Best Pinoy Movies

One time in Jessica Zafra's blog, readers were asked to lay down what they think are the best Filipino Movies of all time. It was a great exercise, and we participated. Here goes our list with some comments

1) Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?
we consider this  precursor of Forrest Gump. Fantastic direction and location shoots.

2) Tuhog
A masterpiece by Jeturian. Fantastic acting by all the players, even Ina Raymundo, who we thought was only good as a token leading leading-lady in action films, delivered a fine performance. 

3) Ang Tatay Kong Nanay
Brocka and Dolphy combined for what should be a template for any producer attempting to build a solid dramedy.

4) Kakabakaba ka ba?

The best pinoy comedy (and probably musical) ever. It's amazing to recall that Armida of Aawitan Kita is in here.

5) Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros

The best indie that came out of Cinemalaya,Cinemaoneoriginals, and all the other programs of recent years.

6) Scorpio Nights

For the depiction of the Philippine version of suburban life. We call it "looban" in the Philippines, and the dynamics of any looban setting can make hundreds of good movies.

7) Oro, Plata, Mata

Although cartoonish on the last act, the movie has solid narrative and well-grounded characters.

8) Huwag Mong Salingin ang Sugat Ko (The Buenavista Story)

Last movie by Brocka. Very political, sensible, relevant, brave, and purposeful until the end.

9) Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington

This is how a 'pop' commercial film should be made for this generation.

10) Facifica Falayfay

Another Dolphy classic that trailblazed the local comedy genre.

11) Saan Darating ang Umaga?
Great ensemble cast.

12) Orapronobis

Good, urgent, pulsing narrative, almost like a docu on how the CAFGU system is abused. Also demonstrates how pinoy movies should not need one bida (leadrole) to be great.

13) Kapit sa Patalim
Another brave Brocka, which has legitimate advocacy.

14) Pepeng Kaliwete

Great FPJ action film. Solid, no supermanish one-against-1000 gunfight. Also, solid anchor on history of American Occupation and the humble conditions of sugarcane farmers.

15) There's an episode from Lovingly Yours, Helen The Movie that is compelling and complete enough--not the one that killed Julie Vega (namaligno), but the episode about brain cancer starring Vivian Foz (?). but Im ambivalent since my tita passionately insists that the version broadcasted on TV is tighter and better.

16) Isla. 
Cho Kajo and the perya ferris wheel. First learned about Betamax's rewind-scan function because of this movie.  hehe

17) Karnal

Fantastic depiction of rural, paternalistic life. Solid acting from Vic Silayan.

18) Temptation Island

Classic Fantastic Camp.

19) one andres de saya sequel that we caught on piling piling pelikula

cant recall which one. basta meron isang maganda sa series na ito

20) Hihintayin Kita sa Langit

Wuthering Heights. The filmmakers deserves kudos in delivering a non-traditional love story based on this classic book.

21) Somewhere
mostly for that climactic scene where Rudy Fernandez's eyeball popped out of its socket)

22) Hiram na Mukha 
for Hugo Rodan; fantastic performance by Christopher de Leon.

***

I havent seen Endo, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Banawe, any by Mario O'Hara , Burlesk Queen. Making this list reminds me that I should do equal effort in looking for these films as much as the Scorseses, Truffauts, Allens. 

Philip Roth, retiree

Ah, Philip Roth just retired. I can't fully grasp the concept of a writer retiring, especially someone as prolific as he is, but this is now what he's declaring to the world. (although I think the qualifier is: he's retiring from writing novels).

Read also the nice blogpost by Remnick on the New Yorker and the article from nytimes. Interesting quote:

Nearby was an iPhone he had bought recently. “Why?” he said. “Because I’m free. Every morning I study a chapter in ‘iPhone for Dummies,’ and now I’m proficient. I haven’t read a word for two months. I pull this thing out and play with it.”

(it's also amazing how he chose to announce his retirement first through a french publication).

