Pagpag, Siyam na Buhay (2013)

Pagpag, Siyam na Buhay

[DISCLAIMER: I am a scaredy-cat, and I rarely watch horror movies. With this said, let it be known that most of what I'll say is based on very thin experience of watching horror flicks. Heehee.]

Pagpag, Siyam na Buhay is one the entries for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival. It's the only horror entry, and I'm quite glad that they offered us something that can terrify the lights out of our lives.

Leni (Kathryn Bernardo) runs a mortuary with her uncle (Janus del Prado). One day, they're tasked to organize the funeral for Roman (Paulo Avelino), who has a shady past involving satanism and death. During the funeral, Leni comes across Cedric (Daniel Padilla) and his friends who had an accident near the house of Roman and his wife. One by one, Leni and the rest fail to follow superstitions and take a step closer to their own graves.

The movie revolves a well-known superstition or pamahiin. Pagpag is the term used to mean going someplace else before heading home after visiting a funeral. It's said that the soul of the departed can follow you home if you won't do the said pamahiin. But it's not the only pamahiin tackled in the movie. With so many superstitions there is, there's enough for each character to break one and to be cursed.

I'm not sure if it's because I'm so easily scared, but I spent more than half of the movie hiding behind my hands. The scare tactics used in the movie are top-notch. It definitely doesn't look cheap anyway. They employ old school methods to derive tension and suspense throughout the movie. There certainly isn't anything new here. But I guess the thought of working and living above a funeral parlor can always give the much needed goosebumps.

Clarence Delgado as Mac-Mac the cutest

It's curious how the entire movie is incredibly well-lit, with some amazing cinematography in between scenes. The tone of the entire movie is actually a bit upbeat, but it still delivers the necessary scare. There's comic relief delivered expertly by Janus Del Prado in between jumpy scenes, but it maintains the tension throughout the movie. It's never anti-climatic.

Speaking of Janus, he's a hidden gem in the Philippine cinematic landscape. He's one of my favorite actors despite always playing small roles, but making them standout even in dreary scenes. I often wonder if he writes his own lines, because it seems to natural to him. Or maybe he's just a great actor that he can own any material given to him. Another gem in this movie is Clarence Delgado who plays Mac-mac, Leni's younger brother. I usually see him in comedic roles but in this one, he makes me believe that he's the quiet, ominous little brother. All his scenes are precious, okay.

But I think the selling point of this movie is how it combines horror with the hottest love team in the country right now. Horror flicks are always a blockbuster during MMFF, and it smartly uses the Kathniel tandem to gather more viewers. They may be lacking in acting prowess, but they definitely attracted more attention to the film than lesser known stars could. It's marketing, and we can do nothing about it. (Though I must say I'm a closet Kathniel fan, so.)

What makes Pagpag a terrifying watch is how it takes ordinary situations and make it horrifying. It also focuses on Filipino superstitions (there are tons!) so it's something that the audience can relate to. We're not given monsters nor does it really have to take place in a far-flung area. Funerals can take place anywhere, and any viewer has attended one. It's nowhere perfect, but it leaves a lasting fear to someone who failed to follow a superstition and also doomed to be haunted by Roman.

Tuhog (2013)

Tuhog (2013)

Retirement hasn't been fun for Tonio (Leo Martinez), but it suddenly is when he realizes that he has all the time in the world to achieve his dream of being a baker. Fiesta (Eugene Domingo) is the feared bus conductor, but learns to loved and be loved when he meets Nato (Jake Cuenca). A long distance relationship has been a challenge for Caloy (Enchong Dee), but for the love of his girlfriend he patiently waits for her. In a freak bus accident, the three are accidentally pierced together by a single pole. Though doctors are intending to save all, the last one freed from the pole has the least chance of survival. Who deserves to live?

