various Artist (Ivory Records)
  9. Breathe Again - Jed Madela (Universal Records)
  10. One Heart - Sarah Geronimo (Viva Records)

source

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The 84th Academy Awards Nominations Roundup

The Oscar nominees are out and let me share my thoughts (plus how I fared with my predictions).

Every year people online will always complain about the nominees and proclaim it as the worst set ever or would complain and question the Academy's taste. I do understand that feeling but we can never have that perfect line up anyway. There's bound to be someone to get lost in the shuffle. And please you don't let that award shows dictate what movies to like. It's all subjective anyway. And while the Oscars should not be the barometer of quality at all, I will not discount the award giving body's significance. I for one got interested with movies thanks to the Oscar Awards. Sure I started out checking movies that were nominated but as the year progresses my horizon expanded and check out the ones that got snubbed or those I read deserves to be recognized but there was no awards buzz at all or even those who don't really seek awards but is good anyway. In a way following the awards race is a starting point to discover and appreciate movies both past and present. Yes, the politics involved to get a nomination and much less win is annoying but at least you become more critical, right? The nomination process could still be improved I know but at the end of the day the list of nominees is basically just the consensus of the personal preferences of 6,000+ members of the Academy. Sometimes I really find it annoying that some critics (and fans online) feel like the Academy is entitled to nominate the movies they love. I'm not saying we should not criticize the Oscar choices, feel free to do so there's nothing wrong about it, but please don't take things so personally or too seriously.

The Nominees:

Best Picture

"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Moneyball"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"

5/9. I only predicted 6 and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy did not make it. Anyway, I'm glad we have 9 nominees this year since I like having more movies in the game. The Help is the only movie which crossed 100 million is US Box Office (but was only shown on a few areas overseas) and that could likely affect the award show's rating because few mainstream hits were in the mix. If Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows, Part 2 was released in November, close proximity on the voting period, it may had a shot for a nomination at least. I also wished Bridesmaids made the cut but oh well a rauncy comedy might too be much for the voters.

Critics rejoiced that Tree of Life made the cut but winced when Extremely Loud and Incredibly made a comeback after what it's thought to be a dead battle for the Oscar. I admit I have an irrational support for Extremely Loud even if I haven't seen this move yet just because I love the book it was based on plus it stars two of my favorite stars: Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. I'm glad the picture got a nomination where it matters. I hope this nomination will help the movie's box office fortunes which opened wide this weekend in the US but had a mediocre result. Most of these movies are not yet released internationally but a few of them will begin their rollout soon. Here in the Philippines here are the playdates of some of the movies (of course dates are subject to change)

Hugo and The Descendants - Feb. 15
War Horse and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - Feb. 29
Moneyball - March 7

Tree of Life was released here last year while I doubt Midnight in Paris will make it to local theaters since it was already released in the US several months back and is now available on home video. The Help was supposed to be shown here this month but for whatever reason did not pursue and no new playdate has been scheduled yet. Meanwhile, The Artist might be shown as an Ayala Cinemas exclusive just like The King's Speech last year. Let's admit it, a black and white silent film is a tough sell but if it wins the Best Picture, the potential to reach more audience will expand. Anyway, looking forward to see these films on the big screen :) Of course I know they are (or will soon be) available "elsewhere" but watching movies in theaters is still the best experience so I'll try my best to watch those that would be shown here on the big screen but as for those that won't be available here, well....

Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"
Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"
Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"
Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life"

5/5 Perfect prediction for me! ;D

Best Actor
Demián Bichir, "A Better Life"
George Clooney, "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
Gary Oldman, "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"

4/5 I missed out on Bichir for DiCaprio. Honestly though on my first draft I had Bilchir in but the last minute I changed it to DiCaprio because I thought performances from Clint Eastwood films somehow makes the cut despite poor to mediocre reception of the movies themselves. But then again if virtually unknown Mexican actor Bichir pulled a surprise on the SAG awards earlier then the support is strong enough to overcome the "star power" so to speak. I should have known better. Anyway, while Harry Potter got the shaft at least "Sirius Black" got nominated. Sort of. Kidding aside, Oldman is due for a nomination with the career he had already and it's a well-received performance anyway.