To me, the magic of Roth's writing lies in its unabashedness and forcefulness. When youre reading even his early work, it's already evident that there's just no topic he'll not go through if thats where the plot and story should go, or are built to go. I remember one scene in Patrimony, his recollection of his relationship with his father (against the premise of Philip's papa's suffering a dreaded disease), where Roth recounted how he helped his father bathe one time, and then he can't help but ruminate on his father's penis--what is right or wrong with it, how's the crookedness, shape, and size, and how his own fares against his father's. 

Sabbath's Theater and Portnoy's Complaint remain to be two in my top 10 novels primarily, surely, for their braveness. They gave me inspiration and belief in the magic, value, and possibilities of fiction during college, and they sustained my love for reading. Roth's books are among the first ones that urged me to raid National Bookstore's bargain bins. The papers of his book, by the time Operation Shylock, et al reached the bin, are already yellow, but of course his words are timeless. 

The last Roth that I've read is American Pastoral. It is not as good as others are declaring it is. It is supposedly his masterpiece, but the ending, especially, does not work for me. And the book has just too much rumination and meta-things to be as 'moving' as the others. I plodded along just to finish American Pastoral. His best remains Sabbath's Theater, at least among those Ive read (The Facts, Patrimony, Prague Orgy, American Pastoral, Professor of Desire, Portnoy's Complaint, Goodbye Columbus). I cant claim to be an expert because these in total are not even 30% of the master's output (which was one quality book a year recently).

I will definitely get Nemesis--his declared last novel.  

Give Roth the Nobel Prize already. 

Un-Yummy Roast (SM Bicutan)

Yummy roast in SM Bicutan is anything but yummy. 

You can see that the asado thing (reddish meat) is all dry.

Even the chicken is bland.

Tofu, which is hard to bungle-up, is also funny tasting in this place. It seems like they were not contented letting the natural flavor of soya come out, they had to mix-in some sort of chemical that bites the tongue. We also dont know what was the brown, shit-looking thing, that they've put on top.

Although prices are cheap, at par with Jollibee, skip Yummy Roast. This restaurant doesnt deserve to last one year.

I think Pepper Potts will die

That's one of the quickest way to make this movie dark dark.

And besides, producers probably thought, Gwyneth Paltrow is not getting any younger?

I just hope they do the whole movie right.

And the whole thing consulted with, or better yet, approved, by Whedon the Master.

Aling Lucing's Sisig

We had to drop by SM Sta Mesa to check out if the department store there have the stock of  the Merrell sandals, at the specific size, we are eyeing. 

We didnt plan to have dinner at that mall, but when we passed by the food court, we saw Aling Lucing's Sisig. 

I wondered if this is by the same owners of the original Aling Lucing im Pampanga, the inventor of that killer of a dish, the bane of all batoks, the vein clogger of all beer drinkers, the undefeatable pulutan... Sisig. 

We asked the lady counter if theyre affiliated with the Pampanga carinderia, but she didnt know. And we also havent been to the original. Weve been planning to some time (and also try to hit the original Razon's in one trip), but we dont have Googlemap before, so still no cigar.

Anyway, at 98 pesos, you are given an ample serving of tasty sisig. Talampunay ordered grilled liempo with the added Sinigang option at 110 PhP. She said the liempo is unremarkable.

The sisig is really fatty, perhaps 40% fat composition as shown in this picture. At one point when a spoonful lands in your mouth, you can feel the creaminess of fat swimming in your tongue. Creamy coagulation starting to do its magic. Wow.  

Although I would choose the crunchy variant of sisig, some purists say that that is not the original sisig, but just sizzling chicharon. They have a point. 

If the indication of how genuine a sisig is in how painful your nape feels 30 minutes after eating, then this sisig is truly authentic. I had trouble driving on the way home. 

BAD CASE: Otterbox Real Tree Defender Case for iPhone 4S

The case is good, functionally:  

--not too big (still ergonomic, i would say), 

--better grip (compared to just bare iphone)

--firm close-to-precise fit (all parts).