The premise of Tuhog is pretty simple and the format quite straight-forward. It's good that we're presented with the dilemma first. The audience immediately realizes the gravity of the situation, thus, being free to make their guesses on who will live and who will die. But you really won't know till the reveal. They managed to be entertaining from beginning to end. There's also a very good mix of comedy and drama that brings heart to a humanistic movie like this one.

There's a cohesiveness in the movie that's hard to achieve, because often it's either forced or not there at all! Pulling an anthology like Tuhog requires some detailed planning and effective story-telling. The segue from one story to another is done really well, making the hospital scenes the bond that holds the segments together.

On stories like this, it's easy to say that the youngest one has to live, not having experienced life to the fullest yet. On stories like this, the oldest person sometimes sacrifice themselves, saying they have lived long enough. In Tuhog, they have managed to balance the stories of all three, giving us enough reason to know that each one has a lot more to do in their lives.

Of the three, I enjoyed Tonio's story the most. Here's an old man who had a hard time finding meaning in life after retirement. Here's an old man who desperately tries to find motivation and purpose when everybody just wants him to stay still and let the young ones do everything. Here's someone who suddenly has all the time in the world to achieve his dreams of having his own bakeshop. He's on his way to realizing them when the accident happens. Without a doubt, Leo Martinez is the star of this movie.

What's amazing about Tuhog is that you'll be sympathetic with each of the character. You may not be able to relate well but you can see that each one of them still has a story to tell. 

There are things I don't like of course. I think it borrowed way too many ideas from other movies. There are scenes that are so reminiscent of the movies My Sassy Girl and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, just to name a few. I'm not even sure if it's a sort of tribute or if it's intentional or they hope no one notices. But I was greatly bothered. Or maybe I'm just extremely protective of My Sassy Girl? Heh.

I also didn't like how some of the doctors have this "formula" in which they predict the patient's chances of survival. They seem to take life so lightly, and it's so off-putting. (SPOILER ALERT) It's also weird how one of the doctors suddenly claimed the responsibility for Fiesta's baby. Like, WHY? It's not like they formed any bond while they were in the emergency room. It happened out of nowhere and completely threw me off balanced.

But aside from my very minor complaints, it's a movie I really appreciate. It's part of Star Cinema's anniversary celebration, and it's nice to see them try not to be too mainstream when it comes to the story and even the approach. Heck, I even love their choice of actors!

I'm not sure till when Tuhog is showing, but if you can, try to catch it in the cinemas. It's really worth the watch!

Four Sisters and A Wedding (2013)

Four Sisters and a Wedding

Title: Four Sisters and A Wedding (2013)

Producer: Star Cinema

Director: Cathy Garcia-Molina

Cast: Connie Reyes, Toni Gonzaga, Bea Alonzo, Angel Locsin, Shaina Magdayao, Enchong Dee, Janus del Prado, Sam Milby, Bernard Palanca, Angeline Quinto

Four Sisters and A Wedding is a movie which can be summarized by its title. Four sisters have to deal with their younger (and only) brother who seems to be rushing his own wedding. Fueled by their belief that he's making a terrible mistake, they try everything to stop it.

As Star Cinema's first movie offering for their 20th anniversary, they cast some of the most prominent leading actresses and actors of this time and create a family movie. Such strong personalities may clash and make a disaster, but Director Cathy Garcia-Molina manages to pull it off.

Toni Gonzaga plays Teddie, the eldest daughter who pretends to be a teacher in Spain but actually works as a maid. Bobbie, the second eldest and a successful professional in New York, is played by Bea Alonzo. Angel Locsin plays the rebellious third daughter, Alex. The last and most filial daughter Gabby, is played by Shaina, who seems to be given the most subdued role. Enchong Dee is the engaged youngest sibling and their only brother, CJ. Take these five actors and you have quite an ensemble.

Frankly, I enjoyed this movie. I'm not a hard person to please, since I rarely watch movies with any expectation. I like to be surprised. And I am surprised at how much I actually like it. I knew that it will focus on comedy but I was taken off-guard by the emotional arc of the movie. The wedding plot is consistent from start to finish, but I like how they manage to weave the story of each sister into the main plot. The wedding simply brings out their individual baggage, and I think that's what gives this movie more depth. Of course, it's the funny moments that I love the most!