Best Actress
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"
Rooney Mara, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn"

4/5. Just when you thought Close and Mara will fight it out for the last slot, they will both make it anyway but at the expense of Tilda Swinton. I guess the movie (We Need to Talk About Kevin) is just too dark for the voters.

Best Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh, "My Week With Marilyn"
Jonah Hill, "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte, "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"
Max Von Sydow, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

3/5 Albert Brooks was snubbed and this made me really sad. I underestimated Jonah Hill's chances and very glad Von Sydow pulled a surprise nomination here. And oh very happy Nolte was not forgotten at all!

Best Supporting Actress
Bérénice Bejo, "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain, "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer, "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer, "The Help"

4/5 Veteran McTeer knocks out Shailene Woodley to what could have been a big upgrade for the young star: From being the star of a melodrama to becoming an Oscar nominated actress but alas the voters thought it was not yet the time. And yay Academy Award nominee and Gilmore Girls alumnus Melissa McCarthy. It was a terrific performance, so what if the character defecated on a sink? It's silly to rule out the overall performance because of a gross scene like that. So suck it haters! ;)

Best Animated Feature Film
"A Cat in Paris"
"Chico and Rita"
"Kung Fu Panda 2"
"Puss in Boots"
"Rango"

2/5 Only got Rango and Chico and Rita right. I know two foreign arthouse animated movies will make it but I thought Wrinkles' would make it instead of A Cat in Paris. I underestimated the Dreamworks movies which I both liked by the way but didn't think they were strong enough to get a nomination. On hindsight, Kung Fu Panda 2 was actually good and matched the first one's magic and definitely deserved the nomination so it was foolish of me to leave it out because it didn't 'feel' strong enough. And lastly tThe Adventures of Tin Tin snub is a sign that the animation branch does not consider motion capture as true blue animation.

Best Adapted Screenplay
"The Descendants"
"Hugo"
"The Ides of March"
"Moneyball"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

3/5 I picked The Help and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo instead of The Ides of March and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. It was surprise snub for The Help since I thought it's a lock here. Actually, that movie just got 4 nods (3 acting, 1 picture) which tells that this movie has no shot to win the top prize.

Best Original Screenplay
"The Artist"
"Bridesmaids"
"Margin Call"
"Midnight in Paris"
"A Separation"

5/5 Perfect prediction! and I'm very proud of this because "Margin Call" was a last minute prediction for me because I forgot it was eligible here. Anyway, the movie's topic is about the financial crisis in America which definitely appeals to the voters.

Best Film Editing
"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"Moneyball"

3/5 I picked Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Midnight in Paris over The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Moneyball. Anyway, history has it that the best picture winner usually is at least nominated here in this category so I predicted Midnight in Paris because I thought it had the chance to pull an upset win against The Artist but with the lack of love here, not gonna happen.

Best Art Direction
"The Artist"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"War Horse"

4/5 missed out on War Horse over Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy

Best Cinematography
"The Artist"
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"

4/5 missed out on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo yet again because of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. I really overestimated that movie's chances with the technical categories

Best Costume Design
"Anonymous"
"The Artist"
"Hugo"
"Jane Eyre"
"W.E."

3/5 missed out Anonymous and W.E in favor of The Help and Immortals. Anonymous was part of my initial prediction but I went adventorous and chose my personal preference for Immortals. Wrong call

Best Makeup
"Albert Nobbs"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"The Iron Lady"

2/3 I chose The Artist over Harry Potter. Glad Harry Potter made the cut though because the work on Voldemort alone is award worthy.

Best Music (Original Score)
"The Adventures of Tintin"
"The Artist"
"Hugo"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
"War Horse"

4/5 While The Adventures of Tin Tin was snubbed in the Animated Film category it pulled a surprise here (my pick was The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Best Music (Original Song)
"Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets"
"Real in Rio" from "Rio"

ZERO. Lamest category this year with just two nominees. And I'm upset the Academy robbed us of the chance of seeing a grand production of The Muppets, Jason Segel and Amy Adams perform Life's a Happy Song on stage. Anyway at least one Muppet song was nominated and it's the quite funny but sad yet brilliant song from Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie. Real in Rio is good too although admittedly at first I didn't remember what this song was but when I read about it, I remembered how beautiful this song is and used quite well in the movie. It will be a close race between these two to say the least because both are equally good. But please improve your nomination system here next year! Give us at least 3 or 4 nominees for crying out loud!