--gives comfort in knowing that your expensive phone is protected at all times

--good camo orange (can see iphone immediately; less chance of having it misplaced)

But after just 3 months of usage, the rubber is now deformed. Material appears expanding although it is not exposed to extreme heat or sunlight (probably just the heat from a battery being charged or friction inside one's jean's pocket?).

For a 35 USD case, this is truly disappointing.

And it seems to be getting worse. I can not even close the charging port cover by this time, plus the resulting lump in the home button is truly annoying (considering that youll push the home button many times during the day).

I saw in the marking inside one of the parts that it is made in the US. Is this is a mistake in material selection by Otterbox's vaunted state-side manufacturing?

From my reading, the Defender model has been in the market for years since the early iPhone iterations. Hasnt Otterbox learned to screen for the right rubber or silicone material over the years?

I would discourage anyone from buying this case, obviously. Judging from the rate of degradation, this case will probably become unusable in 6 months. Very short useful life. Truly disappointing.

Jollibee Avengers Comics

This is a landmark that was not advertised enough.

Probably because Jollibee chose to go the safe side of not having Jollibee fight together with the Avengers. Imagine how memorable it would have been in our local lovable bee used his big butt to sting Mole Man! Could have made this small comic book a collectible. The comic book was written by an established Marvel author (Ralph Macchio), our fast food great should have taken full advantage of the opportunity.

Instead, Jollibee elected to play it safe by just using a store manager and a store as a background, and Jollibee as Lola Basyang Narrator!.

I think this is related to branding, but if JFC wants to do it again, wouldnt hurt to have more chutzpah. Risks pay gains.  

But anyway, Im aching to buy the Avengers Blu-Ray for the extra features, and because of this Q&A from last April:

Q: What was it like to see it all last night after shooting disjointed scenes?

Ruffalo: Damn satisfying.

Hemsworth: There's one big shot where they did a 360 circle around all the Avengers. At the time, that was all green screen. I was thinking, "Wait a second, why didn't we shoot this in the middle of New York? This is the shot." But last night it got the biggest applause. It worked. Whether you doubted it at the time, (director Joss Whedon) pulled it off.

Downey: As long as the defects are not glaring. And the movie is not without defects. I still cannot exactly tell you what the bad-guy plot is. During the course of the journey, as long as you don't leave me with these lingering questions, so that I feel like you are being sloppy. But with the difficulty and complexity of it all, I don't like to say this, but I was humbled by it.

I will sure have the set during the Black Friday sale. Just one more month to go and I'll be involved again in another extreme Amazon.com consumerism. K-Tank! Shrrooom! Wapak! Splat!

Regarding 'Give Up Tomorrow'

Saw this yesterday. Film is well-made, and it's always good to see a movie that is fighting for something. At the minimum, it's always good to witness the exposition and style and direction of attack by the filmmakers. The film is also a decent study on how Philippine Justice System is currently in disarray.

But i have misgivings:

1) In the end, this is one whole movie regarding the struggles of one person--Paco Larrañaga. There's a disclaimer near the credits saying the the focus is on Paco primarily because he represents the whole group convicted for the Chiong Murders, but why not spare 10 minutes on the other players? Perhaps a bit of time for one of the poorest in the group for greater sympathy? Or all of them are rich?

2) Devoting one documentary on one rich mestizo also brings me discomfort, when you place it side by side with say, any thing by Ditsi Carolino. Minsan Lang Sila Bata definitely deserves way more production funds, slots in our theaters, and viewers' attention than this one

3) In the streets of Cebu, Paco is known for his thuggish behavior. He has a reputation that reinforced whatever 'natural' bias (which came out the moment he was arrested) the Cebuano masses have against him. And bottomline he is now a convicted felon from RTC all the way to the Supreme Court. Anyone can read SC's decision online, one link:
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2005/jul2005/138874_75.htm, has this passage

