Movie Review: Splice

I saw this movie today out of curiousity and now I know why I shouldn't continue with being curious all the time. Why? Because sometimes curiousity can be deadly. Just a reminder though, this movie should not be watched under any circumstances by pregnant women. It's too disturbing for comfort. It will just make you think about: What if my child turned out different...splice different that is? 

*****CAUTION: SPOILER ALERT!!!*****

In the 2009 film, Genetic Engineers Clive Nicoli (Adrien Brody) and Elsa Kast (Sarah Polley) wanted to achieve fame and fortune by successfully splicing together the DNA of different animals to create new hybrid animals for medical purposes. After being successful in creating a female of the said species, they decide to create a male version and introduced it to her. When both species first met, they started the imprinting and became a pair. The results of the experiment was extraordinary but the pharmaceutical company that funds their research, N.E.R.D. (Nucleic Exchange Research and Development), decided that the research needs to produce more things that are profitable or have a potential to be profitable which is why they have decided to shut down the lab and just rebuild it instead. Knowing that it would mean sacrificing everything that they have done, Clive and Elsa decide to try and create something entirely different by blending human DNA with that of animals. At first they disagree to continue with the project but eventually after killing the first one, Clive makes a new one and decides to hide the experiment from everyone. The experiment grows and Elsa has become bonded with it. She decides to call it Dren instead of just being called a specimen. After moving her to the basement and she starts growing again, they decide to move her to Elsa's late mother's farm. Uknown to them, the experiments that they created before and failed ended up killing each other in a company meeting all because the female of the hybrids that they created changed its gender from female to male. Things get nasty between Elsa and Dren when she starts exhibiting violent behavior and things take a different turn when she sees her having sex with Clive. After the lovers have a heated argument, they decided to just terminate Dren but on their way back, they saw her dying. Then, she became alive again, only this time it has turned into a male. It killed several people, hurt Clive and then rapes Elsa. As Dren is raping Elsa, Clive attempts to kill Dren, but is killed in the process. Elsa then kills Dren. In the latter part of the movie, Elsa is seen being handed out with a huge amount of money only to keep her silent about everything and then someone asked her to continue the project to the next phase. Elsa stands up and is revealed to be pregnant. She looked like she agreed but the only thing she said was "What's the worst that could happen?"


It was a movie with an interesting twist. I never expected it would end that way but I never expected them to keep Dren either. If I were in their shoes, I would have killed it before it even grew into its full size. In this movie, curiousity didn't get the best of them but rather the worst of them. In the end, it killed them just like the cat in the expression. There are many lessons that needed to be learned in the said movie and I shall get to some of that later. The cast and the crew made the vibe of this film both creepy, disturbing and yet emotional at the same time. The human side in me wanted to just kill Dren right there and then but the woman in me wanted to keep it safe. It was a risk they shouldn't have taken though. I have seen way too many movies that had this kind of theme going on and yet this one left me disturbed and thinking at the same time. There are so many what ifs that someone like me can think of after watching this kind of film. The creation of Dren was believable. It looked like a human somehow but with some animal parts. It moved real as well so I think the visual effects team really did their jobs well. The movie provides very good thrilling moments. The music was enough to make you feel on edge. Dren was effective as a scary expirment gone wrong. It looked innocent but was deadly at the same time. I never knew it would end up being what it was until the movie ended. What I like the most about the movie is it's unpredictability. The twist was just mind blowing. Would I see this movie again in the future? Perhaps not. I don't want to feel this disturbed and be brooding again. Can I recommend it to people that I know who would love a little scare? Sure but I'd warn them before letting them watch the flick. I would tell them to clear their minds first and just let the movie go along without judging or thinking of anything just yet. I did that and so I ended up being messed up after watching the said flick. 


