I Retitle this Film as 'Emma'

While TV surfing, I chanced upon a movie called Peacock. It was close to its ending but I continued watching anyway. I was drawn to the lead actress. She looked familiar but I can't quite place her. It turned out it was Cillian Murphy in drag! I scrambled to watch it online and here's my review of the film.

John Skillpa (Murphy) grew up with a controlling and abusive mother, who died one year ago, in Peacock, Nebraska. He is a bank clerk and suffers from multiple-personality disorder. Every morning, his secret alter-ego, Emma, cooks, cleans, and does household chores for him. One day a freight train caboose derailed into his backyard, while he is out as Emma. When the neighbors came to help (and of course nosy around) they thought she is John's wife. Forced to live in public as John and Emma, a personality power struggle ensues. Added to the mix of townspeople are Fanny (Susan Sarandon), Maggie (Ellen Page), Tom (Josh Lucas), and Edmund (Bill Pullman). The film ends revealing who triumphed (?) over the two.

This indie thriller boasts of an excellent list of talented actors. They did not disappoint. True, some scenes are just plain unbelievable (Emma's bobbing adam's apple and still no one suspects she is a he)  and the whole movie is some sort of homage to Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, Psycho. The theme, the subtle creepiness, the motel vacancy sign, even the title (which should have been 'Emma') reminds the audience of Hitchcock. But I think Murphy's acting comes close to Anthony Perkins'. Okay, maybe not that close but he definitely showed his thespic range here. I also believe that a good psycho-thriller makes the viewers analyze characters, plots, and endings. Peacock did just that. Although some may argue that the ending is not as exciting as they'd want it to be, I think it's just perfect for this particular film. Not all movies should be action-packed and extravagant, some could just be a quiet, understated, and thought provoking experience. I give Peacock a rating of 4/5.


-Faye

Snack Attack

My sister and I are HUGE fans of food... Talk about stating the obvious. :)) We've blogged a lot of meals in the past but this time, I'd like to tackle those delightful little things called snacks. Here's what we're raving about recently:

1. Tub of Happiness
     Chef Tony's Gourmet Popcorn brought sophistication to this favorite movie munch. It comes in different flavors from simple to nutty, classic to new recipes. They guarantee high quality since there's no trans fat, preservatives, and the likes in their popcorn. Also, their special plastic tubs keep the product fresh and crisp for days! Although we doubt you could resist it for long. Plus, it's nice to know that Chef Tony's originated in the country. Our faves so far are White Chocolate Parmesan and Caramel.
*Price: ₱180.00 for the large tub

2. Mogu Madness

     We just can't get enough of Mogu Mogu (Reminds me of Moto Moto's line in Madagascar, "The name so nice when you say it twice")! It's this fruit drink from Thailand that has real nata de coco or coconut jelly. We've tried 6 out of their 9 flavors (We can't seem to find their Apple, Pineapple, and Peach). On top of my list are Lychee and Strawberry while Ate Faye's are Orange and Buko. The only downside is it comes in a 320mL bottle. It's cute to look at but we wish they have 500mL versions. We've heard they have 180mL and 1L in other countries, though.
*Price: ₱30.00

3. The Other Julie

     We came across a free taste stand while grocery shopping and discovered Julie's Cheese Sandwich. Initially, we thought Julie's Bakeshop had gone big and tapped the groceries. Turns out it's a Malaysian company specializing in biscuits. Hihi. Anyway, we loved it! The biscuit tastes a lot like Fita crackers but its saltiness marries well with the sweetened cream cheese spread in the middle. My mother insisted we buy some. 22 wrappers with 4 sandwiches in each is worth ₱250.00. Plus it comes in a sturdy purple 2 decked-tupperware.

Now, did I make you hungry or what?

-Martha