At this juncture, it bears mentioning that this case is not the first time that Larrañaga was charged with or complained of pruriently assaulting young female students in Cebu.  Months before the abduction of Marijoy and Jackie, the parents of a certain Rochelle Virtucio, complained about Larrañaga’s attempt to snatch their young daughter and drag her in a black, stylish Honda Civic.    It happened just near the gate of Rochelle’s school, thus, showing his impudence.    We quote a portion of the transcript of stenographic notes dated September 23, 1998, thus:            “ATTY. HERMOSISIMA:            Your Honor please, this is a …. Inspector Era handed to this representation a copy of a Letter dated September 25, 1996, addressed to the Student Affairs Office, University of San Carlos,P. del Rosario Street, Cebu City, and this is signed by Leo Abayan and Alexander Virtucio and noted by Mrs. Aurora Pacho, Principal, University of San Carlos, Girls High School, and for the record, I will read the content: TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN:             We the parents and guardians of Rochelle Virtucio, a first year high school student of your University of San Carlos-Girls High School, are writing your good office about an untoward incident involving our daughter and another student of your school.             x  x  x                                                  x    x  x             That last Monday at around 5:00 PM, Rochelle and other classmates, Michelle Amadar and Keizaneth Mondejar, while on their way to get a ride home near the school campus, a black Honda Civic with five young male teenagers including the driver, suddenly stopped beside them, and simultaneously one of them, which was later identified as FRANCISCO JUAN LARRANAGA, a BSHRM I student of your school, grabbed Rochelle by her hand to try to get Rochelle to their vehicle. She resisted and got away from him. Sensing some people were watching what they were doing, they hurriedly sped away.
            We are very concerned about Rochelle’s safety. Still now, she is suffering the shock and tension that she is not supposed to experience in her young life. It is very hard for us parents to think about what she’d been through.”[16]           The presence of such complaint in the record of this case certainly does not enhance Larrañaga’s chance of securing an acquittal.

We've all gone to high school and college and familiar with these sorts. They are bullies with a dangerous combination of arrogance and libido. Mr. Larranaga is not an angel deserving pity.

4) The film's attempt to demonstrate unbiased, balanced exposition is shorthanded, we can say not evenhanded. Again, if one reads SC's decision, there are points against Paco that should have been debunked if the filmmakers intended to build a solid case. Accusing the Chiongs of covering up for a druglord (whos the one supposed to have done the killings) doesnt hold water. Any parent will attempt to fight any mafia if it's their children who are kidnapped and raped.

5) This is petty--but Paco is one of the 'blessed' at Munti who was allowed to construct his own special room, in the ranks of Rolito Go, Jalosjos, Mayor Sanchez. His family has money and clout, this movie is probably just one more demonstration of that clout and wealth.

It's known that all docus are propaganda, Im just saying there are better advocacy deserving our indignance and whatever strong emotions.

The 5-star review from Philip Dy at clickthecity was what made me see Give Up Tomorrow. He's one of the reviewers I respect today, mainly for not being involved in mainstream (and the attendendant payola system), but I think this one doesnt deserve 5. It also doesnt deserve the 200 PhP I paid for. Im now looking for a Ditsi Carolino DVD Set to show Talampunay and keepsake for the kids. It's good to keep the activist stance, but Larranaga's plight is not deserving mass activism; has no tug of sympathy if you process it more. Just leave the fight to his family.

Cancer in toddlers means there is no God

How do you explain cancer to a kid?

You dont. You just take deep breaths, and then cry.

Reminds me of that scene in Brothers Karamazov, where Ivan is trying to explain what or who God is about to a 4-year old who was tortured. Read Brothers Karamazov, if you still havent.

Banana Peanut Shake Heaven

We first became aware of the Banana Peanut Shake possibility because of Big Chill. It's probably one of the least ordered compared to the usual Mango Shake, but when we tried it, it's a nice enough refreshment, yes, yes.

It's actually a better option than mango shake, when 1) the movie is starting in 5 mins, and you havent had dinner yet. 2) you need to go to the gym, and you dont want to wait one hour after a full meal before working out.

But Big Chill's concoction is inconsistent, depending on how big was the banana supplied that day (they put just one lakatan regardless of size), how much ice was poured in, and how pulverized the peanut became after the osterizing.