But despite all the running conflicts and the theatrics of the "villains" of this movie, the theme of family loyalty remains present in every turn. No matter how much you fight and no matter how many hurtful words you throw at each other, a family is still a family. I may hate you now, but once someone outside the family hurts you, rest assured that I'll have your back. And that's basically what these siblings and their ever strong mother prove in the movie. They may always be at each other's throat, but they stand together in the face of a common enemy.

Bea Alonzo pretty much does the emotional heavy-lifting. She has the most sub-plots and I couldn't help whisper in the middle of her little dialogue, "Ah, s'ya pala ang bida." She's great in her role, though, and quite believable on how she handles the situation. However, it was Toni Gonzaga who had me captivated from start to finish. She already has her own brand of acting, and even though she manages to make each of her character different, there's a distinct aura to them. And somehow, I don't mind. She's amazing as Teddie, and her little team up with Janus del Prado who plays his pseudo-boyfriend is so entertaining! I'm so happy for Janus to have such a role! He more than deserves to be the main part of the OTP and not just the friend of the lead.

There are some things I do not like, of course. For one, I feel like Angeline Quinto dragged down the movie. I know they're trying to sell her as a RomCom leading actress but she's just not good at comedy. AT ALL. But other than that, there's no stand out annoyance in the movie.

It's a pretty engaging movie because Star Cinema can really execute heart-warming family films. With Connie Reyes as the mother, we pretty much have the intensity covered. She's the character that pulls the siblings together. Despite all their arguments and animosity towards each other, they have to keep it to themselves and show decency when the mother is present. Also, Connie Reyes simply has a way of commanding such strong screen presence.

It's a feel good movie, and if it's still available in a cinema near you, then go check it out. It's definitely worth the watch. It's just one of the many promising releases of Star Cinema for their anniversary, and I definitely can't wait for Tuhog.

Must Be Love (2013)

Must Be Love (2012)

Watching a movie like Must Be Love is something that you can't easily tell others. So when my friend and I told others that we're watching it,  we got laughed at, which is expected and I take no offense. This is the kind of movie that you don't really take seriously, so I entered the movie house with very little expectations and surprisingly came out with a lighter step and a huge smile on my face.

If you'd judge the movie based on the poster, it's a romantic comedy about two just-got-out-of-puberty teens who are two young to talk about true love and "slowmo" moments with someone. Though the movie is truly about that, it's also about life-long friendship and self love and discovery. It's coming-of-age and RomCom rolled into one. It has its flaws, but I like it for what it is.

Patchot (Kathryn Bernardo) and Ivan (Daniel Padilla) are childhood best friends who both enjoy playing basketball and engaging in petty arguments. With the picturesque Cebu as the backdrop for their summer love story, it's a common plot of best friends falling in love with each other. It doesn't try to be what it's not. It's the big screen debut of the love team that's causing so much noise in Twitter and could attract a crazy crowd wherever they go. The movie banks on the charm that makes the KathNiel love team such a huge hit and it works!

Obviously, it's the romance that the target audience wants to get from the movie, but it's the comedy that made me enjoy it most. Unlike recent Pinoy RomComs who try too hard to be funny and resort to body gags, Must Be Love actually has witty dialogue! Most of the obvious laughs are from the comedians John Lapus and Cacai Bautista. However, it's surprising to know that Daniel Padilla could actually deliver punch lines really well! (He also plays the part of a playboy who knows he can cause any girl to swoon really well. REALLY, REALLY WELL. I wonder if it's still acting!) Yes, I laughed at the cheesy scenes, but I also genuinely laughed at the clever lines thrown by the leads and secondary characters. Or maybe I'm just being incredibly shallow.