This movie reminded me of the old Species flicks except this is an original attempt to make an inspiring thriller, sci-fi and drama film that could probably spawn a second part. To be honest, Dren didn't look like it was safe to keep from the beginning. It's just too bad that sometimes scientists have to push boundaries and even try to create something that can be potentially harmful to everyone even to themselves. Science is Science. Sure, Scientists might not be able to come  up with new inventions if not for the risks that they take but this is a totally different thing. Right now, human cloning is still prohibited but that doesn't mean nobody has done it and nobody's going to dare and risk it. Scientists are mere mortals. We are men who are just simple creations of God. This movie triggered the ethical, moral and religious side in me. Sure, they might not have cloned a human being but they have instead altered it's DNA by splicing its genes and combining it with animal DNA. What could be so wrong with that? Well...EVERYTHING! The fact that you have created a new life unnaturally is already a sin in itself. Expirements are created in labs which is why they are abominations in my eyes. I'm sure people will tell me, what about test tube babies? or invitro fertilization? Are they abominations too? Honestly, I do not know but all I know is that when something is created by human hands it tends to become a double edged sword. Why? Because it humans are erratic and no matter how hard we try to be good, we can't. Somehow in a part of our lives, we were bad. We probably just didn't know it or just didn't want to remember it. We aren't made to create things that would rival those of the creators. We do not have the power to do so even if we always believed that we have. We must learn our place in this world and we must never tap into things that we shouldn't have tapped in the first place. There is always a reason as to why we do not know about such things. We should learn to do the right thing. Oh, well, I guess we humans just never learn...

She is no angel. She is a blood thirsty monster just waiting to have sex with you then devour your flesh. Yes, Dren is going to be in my nightmares for a little while. *shakes my head* 

Movie Review: Monster-In-Law

I saw this movie again today. It is a tale of a soon-to-be bride named Charlie (Jennifer Lopez) and her cynical mother-in-law-to be named Viola (Jane Fonda) who both want to share the time and love that Kevin (Michael Vartan) has to give. Things start going crazy between the two of them after Kevin leaves for a medical conference, leaving them together in one house to bond. Unfortunately, her mother-in-law has a different agenda on her sleeves and in the end when the bride-to-be finds out about it, she decides to fight back. So the war begins. Who will win the battle? The mother? Or the Bride?

*****CAUTION: SPOILER ALERT!!!*****

All Charlotte ever wanted was to find the right guy who would turn her life upside down so when she met a surgeon named Kevin, she thought all her dreams would come true after that but little did she know that Kevin was hiding a deep dark secret from her. Kevin's mother is Viola and she got fired from her show because she attacked an annoying, vapid teen pop star who she interviewed in the show. She was then dismissed to see therapists after that. Unknown to Viola, Kevin and Charlie had moved in together and are now taking their relationship to the next level. When Kevin brings her to meet his mother and proposes to her in front of Viola, she snaps. She tries to hide her irritation and devises plans to expose Charlie of her dark past. Charlie didn't know that her mother in law to be was a vicious woman and it was almost too later before she found out. In the end, Viola tried everything she could think of to drive Charlie insane but only at some point, Charlie fought back. On her wedding day, Viola still tries to pull a stunt by not wearing her Peach Matron of Honor gown which makes Charlie snap. They become brutal by hurting each other physically. It only stopped when Kevin's grandmother walked into the room to bash Viola with her mean words and to admire Charlie's beauty. It was then that Charlie realized that if their fighting and arguing do not stop now, in 30 years time, they might up being in the same situation as Kevin's mother and his grandmother. Charlie wanted to call off the wedding immediately after that. Fortunately, Viola came to her senses in time and made peace with Charlie. They had an agreement and went through the wedding as planned. Charlotte and Kevin lived happily ever after.


The movie wasn't exactly phenomenal although it was entertaining to watch especially when you are a married woman who is having trouble getting along with your mother in law. Sometimes I wish the movies and real life can be the same. Why? Because disagreements and fights get settled in movies before the movie ends but in the real life, you have to do everything to make sure things get straightened up before making peace fully to the person that you had a disagreement with. In fairness to the cast, I must say that everybody did a fantastic job. I loved Wanda Sykes in this film because again, her antics and her dialogue, never failed to bring a smile to my face. For a comeback movie, Jane Fonda really gave this one a convincing turn. I really thought she was a psychotic mother in law that nobody wants to mess up with. Her laugh resembles Glenn Close's laugh as Cruella De Ville from the 101 Dalmatians movie though but nonetheless, she still looked menacing. I sure don't want her to be my mother in law. Once again, J-Lo did her role effortlessly. I love her character as Charlie because she is always so positive despite everything and she fought for her love till the very end. Although Michael Vartan didn't really do much in the movie, he still was good eye candy. Now who wouldn't want to be his bride?