And so, at home, we make it a point to be ready to make a more premium version whenever we can. This means no banana scrimping, and then we use Peter Pan Crunchy peanut butter (instead of dry peanuts) and add a bit of Alaska evap as bonus.

But then, we just came from CDO and had these--

Iligan's pride Cheding's roasted peanut. Taste is close to cashew.

Smallest mani. Sweet.

And then from Trinoma, Talampunay bought this big, slender, beautiful banana. (smooth-to-the touch skin, aah)

It is organic eklat eklabush yes, but the taste is truly different from ordinary lacatan. Just right on the sweetness department and doesnt attack your tongue with big banana flavor.

So add the ingredients, plus a bit of Alaska (the one with the scary boy on the label, not the evaporada type). And then some ice....

Equals banana peanut heaven.

Just make sure to grind the pebbles of peanut (from Peter Pan crunchy) and ice sufficiently. Let the mixture (more like a colloid) shake for a while.

Creamiest smoothiest bestest banana drink. No sugar necessary. The truest, most elegant Banana Peanut shake that you can get on earth.

Hamming it up for the camera: more fun in the philippines

Another tantalization from Youtube

Earwax naman



Cringe!

2012 Cut Price Book Sale Loot

Fates Worse than Death by Vonnegut
During college and first year at work (the first year i began to afford more expensive books on my own), Salman Rushdie, Philip Roth, and Kurt Vonnegut were my triumvirate of favorite writers. In Vonnegut's case, it started when I was able to borrow a tattered copy (with some borrower's uncalled for doodles and comments!) of Cat's Cradle from UP Main Lib. Since then, Ive read Slaughterhouse, Hocus Pocus, Timequake, Breakfast of Champs, Slapstick, most of Welcome to the Monkey House (Reminds me of Tobias Wolff's declaration that it is very hard to find a perfect novel; there's greater chance of success in hunting for a perfect short story. Harrison Bergeron, in this collection, is a perfect short story). It's only now that Ive realized, outside the scattered articles and speeches that Ive browsed through (including that brilliant commencement speech wrongly attributed to him), that this is my first time to read a nonfiction by him. I'll be able to finish this for sure.

The Sense of an Ending
Ive tried Barnes once in a New Yorker collection of love stories. That one is not the best in the collection, but the story has the sense of masterly control (you know some things are intentionally pruned and left out for the reader to fill-in and be gratified in filling-in) and overall well-craftedness. Then Ive read accolades for this book last year. Immediately grabbed it when i saw the 70%-off sticker on the shrink-wrapped copy.

How I Became a Famous Novelist
On our way to work Im always listening to Freshair Podcast interviews. In one old episode, Hely, a writer for the Simpsons and Late Show with Davem was promoting this book. The plot seemed funny enough, and the writer was bursting enough in natural funniness during his interview, so after seeing it in the marked-down bin. I grabbed this one without hesitation.

Luka and the Fire of Life
Ah, Salman Rushdie. First read Satanic Verses (because of the controversy during the 90's, my copy then has to be shipped from London), then Moor's Last Sigh, and then Ground Beneath her Feet. All three are brilliant. I bought Shalimar and Enchantress of Florence, but these two just yellowed in my shelves because of other books that bumped them out. But I'll finish this shorter offering for sure. Rushdie knows how to write beautiful sentences. But the key is: you know they are not just there artificially to beautify but to support the emotions and rhythm on the page. Prose is like music when woven by Salman.

Too Big to Fail
I enjoyed Michael Lewis's Big Short and Liar's Game, and the discount on this one is big enough. I hope to finish some chapters at least. Or if I really get that chance to do my MBA, I should finish the whole thing.

Secrets of Power Negotiating
By the foremost pioneer of Negotiation studies. This is for work, and I reimbursed its cost.

Our Kind of Traitor
John leCarre is the best in the genre he revolves in bar none. Since Our Game, Ive read Tailor of Panama, Constant Gardener, Absolute Friends, Our Kind of Traitor. All are good, fast reading. But the last three, I dont like how the endings are rushed and seem brutalized. But I'll also finish this one for sure.

