We had a movie marathon this weekend and it was so much fun. We started off Friday night with Kung Fu Panda. The next night, we went to see Prince Caspian. Finally, last Sunday, we just had to watch Urduja. So here’s my take on all three movies. Let’s start off with Kung Fu Panda.

Hubby and I initially wanted to treat our kids to Prince Caspian so we headed out to SM Sta. Rosa. Unfortunately, we also got a traffic ticket for going through a one-way street on our way there. To top that off, there was no Prince Caspian showing at SM. We tried driving a little further to Robinson’s and same thing. No Prince Caspian. So we toyed with the idea of going all the way to Alabang just to watch it but then we decided it was too far and too late to make the effort. We chose to watch at Robinson’s instead and settled for Kung Fu Panda. Hubby doesn’t like it when plans don’t work as expected but once we got into the movie house and the movie started, things changed. This really is a funny movie. I’ve never been a fan of Jack Black but after watching Kung Fu Panda, I must say that I’m now more open to watching more of his films in the future. I am a bit wary of martial arts movies because of all the incorporated mysticism but I must say this movie is full of practical wisdom bridging both East and West sensibilities. Not to mention it is quite hilarious. I think a lot of us can relate to Po’s character – the oversized displaced misfit wishing to get out of his monotonous job to finally live out his dream and be someone else besides himself. I know someone like that and I sometimes think about that too. But there really is “no secret ingredient” that unlocks all these powers that will turn you into that dream, eh? Bottomline, seriously funny must-see movie if you want to have a good time and a good laugh.

Next up, Prince Caspian. Finally, we got to see it at Festival Mall Alabang. Now I haven’t read the book yet, unlike the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe so I sat down on my chair not knowing what to expect. Frankly, it had me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I felt sad that this was going to be Queen Susan’s last appearance in the Chronicles although hubby and I knew that the little romantic thing between Prince Caspian and Susan was that added Hollywood touch. Overall it was quite engaging and we just had to watch the second run even though it was already quite late. The kids enjoyed it a lot so, thumbs up on this one as well.

Lastly, but certainly not the least, URDUJA. This time we trooped to SM Sta. Rosa again. We just had to watch this for the sake of our kids. Even though the dialogue was in Filipino and our kids were just guessing through it, I’d have to say that it was a well made film. Although the fight scenes were a bit tame in comparison ( after watching Kung Fu Panda and Prince Caspian) to the above, the imagery, the artwork, the music and even the script was quite good, even though it had an “Eat Bulaga” flavor to it, especially the jokes. I’m also guessing that some parts may not be historically consistent as well, (just like the romantic element between Urduja and Lam-ang?)but the bottomline –> the overall quality of the film reminded me of Disney’s “Atlantis” and “Tarzan” so it must be good. Quite a feat for a Pinoy first – kudos to all the people involved! And if just for the reason that it is made by Filipinos, I strongly recommend it to anyone. (The only thing I wasn’t quite happy about while watching it was seeing all the roaches crawling around us inside the movie theatre, ugh! I don’t remember even remember a digital signage or poster for the movie at SM.)  Other than that, we have our own hero(ine) to be proud of – sariling atin talaga kaya tangkilikin ang Pelikulang Pilipino!

So that’s my take. I give all of them 4 Got teys.T smacks!