Best Sound Editing
"Drive"
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
"War Horse"

3/5 missed Drive and Transformers in favor of Super 8 (shocking snub) and Harry Potter.

Best Sound Mixing
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"Moneyball"
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
"War Horse"

2/5 Only got Hugo and War Horse right. The Super 8 snub is really disappointing

Best Visual Effects
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Hugo"
"Real Steel"
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"

3/5 Skinny Chris Evans was not impressive enough for the voters and snubbed Capatin America while Tree of Life, a film heavy on visuals, surprisingly got shut out. Robot movies Transformers and Real Steal made the cut instead.

Best Foreign Language Film

"Bullhead" - Belgium
"Monsieur Lazhar" - Canada
"A Separation" - Iran
"Footnote" - Israel
"In Darkness" - Poland

3/5 missed out on Canada and Belgium in favor of Germany and Taiwan. Germany's Pina is nominated on the documentary category (which I didn't place predictions at all).

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

My 2012 Oscar Awards Nominations Predictions

Tonight (in Philippine time of course) is the announcement of the 84th Academy Awards nominations! Anyway, here are my predictions which is basically educated guess from various precursors and I threw in some "wildcard" picks as well:

Best Picture

The Artist
The Descendants
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
The Help
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

The nominees can be anywhere from 5 to 10 this year and I think 6 movies will make the final cut. Moneyball, The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo and War Horse could all make it as well but I was thinking none of these films are on the #1 rank of voters. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy missed almost all of the precursors but the so-called British block could propel it and its impressive showing on the BAFTA (which shares some Academy voters) is a sign that it could make it.

Best Director

Michael Hazanavicius, “The Artist”
Alexander Payne, “The Descendants”
Martin Scorsese, “Hugo”
Woody Allen, “Midnight in Paris”
Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life"

Four out of five are DGA nominees and are locks for Best Picture nominees slot. The other one, Malick, is my one wildcard guess as The Tree of Life is such a polarizing film but those who loved it, really loved it. And this is director's type of film so there could be a strong support for Malick

Best Actor

George Clooney, "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"
Leonardo DiCaprio, "J. Edgar"
Gary Oldman, "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

Basically I got all the 4 SAG nominees excluding the surprise nod for Demian Belchir which could be a wildcard as well but like my rationale for predicting Tinke, Tailor, Soldier, Spy for Best Picture, the BAFTA showing and the british bloc could catapult Oldman for a nomination. Michael Fassbender could also make it but missing SAG was a big blow and I still think the movie's subject matter is something that would not appeal to the voters.

Best Actress

Viola Davis, "The Help"
Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams, "My Week with Marilyn"
Tilda Swinton, "We Need to Talk About Kevin"
Rooney Mara, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

4/5 SAG nominees as well I just replaced Glenn Close with Rooney Mara. I think it will be a close call but I give Mara a slight edge due to the movie's strong Guild showing which could mean that the movie was received well by the academy and Mara could have a late surge of votes. Close's a veteran but her performance and the movie had lukewarm receptions and the it barely made an impact at all in the precursor so she could be forgotten

Best Supporting Actor

Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"
Kenneth Branagh, "My Week with Marilyn"
Albert Brooks, "Drive"
Nick Nolte, "Warrior"
Brad Pitt, "The Tree of Life"

SAG nominees Jonah Hill and Armie Hammer did not make my cut and I replaced them with Brooks who had a strong showing on critics groups before the SAG snub and is actively campaigning (although in a funny way of course) on Twitter and my wildcard guess is Brad Pitt for Tree of Life, he had the best reviews of his career on that role and I'm thinking maybe he could squeeze in this field (as a sort of afterglow effect as well for his Moneyball performance). This is an open field I must say and we could be in for a nominee who came out of nowhere (I'm betting on Max Von Sydow for Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close for possible shocker).