Discovering Ancient Egypt
A sort of toy pull-out book for Raya, which she discarded promptly

All are 70%-off, except the two business books which was at minus-50%. I like how National really have stocks of 70%-off books when they hold a sale, unlike SM where when they say "70% on selected items," it usually means "10 pcs of  keychains or 5 dirty underwears placed in one small bin inside a decrepit department store marked 70% off. The rest are 5-10% off."

Cemetery. More fun in the Philippines

Michael Phelps, more fun in the Philippines

I dont know which one is better, or which one is passable. 

Could have also called it Speedo... more fun in the Phillippines?

Best New Yorker article so far this year...

The best article/profile this year, at least among those that Ive read :-)

Fantastic discussion on the struggle to make the movie, the nitty gritty before the greenlight, and Larry and Lana Wachowski. See also how the author, Aleksandar Hemon, when referring to Larry/Lana changed from He to She somewhere in the middle. Masterful writing. I should read one short of Hemon.

Will also watch Cloud Atlas on first showing.

And attempt to finish the book before October.

More fun in the Philippines

About time we join this worthwhile campaign...

Favoritest favorite.

Woody Allen Works Hard

Woody Allen's win in the most recent Oscars was the highlight of that ceremony, if only to recognize his amazing, productive output year on year.  

And it's a good coincidence that during a travel to China, I got my hands on this WOODY ALLEN COLLEDVDCTION: 

The collection is only up to Scoop (2006). There are six Allen Konigsberg movies since, but i still did not hesitate to grab the box and get the chance to finally see Manhattan, Hannah and Her Sisters, Sweet and Lowdown, Husbands and Wives, and other top-rated Allen movies at IMDB, but whose DVD copies can not be easily found in the local market.

Bought this for the equivalent of 30 PhP each DVD. Cant over-explain the value. The cases can be neatly placed beside my books, inside my already sagging shelves.

The Top 9 of what Ive watched so far.

Not in the collection, but should be included in the best of: Whatever Works, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Midnight in Paris.

I have watched only about 30% of his opuses, so I should have more to add to this list for sure.

The complete list of what's include in this 'America Clerisy' Woody Allen collection.

By this time, Allen already have that trademark un-naturally twisting dialogue, comedy based on neurotic characters, simple moving plots, that not everyone will like. But no one can deny the smart feel of each one. I can not believe the output of this guy. How does he write? What's his motivation in still cranking out movies every year, without fail? When he wakes up in the morning, is he asking himself--is there any thing more left to prove?

Here's an interesting interview with one neurotic and one suicidal.

All that oil should have been recycled

There's not too many visuals that make cringe nowadays. 



This one breaks me.

It's the national bookstore cut price book sale (great with or without the dominoes)

Saw this 5 days ago, 

Again i remembered that commercial with falling dominoes in it (They should bring back that commercial. Just show the old footage, if there's a need to save on production costs.).

And then Gener brought down the billboard.

But then it's still on, just for two weeks.

Great decision by National to retain 'Cut-price' catchphrase, and then the logo. Yeah, just show that commercial with the scissors cutting a thread, and then the dominoes start falling, falling, falling, hypnotizing,...

Basic truth

May mga bagong gradweyt na gustong matuto at umunlad nang mabilis, mapromote at umakyat sa corporate ladder ika nga. May mga nagsasalita na ang sikret daw ay sipag at tiyaga, wag isusuko ang ideyalismo, maging totoo sa sarili.

Kapag nakakarinig ako nang ganire ay gusto kong magsulat nang ala Tulfo, pare. Yung parang. Mga gunggong kayo. Bibigwasan ko kayong lahat at iiwawasiwas nang wasiwas na wasiwas na wasiwaswas. Tanginangyan.

Dalwa lang lang ingredient sa promotion. Kailangan 1) tapusin mo ang mga dapat tapusin nang may konting dagdag tapos 2) youre in the right place at the right time. Alin ang mas mahalaga? Yung pangalawa. 