Overall, the movie was entertaining enough for me and it did have real life lessons that we could learn and apply to our daily lives. Let's face it. In Laws are hard to deal with. Most of all, mother in laws. Isn't that always a horror story that married couples say to their friends? What I don't get is why they have to be so mean and terrible. Perhaps their in laws in the past did the same thing, that is why they wish to get even but still I am not generalizing all in laws out there. Some can be rather nice and understanding. Anyway, if you have a monster in law, learn from this movie and try to deal with it for only you can do something about it. No one can deal with your in laws but you. If there is one thing I learned in this movie, despite everything bad that may happen between you and your in laws, you should always learn to forgive and forget. Always bear in mind too that starting over isn't so bad so why not consider it. So, good luck to all married couples out there and best of all, good luck with their in laws!

Movies That Made Me Cry

I am a big movie fan and I like watching movies every now and then to relieve my stress but sometimes not all of the movies that I get to watch are movies that can make me laugh. Some movies made me cry as well. SO I decided to make a list of some of the movies that made me grab on to some tissue or a handkerchief to weep on them or to use them for blowing my nose. So here goes...

(NOTE: Now again, this list is in NO PARTICULAR ORDER whatsoever and if you have not watched any of the movies in this list, you might want not to read my desciptions for them so as not to spoil your viewing pleasure. Yes, I mean it...CAUTION: SPOILER ALERT!!!)

1. Marley and Me

Sure it was just a movie about a man along with his family and their relationship with their dog through the years. They branded their dog, by the way, the worst dog in the world. If you have seen the movie then you will know why. I guess I just really have a soft spot for animals aside from the fact that I had a dog that somehow looked like Marley and I had learned on that day that I watched the movie that she has died under my relatives care. Boo-Hoo!

2. Eight Below

Now, who wouldn't cry when you find out how these dogs struggled in the freezing temperatures of that land without any humans taking care of them? Remember, they are not wild dogs but rather domesticated ones so it was fascinating to see that some of them survived the ordeal that they went though. I feel sad for those that died though. My heart warmed up too when they showed how much compassion the humans had to go back to rescue the dogs and at the same time, the way the dogs survived as a family and interacted like they were actually human beings that nurtured and loved one another.

3. UP

Basically, I cried watching this movie because of Mr. Fredrickson and Ellie's story. I cried that they met each other when they were young, became lovers and ended up getting married with each other. They ended up making their own house, doing everything together and saving money for their dream vacation. I was heartbroken when they found out that they couldn't have any kids but was happy to realize that through it all his husband still loved him. I cried when I saw that his life changed a lot after she died. I don't get to see that kind of love anymore nowadays and old couples are really rare to find these days. I just wish I can also live to be that old and yet still so in love.

4. P.S. I Love You

Gerard Butler is a man who swooned us in 300 and then now here he is again, showing us his soft side. He play Gerry in this film who is Holly's husband. Their love story was sweet and yet it ended sadly. The movie made me cry immediately. I cried when I found out Gerry was dead. I even asked my TV screen that day "WHY"? Not like it was going to answer or anything, I just felt the need to do it. I cried even more when Holly found out all the things that Gerry did for him despite the fact that he was gone. I mean, how romantic is that? Sure it can be a biy creepy that your dead husband still has things in store for you even when he isn't around anymore to see you react to all of them but you can't deny the fact for a hopeless romantic like me, that's something special. 

5. Cocoon

I saw this movie when I was still very young and I cried because it showed some old people reliving their youth and gaining their strength back all because of some strange alien life form energy being placed into a pool of water. When the old people bathed there, they were rejuvinated. But it wasn't at all like Neverland. I felt bad that in the end, the wife of one of the characters had to die all because he had accidentally revealed to everyone about the healing powers of the water and that after that stealing all the healing powers away but the happy part of the film was it's ending. Sure, Bernie lost his way and the rest of the alien cocoons were not saved but at least the rest of the old people were carried away by the rest of the aliens to their homeworld with a promise that they will never grow ill, never age and never die. Now, who doesn't want that?

6. My Girl

We all know Macaulay Culkin from the Home Alone movies. He was a cute blonde kid who always gets left behind by his family somewhere but in the movie, My Girl, he was a totally different kid. He falls in love with this girl named Vada and she ends up going through trials in her life. He dies however from an allergic reaction to bee stings while trying to look for her mood ring in the woods. Tragic Young Love. *sighs* I cried when he died.

