Gladiator ll (Ridley Scott, 2024)

Gladiator, Jr.

(WARNING: plot of Gladiator 2 discussed in close and explicit detail!)

Coming out of the multiplex after a screening of Gladiator ll: 

A: What do you think?

N: Wasn't a fan of the first Gladiator. Not a fan of anything Scott since Blade Runner.

Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (Mario O'Hara, 1976) in black and white

Three Years Without God without color

This all started from a suggestion by amateur film archivist / historian / enthusiast / restorer Jojo de Vera-- 'amateur' only in the sense that he's not paid for what he passionately works for and believes in and has a vast store of knowledge and expertise about that I often call upon for advice. 

Jojo asked if I was interested in seeing Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (Three Years Without God) without color; I said yes. When I saw it I was impressed, and suggested the idea to Leo Katigbak, head of the ABS CBN Film Restoration Project; they had a digital copy of the 2016 L'Immagine Ritrovata restoration of the film, which they regraded to black-and-white and screened this Dec. 20 at the University of the Philippines Film Center.

And the results--

Conclave (Edward Berger, 2024)

Succession

Edward Berger's Conclave is more fun than the process of choosing a world leader has any right to be. 

Anora (Sean Baker, 2024)

For better or for worse

Sean Baker's Golden Palm-winning film Anora is arguably the most enjoyable of the year, by turns funny, sexy, profane. 

But a great film? Well let me tell you.