Maybe I'm giving way too much credit to the movie, but it's really something that I enjoyed. I guess to enjoy it, you have to like the tandem first, because a lot of screentime are simply devoted to cause kilig to the viewers. I swear I swooned everytime Daniel smiles. So shoo the fangirl in me, I don't really care.

This movie may be tackling the love story of kids who are still too young to take love a bit too seriously, but this movie effectively made me feel like a teenager. I like it for its nonchalant take on teenage love and how it basks on the leads' charm. So yes, I will download this movie once the torrent is released.

Personal Favorite: Filipino RomComs

I was supposed to post this on Valentine's Day but I got caught up with life. Here's a late greeting anyway!

As much as I love RomComs from other Asian countries, I can never turn away from my roots, a.k.a. Pinoy romcoms. After all, I'm a sucker for anything Star Cinema unless it's starring Erich Gonzales. Heh. Some of my favorites are so old that I watched them when I was in grade school and some are still so new that no torrent is out yet. Haha. Okay, it's actually more difficult to  find a torrent for the older films.

Just know that my bias tends to cloud my judgment but below are some of my favorites, movies that have been making me laugh and cry for a long (and short) time. Also, I arranged my favorite chronologically because I do not know to rank to save my life.

(A/N: Filipino RomCom titles tend to be really generic. Often times, they're song titles that's why I confuse one movie from another huhu unless they're my favorites of course. Also, don't ever base a movie by its title!!!!)

Labs Kita, Okey Ka lang?

Labs Kita, Okey Ka Lang? (1998)

Rough translation of the title: I love you, are you okay? Yes, it sounds lulzy.

This movie defined my childhood. Back when the term OTP was still non-existent, Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin had already been trumping over every other OTPs out there. They starred in numerous movies together, but this movie cemented my love for their tandem (love team, in Filipino lingo). This movie is about how Buchoy falls madly in love with her guy best friend, and her feelings are sadly unreturned. (See, they've been inventing OTP and unrequited love even before they're a thing.) The movie is set on the scenic Baguio and everytime Buchoy sneaks a glance on her best friend, my heart breaks a bit. I haven't watched this in a long time, but I'm pretty sure I'd still love it.

Bad news: I can't find a good copy of this movie online!!!!! WHY! Good news: At least the best scene is on Youtube!

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Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita

Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita (1998)

Rough translation: Because I Really, Really Love You.

What happens when the popular bad girl in school is forced to spend time with the golden boy? Well, a lot of romance and a lot of hilarity, apparently. The movie that will forever be remembered as the one that shot the Claudine Barretto and Rico Yan (R.I.P. huhu) love team to stardom. I liked it before because it seemed pretty unique and Claudine was such a badass. And some classic lines are from this movie, "Para kang chewing gum, masarap nguyain." Or something. A bonus cutie in the form of Diether Ocampo is a welcome.

Download it here!

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Bakit Di Totohanin

Bakit 'Di Totohanin (2001)

It has Judy Ann Santos. It has Piolo Pascual. You have two of the biggest names in the Filipino romance movie landscape, it's almost definite that it'll be a hit. This movie is just one of their many amazing films together, but I chose this one because it's just seriously engaging. Judy Ann is a boxed in this movie and Piolo's character happens to train her. This is the first movie that makes boxing so sexy and makes a lot of "action" scenes actually seem to be sexually charged. WHAT. But really, it's a pretty good film that doesn't only center on romance but also one Juday's determination to be good at boxing.

I cannot find a single download, streaming or excerpt online. ;__;

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Forevermore (2002)

For every girl holding on to their unrequited first love, this movie's for you. Kristin Hermosa and Jericho Rosales defined a generation in Filipino movie and primetime teleseryes. Forevermore is probably one of their most memorable offerings. I'm not the biggest fan of Kristin Hermosa but her team up with Jericho was pretty cute. It's a tragedy how they made so few projects together when their love team is palpable! Heh. This movie may veer into weird with the glowing mangoes and all, but it's still a Romcom worth swooning over.