7. Green Mile

I felt bad for Coffey for being accused of something he did not do. Tom Hanks did a good portrayal of the warden too. Mostly, I cried because of Coffey. He was a big man with a big heart and yet everybody thought he was a bad guy and wanted him dead. That is just so wrong in so many levels.

8. If Only

I cried  because again death is what kept them apart. He sees her die even before he could reconcile with her and then the next day, the same thing happens again but this time, he tries to save her only to die instead of her in the process. How bittersweet! Tragic love stories are always tear jerkers. Need I say more?

9. Passion Of The Christ

I may not a very religious person but whenever I watch a movie that depicts the sufferings of the Lord, I still feel his pain. I cried in the film every time he was being hit by the Roman soldiers and cried every time he would fall on the ground. I cried when he was in pain and most of all, I cried because he made me remember what he sacrificed for all of us. He died for our sins and he should  be remembered forever.

10. The Land Before Time

I don't know anybody who wouldn't cry if you saw someone who just lost his mother. I cried when I found out Little Foot was already an orphan an his mother died while trying to protect him and save from a shark tooth. That's motherly love for you. Yes, how sissy of me. Good thing I'm a girl so I have an excuse for being one. LOL!

11. King Kong

The latest King Kong movie broke my heart and after me watching it in the cinemas for the first time, I swore never to see the movie again ever. Why? Because it just showed how cruel humans are and how we entertained ourselves when we realized that showing a big hairy ape in front of a live audience was considered entertainment. I mean, come on, people! Yet we call ourselves the highest form of all animals. 

12. Click

I think many people want to have that kind of remote control in their lives but I don't think I want it. I guess Adam Sandler had to learn the hard way when he was offered the chance of a lifetime to have a universal remote control in his hands that can change his life forever. He took advantage of the remote and even abused it until in the end, he didn't know what to do with his life anymore because everything was going so fast, too soon. The only part that I cried in was the part when he had to run after his son, Ben and he was already very old and ill. He ran after him outside in the blistering cold rain and he tried to run after the car that his son was in. I cried when he died in the rain that night.

13. Titanic

I don't remember how many times I watched this film. Apparently, I have lost track already. Yes, I admit, now, I think it is an overrated film but I still will not overlook the fact that I thought it was an awesome film when I was younger. I was so happy for Jack and Rose to have met each other on such a majestic ship and then when I realized one of them was about to die while saving the other, I cried. Yes, Leonardo Di Caprio died in this movie and Kate Winslet lived but now that I think about it, the movie wouldn't have been so memorable if they both had lived. Otherwise, the King Louis diamond would have made them rich and they would have lived happily ever after and perhaps the story of Rose would never have reached the crew of researchers searching for the Titanic. 

14. Princess Mononoke

Another animation that made me sob. Well, I sobbed to find out that again, man is the cause of the death of mother nature (namely, the firest guardians and god). Too bad, we were all too stubborn to even think that we are the only thing that matters in this world. 

15. Million Dollar Baby

I was  happy at the victories of the lead protagonist played by Hillary Swank. I was also glad that her trainer, 

Clint Eastwood, did what he had to do for her. Boxing isn't a game for the ladies, that I can attest to. Too bad she had to win matches to get money for her family who in the end doesn't really care for her but only cares about the money that she earns. She eventually had a championship match and she had to go against one of the dirtiest fighters in the game. I felt bad that she had to suffer such a fate. She ended up losing only because her opponent cheated. She ended up being hospitalized after that. Yes, tears fell from my eyes because I pitied her. She wanted only the best for the people she loved and yet in the end when she needed them, where were they? She was all alone and the only person who stayed with her through it all was her trainer who treated her like his own child. Now, who wouldn't cry after that?

This is just the first part of this list. Who knows if I will make another one besides these movies may not have made you guys cry to begin with. I guess when it comes to list, our choices vary. Until next time, everyone!