Best Supporting Actress

Bérénice Bejo, "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain, "The Help"
Octavia Spencer, "The Help"
Shailene Woodley, "The Descendants"
Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids"Justify Full
I was thinking of including McCarthy or not. She had a strong showing with SAG and BAFTA nods on her belt already but I'm still apprehensive if the Academy, know to be conservative, will really recognize such a raunchy role but then again my residual love for this former Gilmore Girls actress overpowered my apprehension and predicted her. I really hope she makes it. Woodley's nominations is in limbo as well with her missing SAG and BAFTA but I think she has an edge over Albert Nobb's Janet McTeer because the latter's movie is basically toast while Woodley could be carried The Descendants which is expected to get a lot of nominations.

Best Animated Feature Film

"Rango"
"The Adventures of Tintin"
"Arthur Christmas"
"Arrugas (Wrinkles)"
"Chico and Rita"

How I wished How to Train Your Dragon and Tangled were released this year instead. Anyway, Rango and TinTin are locks for nominations. Arthur Christmas didn't set box office records on fire but was well received and it comes from a well-respected Animation studio. I don't know which foreign/arthouse animated films will make it so I predicted them both leaving out big movies like Puss in Boots, Kung Fu Panda 2, Cars 2, Happy Feet 2 and Rio because the reception for those movies range from bad to mediocre. My personal wish is for Winnie the Pooh to make it but it was too small (and short) of a movie. Critical reception is good but I think it will be lost in the shuffle but if there's one possible nomination that would be delight me is Winnie the Pooh making it.

Best Adapted Screenplay

"Moneyball"
"The Descendants"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy could knock out The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo though but I'm giving the latter an edge because the source material is hard to condensed in 2 hours and base on the movie reviews (haven't seen this one yet) it did a good job so this might appeal to the writing branch.

Best Original Screenplay

"Midnight in Paris"
"The Artist"
"Bridesmaids"
"A Separation"
"Margin Call"

The first 3 nods are locks and the last two are just wild predictions because this is an open field as well.

Best Film Editing

"The Artist"
"Hugo"
"The Descendants"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

I predicted all these films to be nominated for Best Picture so I think they are the frontrunners as well to make it here although it's not necessary for a Best Picture nominee to get a Best Film Editing slot.

Best Art Direction

"The Artist"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"

I wanted to include Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows here because the movie's art direction is just impressive but it's a tough category to crack and I think Harry Potter will take the blockbuster slot.

Best Cinematography

"The Tree of Life"
"The Artist"
"Hugo"
"War Horse"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"

I think the first 4 films are locks and once again if my prediction that Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy will have a strong showing with the Academy they could be nominated in this category as well

Best Costume Design

"The Artist"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Jane Eyre"
"Immortals"

I didn't like Immortals but the costumes were amazing especially the gods. I know they usually reward period pieces here but I'm hoping Immortals could strike a chord to the voters.

Best Makeup

"The Artist"
"Albert Nobbs"
"The Iron Lady"

The Artist did a good job replicating the "look" of 20s Hollywood stars while "Nobbs" is about a woman masquerading as a man so that's like an obvious pick and in The Iron Lady the make is all about Margaret Thatcher's different phases in her life from young to old

Best Original Score

"The Artist"
"Hugo"
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy"
"War Horse"

The Artist should easily win this because well the movie is all about its score right?

Best Original Song

"Lay Your Head Down" from "Albert Nobbs"
"The Living Proof" from "The Help"
"Life's a Happy Song" from "The Muppets"
"Coeur Volant" from "Hugo"
"Hello, Hello" from "Gnomeo and Juliet"

If Life's a Happy Song is snubbed I would be so sad.

Best Sound Editing

"Hugo"
"War Horse"
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
"Super 8"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"

Best Sound Mixing

"The Artist"
"Hugo"
"War Horse"
"Super 8"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"

Super 8 really did a great job in the sound department (just watch the train crash scene and you'll understand why) so I hope my predictions for them in these categories will happen later tonight.

Best Visual Effects

"The Tree of Life"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
"Captain America: The First Avenger"
"Hugo"

I think Captain America will make it simply because they made a "skinny Chris Evans" so perfectly. I'm a bit apprehensive with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, while the job with Andy Serkis' Cesar was fantastic, the climax of the scene featuring a bunch of apes is not as polished but I guess the work on Cesar and the other apes is strong enough to warrant a nomination.