Ngayon, pwede mong padulasan at patulinin o i-bypass ang right place/ right time requirement, pano? Sumipsip, angkinin ang accomplishment ng iba, o makipagseks sa boss.

Yun lang yon.

Don't vote for Councilor Ramon Robles of Manila

We understand that wakes sometimes are the only chance for a real meet-again of old friends within the same city. And that wakes are naturally crowded, and politicians instinctively use the gathering to introduce themselves. We also know that they sponsor coffins, chairs, linoleum, tarps, coffee and other consumables for the wake. Some are even known to stock-up and be generous on biscuits. 

But this fucker vandalized my former teacher's Condolence and Sympathy Book!

The ink even seeped through the opposite page.

Fuck you, Ramon Robles! What ordinance have you passed? 

Bakhaw Beach, Camotes Island, Cebu

will blog later, if i ever got to clear backlog at work.

Avengers and Shawarma

They should recover all prints domestically and scotch tape this reel. 

They should also show whether the Shawarma is beef, chicken, salmon, with cheese, with fries, extra onions, etc.

Talampunay got promoted today.

She has come a long way since 2007, but she more than deserves it.

There is truly no substitute to hard work and that sense of responsibility.

A million congrats.

That's my secret; I'm always angry.

The movie is perfection demonstrated.

On the other hand, I would have liked it more if Mark Ruffalo (or was it Lou Ferrigno?) said... "I'm aaalllwayyysss anggrryyy... nnggraaaah" before hitting that gargantuan leviathan snake robot, but that's just my stupid personal nitpicky preference.

Also no need to nitpick the small things like:
--the absence of a backstory for hawkeye (i have no problem adding 15 minutes more to the movie to have this).
--that emotional moment when stark is taking the missile outer space, while pepper is calling, the movie could have squeezed more emotional juice out of the scene before rushing to end it for laughs.

We just need to highlight the real highs of the movie, like the brilliant management of time, exposure, and story.
--cap got to do his running and jumping over cars and commanding and giving orders
--thor hammerin
--even black widow had her day in the sun. brilliant acting on the scene where she thought hulk was about to flare out. Johannson fantabulously acting with just her eyeball to show fear... what do you call that?
--mark ruffalo as hulk deserves his own movie. i liked the cool-headed type when human, really angry and punching and breaking everything when he's hulk. Puny God!
--nick fury got to do his bureaucrat spy facet thing. samuel jackson is seriously embodying his role.
Brilliant turns, dialogues. The innovation of comics is fused in moving picture through the retorts and transition.
--humor in between seriousness. not everyone can balance this.
--pepper potts added to still have that leading lady thing in the movie.
--the ending of them parting ways seems like a gang who finished an operation. fantabulous.

Tremendous 'management' work I can imagine done by Producer Kevin Feige. He was able to execute everything from as far back as the first Iron Man movie in 2012. I can not imagine how hard the negotiation (in person, through phone, through agents) that was done to make this movie happen.

Brilliant, fulfilled the hype, masterful, true to form, honest to the material, what more can we say?

We have to watch it again in non-3D.

Groupon copy

Example of Groupon copy:

Egg hunting is innate to all human beings as before fetuses are even developed, humans in their sperm form race ceaselessly towards the ultimate source of all life. Celebrate birth and rebirth with today’s Groupon to Kiddie-Party.com.


I can also write like that:

Earwax are not really wax, but a big inconvenience. But on the other  hand it can also serve as high art. Try it:  dont clean your ears for two months. no qtips no ear cleaner,. you will see... when you removed your new earbuds from a day long enjoyment of Aerosmith, there will be abstract painting all over your rubber earbuds. It will resemble a cloud of yellowish glistening nirvana. Buy new earbuds as new immaculate new canvasses to your moldy art in groupon's...

Groupon copywriters must be doodling all morning, sleeping during lunch, then writing doodles again until 12mn.... well similar to what most office workers do today, essentially.