Saturday, February 16, 2008

Hiatus, Jumper (***spoilers***) and Tennis Tales (Days 44-47)

I didn’t get to update because work got busier and I had an encounter with a nasty virus. I’m well now—been so for a while, thankfully—and catching up with work. It’s just sad that I’m banned for playing tennis for one more week as part of the recovery plan. Oh, and I eat. As in EAT – double the servings of rice, more fluids, snacks in between and mandatory consistent vitamin intake. I’m anxiously waiting what these will do to my weight, especially since I don’t get to burn the calories. XD

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Instead of the usual life happenings, I’m going to share my opinion on the recent movie that I saw with Quiaps—Jumper. In brief, it’s about a guy (Hayden Christiansen-[sp?]) who can teleport, makes money out of it and visits places, gets the girl he’s always wanted since high school, gets hunted down by mysterious people, finds out there’s another one with the same powers as he does (Jamie Bell!!!), teams up briefly to fight bad guys but team up didn’t last long enough (irreconcilable difference I guess, haha!), protagonist defeats antagonist (Samuel L. Jackson), saves the girl, learns about past and teleports with the girl to travel around the world.

Hn.

The Good:

I personally liked the concept behind the film—teleportation and how would an average person deal with it.

The you-are-not-alone and the you-are-going-to-be-hunted bits are plot clichés already but the reason for the hunting—evolved religious fanaticism was interesting.

The teleportation CG wasn’t bad either—it reminded me a bit of the SilverHairedMen+Sephiroth+Cloud fight scenes in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, but this time with real people.

Jamie Bell. When I saw his name on the opening credits, I just knew I’ve heard that name before. I only remembered (IIRC!) now that he starred as a ballerina wannabe kid in Billy Elliot. Compared to Hayden’s acting, I liked Jamie’s better because I was able to like his character. Although Jamie’s character isn’t really the complex type, it just worked—he nailed it so well that I didn’t even notice Hayden looked better than him.

Samuel L. Jackson’s character didn’t die. Or perhaps it was stated in his contract that his character shouldn’t die. Rightfully so, because with the way the plot worked out, it would’ve been a shame if he died.

The Bad:

Underdeveloped plot—which is sad because for this type of movie concept, it had such promise.

The time spent on the high-school-type-impress-the-girl-and-date-her-then-make-out-with-her scenes was a little overemphasized that I felt it would’ve been better if such time was spent for further plot development. Also, it’s not as if the girl was pivotal in protagonists’ way of performing his ability to teleport anyway. Plus, the mystery behind the disappearance of lead guy’s mom was intriguing but only resolved at the very end, like somebody remembered that it should be brought up but the roll of film is almost out. The religious fanaticism motivation to hunt down “Jumpers”, as well as their back grounds—how they became as such, how they acquire their Jumpsites and make it “theirs”, etc were hardly explored. I wonder if the basis of the story used for this movie was actually a first draft or something.

The Ugly:

Lacks development of characters and storyline. Oh, wait-I already said that. And that is why I’m glad Samuel’s character did not die because the plot was not worth it. In short, the movie has great promise—it has some intriguing moments and makes one anticipates for more but fails to deliver.

So the verdict? I saw this movie in Shang. Not worth the money I paid for, considering that Shang is more expensive that the average movie theater. At best, I’d be willing to watch it from a ripped off DVD—but that’s because I like topics on teleportation. I suppose for those who cling on actual characterization and plot, wait for it in cable. But if you fancy Hayden fan service or a sucker for Jamie’s accent and have a companion to treat you to a movie, go for this.

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I can’t remember much of my tennis practices prior my hiatus, except for the last session where I actually practice approach shots and finish the points with volleys. It’s sad because I was getting the feel of it but now I’m worried that the month-long absence of practice would defer the progress. I wouldn’t be surprised though, and it’s also sad that I won’t be able to do my monthly 10 hours of tennis resolution this month.

Yesterday though, Quiaps had a tennis session in Rizal and I accompanied her, sitting on the sidelines…green with envy. I was suppose to play with her but the moment I mentioned it to my mom the night before, she was ready to deploy a checkpoint to make sure that I cannot leave the house with a single tennis paraphernalia. So, I urged Quiaps to take the hour instead while I watch (and finish coding a research project). But, being pasaway and all, when Quiaps took a break, I borrowed her racquet, checked out for any Rizal guard (I’m not in the proper attire) and hit for 5 minutes with the ballman (yes, man—the dad of our usual ballkid). I was satisfied even if I chose not to run after balls I usually do so I can hit it. I suppose this means I still have it. Can’t wait for next week when I can officially get back to practice.

2 comments:

Tintin said...

I think it is safe to assume that you are addicted to tennis. Do get better!

jennai said...

Yes, I think so too! >_< And it's all good since it has better received by the parents compared with taekwondo XD