Best Foreign Language Film

"A Separation," Iran
"Pina", Germany
"Footnote," Israel
"In Darkness," Poland
"Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale", Taiwan

A Separation is a lock, Pina is the second most buzzed pictureamong the 9 finalists, Israel usually does well in this category, Poland's entry is about the academy's favorite subject: holocaust and Taiwan's entry is a grand historical drama epic film which could impress the voters.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Chart Recap 182 (Philippine Music Charts)

Here is this week's recap of weekly music charts in Mega Manila FM radio stations. These charts are first gathered and first posted at the Philippine Music Charts Thread over at Pinoyexchange.com. If you want to check out last week's recap then you can find it HERE and as for the latest available albums charts click HERE

MYX Hit Chart
January 22-28, 2012
  1. One Direction - One Thing (debut at #1)
  2. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
  3. Taylor Swift - Ours
  4. David Archuleta - Wait
  5. Sponge Cola - Stargazer
  6. Super Junior - Superman
  7. Greyson Chance - Hold on 'Til the Night
  8. Slapshock - Ngayon Na
  9. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
  10. Donghae & Eunhyuk - Oppa Oppa (new entry)
  11. Never the Strangers - Alive
  12. Chicosci - Unbelievable
  13. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
  14. Karylle - Basically
  15. BBS feat. Kean Cipriano - Habang Buhay
  16. Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris - We Found Love
  17. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
  18. Gloc-9 feat. Denise Barbacena - Hari ng Tondo (new entry)
  19. Eevee - Ang Sarap Maging Single
  20. Typecast - The Promise (Kono Yakusoku)

MYX International Top 20
January 21-27, 2011
  1. One Direction - One Thing (debut at #1)
  2. Taylor Swift - Ours
  3. David Archuleta - Wait
  4. Super Junior - Superman
  5. Greyson Chance - Hold on 'Til the Night
  6. Lady Gaga - Marry the Night
  7. Donghae & Eunhyuk - Oppa Oppa (new entry)
  8. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
  9. Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris - We Found Love
  10. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away
  11. Westlife - Beautiful World
  12. ZE:A - Watch Out
  13. Kis-My-Ft2 - We Never Give Up
  14. Selena Gomez and the Scene - Hit the Lights
  15. Beyoncé - Dance for You
  16. Kelly Clarkson - What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)
  17. Rihanna - You Da One (new entry)
  18. Pitbull feat. Chris Brown - International Love
  19. Willow Smith feat. Nicki Minaj - Fireball
  20. Will.I.Am feat. Mick Jagger & Jennifer Lopez - T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)
Pinoy MYX Countdown
January 21-27, 2012
  1. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba (1st week at #1)
  2. Sponge Cola - Stargazer
  3. Slapshock - Ngayon Na
  4. Never the Strangers - Alive
  5. Chicosci - Unbelievable
  6. Karylle - Basically
  7. BBS feat. Kean Cipriano - Habang Buhay
  8. Gloc-9 feat. Denise Barbacena - Hari ng Tondo
  9. Eevee - Ang Sarap Maging Single
  10. Typecast - The Promise (Kono Yakusoku)
  11. Kamikazee - Halik
  12. Parokya ni Edgar feat. Gloc-9 - One Hit Combo
  13. Ebe Dancel - Wag Kang Mag-Alala
  14. Christian Bautista - Beautiful to Me (new entry)
  15. Young JV feat. Akiko - Alay
  16. Paraluman - Kapitan
  17. Loonie feat. K.A. Antonio - From Saudi with Love
  18. Suicidal Genius - Panibagong Kwento (new entry)
  19. Kilos - Heart of Legends (new entry)
  20. Giniling Festival - Burgis (new entry)

97.9 Home Radio Easy 10 Countdown
January 20, 2012
  1. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
  2. Safe & Sound - Taylor Swift feat Civil Wars
  3. Born This Way - Maria Aragon
  4. Dreams Don't Turn Dust - Owl City
  5. Lighthouse - Westlife
  6. Constance Change - The Manhattan Connection
  7. Tinamaan Ako - Anne Curtis
  8. Moves Like Jagger-Maroon5 feat. Christina Aguilera
  9. Hold On Till The Night - Greyson Chance
  10. Marry Your Daughter - Brian McKnight

