Film Review: "Miss Sassy" - A Whimsical Critique of Absurdity in Modern Democracy

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In "Miss Sassy," directed by Filomena DiMarco, a cunning cat named Miss Sassy navigates the chaos of political division in America through the lens of her MAGA-supporting owner, Margie. After accidentally getting trapped in the basement, Margie's misguided beliefs lead her to falsely accuse Haitian immigrants of having eaten Miss Sassy, igniting a media frenzy during a gubernatorial election. When Miss Sassy escapes, she inadvertently forces Margie to apologize on air, urging unity. However, Miss Sassy takes control during a live debate, creating chaos that results in the candidates' downfall and leaves the state in political disarray. The film cleverly critiques misinformation and societal absurdities, portraying how easily public opinion can be swayed. Through vibrant animation and sharp satire, "Miss Sassy" offers a humorous yet poignant commentary on democracy, prejudice, and the nature of political power, ultimately highlighting the unpredictable influence of a seemingly insignificant feline.

Film Review: "The Empty Stool": An Absurdist Commentary on Capitalism and Possession

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In “The Empty Stool”, directed by László Kováč, we delve into a surreal narrative that critiques modern capitalism and the fragility of ownership. The film follows Anton Novak, played by Milos Varga, whose careless act of leaving his expensive iPhone on a park stool triggers a chaotic exploration of alienation and material obsession. As Anton searches for his lost phone, he interacts with a diverse cast, each offering their perspective on ownership and responsibility, revealing the absurdity of a society driven by self-interest.

Kováč masterfully blends dark humor with poignant social commentary, depicting Anton's emotional turmoil as he confronts bizarre characters, including a whimsical artist and a brooding philosopher. The empty stool symbolizes the hollowness of consumerism, while Anton’s journey ultimately leads him to abandon his quest for the phone, choosing authentic relationships over material possessions. The film ends on a haunting note, prompting viewers to reflect on the deeper implications of ownership and identity in contemporary society.

Kritisismo: "Heneral Luna," Pelikula ni Jerrold Tarog

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Walang duda, may nabasa ka na kahit isa lamang pagsusuri tungkol sa pelikula ni Jerrold Tarog na “Heneral Luna.” Ang pelikula ay usap-usap ng karamihan. May mga ilang mga tao na pinupuri ang katapangan ng pelikula at ang matagumpay nitong pagtangka na makuha ang interes ng mga kabataan sa kasaysayan. Sa ibang dako, may iba na pinupuna ang pelikula sa malambot nitong pagtalakay sa imperyalismong Amerikano at mga ilang kamalian sa kasaysaysan. 

Anuman ang iyong mga saloobin sa pelikula, hindi kaila na isang napakabubuting anomalya ang "Heneral Luna" sa larangan ng kasalukuyang pelikulang Pilipino. Ang "Heneral Luna" ay isang pelikula na bahagyang tumatalakay sa tunay na kasaysayan o isang bahagyang katha batay sa tunay na kasaysayan. Prinodyus ang pelikula ng parehong uri ng elitista na kinabibilangan nila Luna, Aguinaldo at Rizal subalit hindi natin maaaring tahasang pulaan ang katotohanang ito. Magastos ang paggawa ng pelikula at sino pa mismo ang may pera para pangtustos sa isang napakalaking pelikula tulad nito, at isugal ang milyong-milyong piso para sa isang uri ng pelikula na karaniwan ay linalangaw sa takilya.

Fifty Shades of Grey: “Capitalism is a Handsome Stud” (Film Criticism)

This is a critique of the movie and not the novel.

"Fifty Shades of Grey" is about the seductive power of capitalism or materialism. Christian Grey embodies everything seductive about capitalism. He is attractive, driven, controlling, and rich. He is a survivor. Christian was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He was an orphan and grew up in many foster homes. However, from humble beginnings, he rose to affluence and power because of pure perseverance and courage, or so the film claims.  He is now endowed with many talents. He can fly a plane and a helicopter. He owns and drives expensive cars and his employees obey his every whim.  He is almost omnipresent and he can easily be in one place in a nick of time. It is interesting to note that all of Christian's employees, including his driver, look like supermodels. A fashion model is after all an embodiment of plastic beauty that capitalism wants us to emulate, from Barbie to Beyonce. In contrast, Anastasia's friends, relatives, and acquaintances look like ordinary real people.

Birdman: “Liberation from Illusion” (Film Criticism)

Probably one of the most obvious readings of Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s “Birdman” has something to do with the power of social media such as Twitter and Facebook. These two popular social network services were mentioned in the film but I think focusing on social media may be too limiting.  I think “Birdman” is more about a man’s liberation from illusion and the growing power of capitalism in art, specifically in cinema and theater.

 

Theater has long been regarded as the highbrow cousin of cinema. The latter is more commercial and populist. Theater, in contrast, is more concerned with artistry while cinema is more about pop culture and mass consumption.  At times, cinema is relegated as the art form of the masses while the theater is for the elite but I think this claim is not entirely accurate. Theater is also not immune to commerce.  

 

“Birdman” is not simply about commercial cinema versus high art theater; that is just the surface.  The film is about capitalist ideology encroaching on all segments of society. Capitalism is like a predatory bird, which is also the symbol of America. The bird of capitalism has aimed its talons on Broadway, supposedly one of the oldest vanguards of high art, and perhaps one of the last territories of art that has not been fully colonized by pure commerce. However, with musicals like “The Lion King” and “Spiderman,” capitalism may have already taken root on Broadway.  Near the end of the film, we see superhero icons of pop cinema littered a Broadway stage as if staging an all-star musical featuring Iron Man, Spiderman, the Transformers, and so on.