Download torrent from here! Finally, a movie from my list that has a torrent!

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Got 2 Believe

Got 2 Believe (2002)

The last movie of Claudine Barretto and Rico Yan, also their best. It's about a young wedding planner who is always the bridesmaid but never the bride, and a young photographer who is always at the wedding to document it all. It's an incredibly fun movie to watch with tons of pretty weddings to boot. It's undeniable that these two have so much chemistry, and every scene they have together is just magic. If you're going to watch only one Pinoy romcom, then I recommend this. Expect some cheesy lines. And expect heartbreak, knowing that this is the last movie they shoot together, and pretty much the last Rico Yan movie. </3

Watch it on Crunchyroll!

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My Big Love

My Big Love (2008)

Macky (Sam Milby), a culinary chef, suffers through heartbreak and humiliation on  the night his love, Nina, dumps him. He also happens to be too big for his own good, and the only way he sees himself of making Nina fall for him is by being physically fit, and he employs a physical trainer to help him in the character of Aira (Toni Gonzaga).

This is a love story, this is a comedy. But above all, this is a feel good movie, because that's certainly how this makes me feel. I do not even know how to describe this movie because it has that light-hearted feel to it. However, it's not all fun for the two since they get to be separated and it's really the distance and time that proved to be the challenge for them. And being adults who each has responsibilities, it's not something that can easily be triumphed.  The best thing about this movie, really, is Sam Milby being so cute. That is all.

Download torrent from here!

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Babe, I Love You

Babe, I Love You (2009)

I have a deep love for the Anne Curtis-Sam Milby tandem, and this movie of theirs is just adorable beyond words! Nico (Sam Milby) is focused on his goal of becoming an architect as great his father. But he meets Sasa (Anne Curtis), an unconventional girl who then changes him.

It's weird how I love this movie so much despite being quite shallow. But hey, I'm watching a RomCom so I don't really expect much. But it's a good movie in terms of comedy and relationship development. These are two people who meet by chance and forced to be together due to responsibilities. But in the end, it starts to get a bit more serious when they take the initiative, to be the one to find ways to be together. It actually has quite an impossible set-up but it all feels real to me, all thanks to Anna and Sam!

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My Amnesia Girl

My Amnesia Girl (2010)

Irene (Toni Gonzaga) is supposed to have the best day of her life until her husband-to-be, Apollo (John Lloyd Cruz) backed out of their wedding, the day they were supposed to get married. A few years later,  they meet again but Irene seems to have no recollection of her ex-fiancee. It's a movie that seems to have a sad premise but it's actually a comedy. But leave it to Toni and John Lloyd to do their thing and tada! We have a movie that's bordering on heart-breaking and tear-inducing-due-to-laughing. Yes, that's a word. I'm not exactly sure why I love this movie. Maybe it's because I love John Lloyd and I like Toni (and most of her movies!), and put them together and it's just fun! It had some pretty harsh critics even before the premiere though. But it's actually a pretty fun movie to watch.

Download the torrent here!

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Yes, all the movies listed above are from Star Cinema, but some are also under Viva. These are just my favorite, and there are actually others that I love. I know there are other Star Cinema lists that are way more popular than the ones mentioned above (see: One More Chance) but I go for the once that really puts the balance on Romance and Comedy.

Other recommendations:

• Won't Last a Day Without You
• You Got Me
• Bulong
• A Very Special Love
• My Only Ü
  
• Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo

So, what's your favorite Filipino romcom? :)

Sosy Problems (2012)

★

Hours after seeing the movie, I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around what it's about. I think it tries to be too many things at once when it's just really a parody about a group of rich girls who has nothing to do but talk about clothes and ~the spa~ and being rich.

Sosy Problems focus on the lives of four rich girls: Lizzie (Rhian Ramos), Danielle (Bianca King), Claudia (Heart Evangelista) and Margaux (Solen Heussaff). One thing they have in common is that they're all rich and as the narrator describes at the start of the movie, they are rich in a way that they can buy anything and everything they want. And that's my definition of being rich, too. The movie tries to probe into the lives of the sosy, and it even starts with the premise of having a documentary filmed about them. But in the middle of the movie, the story seems to stray someplace else and the documentary is forgotten.