RX 93.1: The Countdown Top7 and the Wannabees
January 20, 2012
  1. I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz (1st week at #1)
  2. Marry the Night - Lady GaGa
  3. What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - Kelly Clarkson
  4. Criminal - Britney Spears
  5. Lonely Boys - The Black Keys
  6. Sleazy - Ke$ha feat. Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, T.I, Andre 3000
  7. Domino - Jessie J
  8. Dear Lonely - Zia
  9. The One That Got Away - Katy Perry
  10. T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) - Will.i.am feat. Mick Jagger and Jennifer Lopez
  11. Fight for You - Jason DeRulo
  12. Astronaut - Simple Plan
  13. International Love - Pitbull feat. Chris Brown
  14. Safe and Sound - Taylor Swift feat. Civil Wars
  15. You Da One - Rihanna
  16. Young Wild and Free - Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa
  17. Princess of China - Coldplay feat. Rihanna
  18. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
  19. We Found Love - Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
  20. Without You - David Guetta feat. Usher

Mellow 94.7's 10 Strong Countdown
January 20, 2012
  1. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
  2. The One That Got Away - Katy Perry
  3. Criminal - Britney Spears
  4. Push - Avril Lavigne
  5. Heartbeat - The Fray
  6. It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
  7. International Love - Pitbull feat. Chris Brown
  8. Young, Wild and Free - Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa feat Bruno Mars
  9. Turning Tables - Adele
  10. Called Out in the Dark - Snow Patrol

Wave 891 Soul Review Countdown
January 20, 2012
  1. Slide Over - Baby Bash feat Miguel
  2. Sabotage - Wale feat. Lloyd
  3. Ride 4 U - Far East Movement feat Kid Cudi and Chip the Ripper
  4. The Woman You Love - Ashanti feat Busta Rhymes
  5. Only Wanna Give It To You - Elle Varner feat J. Cole
  6. If You Want - Brandon Starz feat Sammie
  7. A-- Back Home - Gym Class Heroes Ft Neon Hitch
  8. Young, Wild and Free - Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars
  9. Talk that Talk - Rihanna feat Jay-Z
  10. T.H.E (The Hardest Ever)- will.i.am feat Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger
  11. The Champ - Nelly
  12. Fireball - Willow Smith feat Nicki Minaj
  13. Strip - Chris Brown
  14. Do Ya Thang - Rihanna
  15. Dance (A$$) - Big Sean
Tambayan 101.9 Top 20
January 21- 27, 2011
  1. Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera
  2. I Won't Last A Day Without You - Sarah Geronimo
  3. Tinamaan Ako - Anne Curtis 4
  4. Saan Darating Ang Umaga - Angeline Quinto
  5. Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka - Erik Santos
  6. Mahalin Ng Totoo - Toni Gonzaga
  7. Paano Na Ang Puso Ko - Bugoy Drilon
  8. Give Me Everything - Pitbull feat. Neyo, Afrojack & Nayer
  9. Halik - Kamikazee
  10. Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay - Sponge Cola
  11. Hindi Kita Iiwan - Sam Milby
  12. Gisingin Ang Puso - Liezel Garcia
  13. Marry Your Daughter - Brian McKnight
  14. God Gave Me You - Bryan White
  15. Di Bale Na - KC Concepcion
  16. Jar Of Hearts - Christina Perri
  17. One Hit Combo - Parokya Ni Edgar w/ Gloc9
  18. We Can Be - Apl De Ap
  19. Count On Me - Bruno Mars
  20. Price Tag - Jessie J. feat. B.O.B

THE BIG TEN! Barangay LS 97.1
January 22, 2012


01 ] LOUDER _ Charice
02 ] A THOUSAND YEARS _ Christina Perri
03 ] ALL THAT'S LEFT _ Christian Bautista
04 ] IT WILL RAIN _ Bruno Mars
05 ] KAHIT UMIWAS PA _ Jake Vargas
06 ] SAFE AND SOUND _ Taylor Swift
07 ] IT GIRL _ Jason Derulo
08 ] PUSONG LITO _ Myrus
09 ] BREATHE AGAIN _ Jed Madela
10 ] IF I DIE YOUNG _ The Band Perry|