Is Your Partner Lying To You? What If He/She Is Actually A Spy For The Government? - A My Girlfriend Is An Agent Review

Move over, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, there are new agents in town! *Bang! Bang!*

Soo Ji (played by Kim Ha Neul) is a travel agent but unknown to everyone, she is actually a spy who has been working for the government for 6 years now. Since lying is a part of her job, she had to continue lying to her boyfriend named Jae Joon (played by Kang Ji Hwan). After constantly lying to him, he decides to leave her without notice. After 3 years they accidentally meet again. Only this time, Soo Ji was pretending to be a cleaning lady while Jae Joon introduces himself as an accountant but little did she know that he entered the NIS (National Intelligence Service) as an agent in its overseas branch. They constantly run into each other in their missions without knowing that they are both field agents but even after such a long time of breaking up with each other, their feelings for each other are still strong and intact making their attraction undeniable but what will happen next to these brave yuong lovers? Will they choose to save their country or will they choose to fight for love? Lying is part of the job, secrecy is the name of the game in "My Girlfriend is an Agent".

*****WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!!!*****

It was my second time to watch this movie and yet, it still entertained me. I have watched Kim Ha Neul several times in other movies and other tv dramas before and I think she can act while Kang Ji Hwan is also a hell of a funny guy. The rest of the cast made the movie an effective one too. I love how the director combined the elements of it being an action spy movie with a little romance and comedy on the side. It was easy to watch and very enjoyable as well. The story wasn't too complicated to follow through and the characters were all very colorful. Over all, I believe the movie is a great success. Soo Ji was a believable agent while Jae Joon was a real mess. They had good chemistry though which made the partnership work. Sure, it was strange to imagine that a Russian villain that had a sword for a weapon would be defeated by just two Korean agents who merely had tiny, thin flagpoles. It's unbelievable how Jae Joon saved the day but at the same time, it was also a feat that Soo Ji managed to kick such a big woman off of that height. I guess things like that should be believable in the movies but in real life, I don't think that can happen. 

Now, Mr. and Mrs. Smith VS. My Girlfriend Is An Agent...

I do not think it was a rip off of the Hollywood film. I think it was more of on a different level to begin one. I don't remember Brad Pitt being as funny as Kang Ji Hwan in this film. Sure, Angelina Jolie looked hot as a spy in their film but Kim Ha Neul wasn't so  bad either. I  just think that the Hollywood film was far more serious and technical when it came to the spy world and the government operations itself. In the Korean film, there was a part where the two of them were suspected to be working for the Russian KGB but in the end, the matter was settled in a different approach not like in the Hollywood movie where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had to look cool in their white suits and shades and just go on about back to back while killing people who tried to get to them. I don't have the Hollywood film though as I think both films rocked for me. 


Lastly, We all know that lying is a crime when it comes to relationships but then again, we are talking about secret agents here people. I am sure the word secret wouldn't be in the name of their job if it wasn't so important. I guess in their field of expertise, deception is the name of the game which is why they are required to lie and to continue to do everything in secrecy. To all of us who are not a part of the secret service, we think it's so cool for these people to have codenames, cool gadgets, go to different countries on dangerous missions and yes even hunt down bad guys with their cool moves. I bet it isn't all that easy. They just make everything look good on screen but in real life, they are risking their lives for the safety of everyone even ours. So without a doubt, I respect these people who work hard to make the world a better place. They are be the real superheroes of our time. Honestly, if I found out that this was the reason why my partner lied to me in the first place then so be it. Duty calls and I know that it is more important that his duty to me. Just saying, the harsh reality in that but that doesn't mean my partner should get any ideas. Otherwise, I'll be like "secret service my ass!", punish him and then laugh it off. As a conclusion, I believe that the safety of the world we live in is serious business so its definitely not something to be joked about.

Some photos from the movie and some movie posters as well...

 How can you not compare this movie to the Hollywood blockbuster, Mr. and Mrs. Smith? 

 Lying is bad. No matter how good you get at it.

Now that I think about it, I think it is true cause when people lie they can't stay still and they can't stop themselves from being nervous maybe that's why they say: LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE!

Movie Review: Dinner For Schmucks

I randomly picked out a movie to watch today and it was called “Dinner For Schmucks”. Now, before I give out my review, let me tell you a little bit about the movie first. The movie stars Steve Carrell (Evan Almighty, 40 Year Old Virgin) and Paul Rudd (40 Year Old Virgin, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy). The movie actually focuses on Tim Conrad (Paul Rudd), his career and his personal life. He works as a mid-level financial executive and he really wants to get a promotion. He has a girlfriend, who he loves very much and has decided that he wants her to be his wife. He is a dreamer but he seems to be in control with his life. All that changed when he met Barry Speck (Steve Carrell). Tim runs over Barry on his way to work and Tim decides that he has finally found the perfect candidate for his boss’ idea of a dinner for champions but it actually is a dinner for schmucks despite the fact that his girlfriend, Julie thought that the idea was rather cruel and totally barbaric. They develop an odd friendship from there and both their lives immediately changed forever.