Saturday, January 21, 2012

How to Purchase Songs at My Music Store Philippines via Smart Pasaload

My Music Store Philippines is the newest music website in the country where you can download songs and albums legally! It's about time that we finally have a website that offers services like this and I hope Pinoys will give this one a shot. It will be a tough sell for sure since we are already accustomed of downloading songs for free but maybe this could work and help the music industry in the long run. Let's wait and see. For those interested, they have quite a large library as they have tie ups with major record labels (except Warner which I hope will join them soon). Anyway, what I like about their service is that you can purchase songs and album via Smart Pasaload for people who don't have a credit card or PayPal account. It's a good concept and makes the purchasing of songs more accessible. I hope it will be available soon The price range of songs are from 20 to 35 pesos and as for albums 200 to 400 pesos. Anyway, here's how you can download songs via Smart Pasaload (Oh before you can use the site, you must register on the site first and it's free by the way)

1. Once you have a song you want to download, you click the song title and this would appear below.


2. Click the "buy song" button and it will be added to your cart.


3. To pay for the song just go to the cart and click "proceed to payment"

4. There are three options to pay and choose "pay via mobile phone" and click "pay now"

5. Once you click "pay now" a pop up message will appear where it will ask you to place in your mobile number then click continue

6. Once you entered your mobile number a pop up message will appear containing the amount, transaction code and the text message you will receive on your mobile phone.



7. Upon receiving the "MyMusic code in your cellphone forward it to 808.

8. After forwarding the message you will then receive the Pasaload confirmation of transfer of funds and confirmation from My Music Store Philippines that payment has been successfully transferred.



9. Once payment is done, this payment confirmation will appear on your computer screen. The song you purchased will now be part of your "My Collection", just click the 'Download Now" button to go to your My Collection page and download the song

And that's it! I must say the song's quality is good and it doesn't take that much to download the song (well it depends on your Internet connection as well). To find out more about the site visit http://www.mymusicstore.com.ph/. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter

Spotlight: The Artist

The French homage to black and white silent movies has become the unlikely Oscar frontrunner. Who would have thought that a small, foreign black and white silent movie will be the one to beat, right? The movie is already getting flack because well backlashes comes with the territory when your are expected to dominate the awards show. Say what you will about Harvey Weinstein but he really has an eye for films that will be well received by the Academy.

I don't know if this movie will ever screen here in the Philippines. Well maybe if it really wins Best Picture, we would get it here albeit late like The King's Speech, No Country for Old Men and Slumdog Millionaire which were all shown here months after their Oscar wins. All those movies are niche and tough sells to the mainstream audience so it's no surprise they were shown late and on limited screens as well. I will not deny though that I will try to see this movie through other means because I'm really curious why this movie won the hearts of many film aficionados out there. This particular scene posted below won me already (or maybe I'm just a sucker for dancing) so I hope the movie is as captivating as this scene is.



Friday, January 20, 2012

Pinoyexchange's Guess The Oscar Nominees Game


  • Open to all Pinoyexchange members (if you're not a member yet, register now, it's free!). Participants based abroad can join as long as they have someone, should they win, who can claim their prize at the Pinoyexchange office in Makati City.
  • One entry per username only.
  • Participants will guess the 2012 Oscar Awards nominees for the following categories:
    1. Best Picture
      per new Oscar rule, eventual nominees could be anywhere from 5 to 10 films so your predictions should have a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10
    2. Best Actor (5)
    3. Best Actress (5)
    4. Best Supporting Actor (5)
    5. Best Supporting Actress (5)
      please include the movie the actor/actress will be nominated for
  • Send your entries via PM (private message) to username IMTVcontests with the subject “2012 Oscar Nominees”. Please include your contact number, location and e-mail in your message.
  • Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
  • Each correct prediction will get 1 point. If a participant correctly predicts the number of Best Picture nominees s/he will get an additional 5 points.
  • The entry with the most points wins. In case of a tie, the first one who submitted his/her entry will win.
  • The winner will win a Pinoyexchange Loot Bag containing merchandise items.
  • Deadline of submission is on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 12 noon (Philippine time). Announcement of winner will be on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 12 noon (Philippine time).
  • Visit Pinoyexchange.com for comments and inquiries