*****CAUTION: SPOILER ALERT!!!*****

First of all, I would like to say that I like Steve Carrell as a comedian. He is hilarious to me even if he doesn't even say a word. His face is enough to make me chuckle however in this film, let's just say it's not one of my favorites. He acted like a dweeb in this movie and ended up being too conthrived in a sense. He didn't act naturally therefore he became over-acting. Paul Rudd isn't a bad actor as well. In this film, I really felt that he was annoyed with Barry for turning his life upside down. He knew what he wanted in life and he knew how he would get it. He had planned everything to work out fine but the only thing he hadn't expected was the day he met Barry. Barry had a weird way of expressing himself. He had a sad existence and the only thing that made him happy is by making mice-filled dioramas. Tim thought he'd be perfect for the dinner that his bosses have planned out but he never knew what the real dinner was for. They have told him that the dinner was in fact for champions but in the end, he realized it was for schmucks. It is a dinner where all the invited guests would have to bring someone who is different to show off during the dinner. Eventually whoever impresses everyone becomes the schmuck who will win a prize. Tim felt bad for Barry at the end of the dinner but at the same time he was miserable when even his life turning into ruins after they met. 


The movie was actually in fact based on Veber's 1998 French movie, "Le Dîner de Cons" ("The Dinner Game"), in which a bumbling man's actions force another character to become more human. I believe that despite the fact that Tim and Barry went into a lot of trouble in this film, everything didn't go to waste. To be honest, it was painful to watch for me at some point because I don't want Steve Carrell to be over-acting just like Jim Carrey. I really thought of giving up on the film when I decided to just see what happens next. I was pleased in the fact that ending was better than I expected. I love watching comedy movies but like what all people say, making a comedy movie is terrifying. Why? Because if you won't be able to make people laugh with your movie then that's the end of it. Nobody will watch it or even recommend the movie to anyone. I can't say that this movie was very funny but all I can say is that at least it still had it's moments. I can say though it was also very heartwarming. I believe I have a love-hate thing going on for Barry. I love him because despite everything that had happened to him, he still managed to become optimistic. I hate him because he was too weird for comfort in this film. In the end, everybody got what they wanted. Tim got his girlfriend, Julie back and he became successful in his chosen career while Barry got a new girlfriend. What more can anybody ask for?


Now is there a moral to their story? Perhaps. If you think about it deeply then there is more than one but the best lesson that we can get from this movie is the fact that not everybody is the same. Some people choose to be different because it is what and who they are. They can never be complete without being what they are and doing what they should do despite the fact that they are not normal and people start to look down upon them. I am a weird person myself and although, I am not as weird as the schmucks in this movie, I still believe that no matter how different you are, you are special and you should not let anybody tell you, you aren't. People might laugh at you or even persecute you, some might even bully you or constantly make fun of you all because they feel that it is self gratifying but who cares? Have you ever thought of the fact that being normal is overrated and that maybe you are getting picked on a lot because you are special? All I can say is stand tall and be proud of who and what you are. 

 The poster for the movie...

 A photo of the actual dinner for schmucks where the regular folks get to sit on the left side of the table and the odd people get to sit on the right side while the host of the dinner or party gets to sit in one end of the table.

Here's a photo of Barry along with his mice dioramas. All of them tell a different story in his life and most of the time when he meets new people, he creates mice that look exactly like them in a way and then adds them to his collection of dioramas. He eventually won the trophy for being the champion schmuck in the room but it's a good thing, Tim stood up for him and so did the other oddballs who went there with Tim's co-workers.

The Difference Of Teenage Pregnancies In Real Life & In The Movies - A Jenny, Juno Review

How would you feel if one day you found out that your teenage daughter is pregnant or your teenage son will already become a father to an unborn child? I am sure you'd have mixed feelings about it but initially, your reactions would be shocked, confused and angry. Yes, teenage pregnancy is an issue and because of our changing times, it is becoming more an epidemic these days. The number of teenage parents are growing fast and it is becoming really alarming but before I talk about that, I just want to review another Korean movie I watched today that tackles with the said topic. 


The movie is called Jenny, Juno. Sure it does sound like it's Western movie counterpart called Juno and it does deal with the same thing but I do not want to compare both movies now. Anyway, The film centers on the title characters of Jenny and Juno , two fifteen year old middle school students whose one night of romance has dramatic consequences for both their lives. After careful deliberation, the two expectant parents decide to keep the baby. However, they also decide to keep the pregnancy a secret from everyone, even their families. But just how long will Jenny and Juno be able to hide the truth from their parents? Let's face it, teenage pregnancy is not easy. For a 15 year old to have it in an Asian faily is even more difficult. Now, why do I say that? Because I come from a conventional Asian family and when something like this happens to their children, it is considered as a disgrace. Which is why I understand why they tried so hard to keep it from their parents.


*****WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!*****


The movie did not tackle the issue too seriously as the said issue is a delicate one. Let's face it, being with a child is a blessing and we have no right to castrate anyone from having them. Although as parents, we do have a say on what our children do. I personally have mixed feelings about the issue but I'd rather keep that to myself for now and just talk about the movie first. Jenny and Juno were young and in love and just like every other teenage couple, they believed that they would be together forever and live happily ever after but soon after they find out that their lives are about to change, Juno decides to avoid Jenny for awhile but in the end, they still decide to keep the child. I can't say that the teenagers in the movie were naive and innocent for they were already having sex education classes in school to begin with. Most people believe that when you educate the young of these things, then that would help them avoid themselves from being young parents however some students take their sex education class differently. Sure, they learn from it but they don't learn to avoid being parents, others learn because they want to be. Who knows what goes on in a teenage mind?


Naturally, nothing stays hidden forever so in the end when both their families find out about Jenny's pregnancy, they try to separate the young lovers and even had thoughts of letting her go through an abortion but Jenny and Juno were decided to take on their responsibilities as the mother and father of the child and have decided that no matter what, they will raise the child and still continue with their lives. Their parents were outraged at first knowing that they have already made other plans but when Juno proves his love for her and she ends up having the baby afterwards, in the end, everything changed. The baby was a miracle and was a blessing as well for in the end, both families became reunited. Both their parents supported them and their dreams an at the same time were proud and happy to have a grandson of their own. I just wish real life teenage pregnancies were like that. Too bad it was all too polished for the screen. 


When a teenage girl becomes pregnant, she starts losing her friends. People start to gossip about her and people start alienating her. She becomes an outcast in her once vibrant world. She become depressed and becomes alone. Unfortunately, sometimes even their parents do the same nasty things to them. Leaving them even more empty and confused. Meanwhile, a teenage boy who becomes a father to be, may be as affected as a teenage mom to be is. He can still hang around with his friends, do everything he wants and just go on with his life. Clearly, the biggest burden comes to the ladies. I have known some immediate family members who have dealt with their own teenage pregnancy drama. I personally know what they have gone through. Sure, at some point, I did think of them as stupid because they weren't careful but at the same time, I realized that they are a part of my family too and as much as I want to avoid them, I know I can't and that I shouldn't for I might be one of the only people who will support them through it all. They were lucky to have had a supportive mother as well. Otherwise, I am sure they would not have been able to deal with the pressure back then.


We can think of many ways of how to stop teenage pregnancy and teen parenthood but at the end of the day, it still all depend on the teenagers themselves to make sure that they do make right choices in their lives. We can never dictate anything to them but we can always tell them that there will always be consequences to their actions so they should always think before they act. I did not go through teen pregnancy when I was younger all because I made the choice not to. I am over 25 now and married and now I think is the right time to have a baby. We may not all make the right choices in our lives but we can always choose to make them right. Something wrong can never be corrected by another wrong. So if you know someone who is undergoing these kinds of changes, don't be a stranger to them instead be a friend. If there is one time that they need someone, that time is now. We can all help in every single way we can. Always remember too that the world doesn't end there. There is always life after a teenage pregnancy. All you have to do is make the right choices after that and deal with it. It won't be an easy one living with all the changes but at least, you can always make your life better in your own little way. Teenage pregnancy is not a punishment but a new beginning to your life and your newborn child as well. Be more responsible.

 The actual movie posters of the said Korean movie...

These days, teens are more open to things that they shouldn't know about just yet. Sure, there is sex education to blame for it but overall, I blame the media as well for encouraging the teens to watch things that are rather inappropriate which makes them open to such ideas. I wasn't a perfect teen growing up. I had my own issues that I had to battle but none of them included this.

In the end, all you can is what's done is done. So better learn from your experiences. I do not want to call a pregnancy a mistake or an accident for I do not believe in that. Maybe I can call it unplanned. Just saying that having a baby is a big responsibility in itself. If you cannot even take care of your own self, how would you be capable enough to take care of another life? So think before you do anything you might regret in the end or something that will change your life forever and will make you grow up faster than you want it to be.

Will We Only Learn To Appreciate Someone When They're Gone? - A Heo-Ming Movie Review

We are taught never to take anything or anyone for granted. We are taught that it is better to appreciate than to regret our actions later on. What we weren't taught were the things that could happen if we actually never paid enough attention to someone or something. What if one day, the person that you love the most and is always there for you, suddenly disappears? How would you react? Then you suddenly feel guilt rising in you when you realize that you haven't been appreciating him or her in your life lately. That's when regret makes us feel that there is no one else to blame for his/her loss but you.


In the Korean movie, Heo-ming/Humming or A Lover's Concerto in English, Jun-seo (Lee Chun Hee) is tired of the relationship he is in with Mi-yeon (Han Ji Hye). But one day she gets involved in an accident while trying to reach him days before their 200th day of being together and falls into a coma. Then, unbelievably Mi-yeon visits him the next day just like any other ordinary day. He still neglects her that day but it was only when her aunt calls him and tells him of her accident did he realize that she might be gone in his life soon. He starts searching for other traces of Mi-yeon and realizes how much he loved her. Will he discover the love he has never realized, which has always existed close by him?


The story was typical to be honest however it was still heart wrenching. I don't think I can ever get over something like it if it actually happened to me. I'm sure we all  have regrets in this life time and hopefully not in the next. We have all experience neglecting and taking important things for granted. They say we should not waste another day and instead just spend it with the ones whe love, telling them how much they mean to us for we can never know when our lives will end. It can end today or tomorrow. That we shall never know. But at least if we have spent time to thank those around us and make sure that they know how much they mean to us then our deaths shall not be in vain. 

*****WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!!!*****

The movie was able to show what it was like for Jun-Seo to be with her one moment and be without her in the next. I believed that he did love her. He just felt suffocated by her undying devotion to him or perhaps he needs some space and now that he finally got what he wanted, he regretted that he asked for it. I wanted to tell him, be careful what you wish for if I were actually his friend in the movie. The movie was purely a drama, love story. There was nothing funny about it. Even the dialogue and the memories were depressing. I really felt bad for Mi-Yeon. Over all, I felt bad for their relationship knowing that Ju-Seon can no longer take everything back and start anew and Mi-Yeon can no longer be with him as she has already passed. 


The concept of Mi-Yeon being a spirit and still being able to communicate with Ju-Seon was something that really made me feel devastated. They say that only a love so strong can be able to connect a living person to the one who loves who is currently in the spirit world. I could have wished that they stayed together just because I believe in second chances however I also think that if the ending of the movie wasn't tragic, then it wouldn't be as memorable as it is now. Relationships are messy and not all of them are perfect. Some don't give importance to what they have until it's finally gone. Only a few people are fortunate to still change and do something about their past sins. 


I guess the only lesson that I got towards the end of the movie is that reality can be scary and we do not hold our lives in our hands. We may be living and breathing now but what happens next is still a mystery to us. If we are to seize each day and live every moment wisely, we should learn to appreciate more. Neglect and Regret are both very remorseful words. I do not wish to hear them, do them or even feel them. I may not be a perfect person existing in this world but I know that I should learn to love more and hate less. I should appreciate more and complain less. Life is short. We should all live each day like it's our last. To bad that Ju-Seon did not appreciate what he had until it was too late.

 It's movie poster. 

 She should have appreciated him when she had the chance...

 Our HAPPINESS depend on ourselves and not on others. If we are unhappy, we should not blame it on others for the key to our happiness lies within us.

 I guess this is applicable to some people but I don't want to leg go of something unless I know for sure that it's the last resort. 

 Thank God that there are still some people who know the value of appreciating everything. Being grateful and contented are both ways of leading a happier life.