And they should just probably stick with that storyline.

Instead, each girl is presented with a problem that will challenge their friendship and character, which is supposed to be good, but the delivery just fails. The movie's strong when they put the girls in silly situations and just show how the rich could possibly react to the situation at hand. But the direction the movie went seems to desperately give depth to the rather shallow story. It's good when the movie knows it's just truly a parody about being sosy, but it just doesn't cut it when it tries to be dramatic.

And I'm not sure if I'm making any sense?

Anyway, the point is, I enjoyed the movie for what it is. And the only reason I enjoyed it is because I didn't have high expectations and didn't try to find sense in the rubble. It's a comedy--a parody--and the fact that I laughed a couple of times is enough for me to enjoy it. I don't think my money was wasted, though I have to say that I cringed and raised eyebrows a couple of times during the duration of the movie.

And because I'm sleepy (wrote this last night!), I'll just just down my other thoughts on the movie:

• Probinsyanas are horribly depicted in the film. I AM OFFENDED HAHA. For your information, not all probinsyanas dress like Becca, played by Barbie Forteza. Also, I close my eyes everytime she appears on screen. No, just no. Her character is annoying, annoying, annoying. I mean, you criticize your cousin for being maarte and high-maintenance when you cry over your savings that you'd use to buy ballots for you to win a pageant? WHAT. WHAT. ....WHAT? Isn't buying your own ballots cheating or something?

• The movie opens with a narratio by Ruffa Guttierez, who plays some media executive or TV producer or something. And for some weird reason, the movie is concluded with a voice over of a random character who happens to work for the Polo Club that's so highly important for the girls. It just feels so disjointed.

• WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU WASH YOUR CHAMBER POT IN THE SINK WHERE YOU ALSO WASH YOUR KITCHEN UTENSILS? WHYYYYY? I AM FOREVER BOTHERED.

• Bianca King should probably step up her game because Rhian, Heart and Solen pulled off their characters quite well!

• Also, I find Danielle's storyline to be the most problematic. I don't knoooow. It's too shallow for me, really. I mean, his father is sent to jail and instead of worrying about his father and family, she worries about being poor and how her friends would accept her and how that rich guy can't save her from her troubles. I mean, what. Also, can't Santi, Danielle's love interest, see that she's a gold-digger?

• I love Heart in this movie, because it reminds me of her role in the old teen sitcom, G-mik! She's a conyo in that sitcom, and I don't know, it just reminded me of the old Heart.

• Also, I have never appreciated Rhian till this movie. LEGS LEGS LEGS.

• I love their clothes. OMG. I want to dress like them but being a commuter and a middle class citizen, it's just impossible to dress like them.

It's not perfect, but Sosy Problems is an okay movie to pass the time. Definitely not the best entry for this year's MMFF. Hopefully I'd ge to watch other film entries.

P.S. This is the first time in a long time that I've watched a movie produced by GMA Films. I think the last time I watched Muro Ami, and we all know that's more than a decade ago.

Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles (2012)

∞

First things first, I just want to say that GMA Films is a production that I often avoid. It's simply not my cup of tea and their stars often leave a bad impression on  me. After watching Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles, I can now say that I finally have a movie from GMA Films that I genuinely like.

To put it simply, this film restored my faith in Philippine cinema. Tiktik proves that you don't really have to compromise quality while still maintaining mass appeal.

Yes, this film isn't perfect. The special effects needs a bit more refining but I'm willing to overlook all of that. I am too pleased and happy with this movie that I'll gladly glaze over the weaknesses.

I'll go ahead and say it: this movie exceeds expectation. I think anyone who saw the trailer and ended up liking it still had doubts whether the movie could be as good as the trailer. It seemed too pretty and too badass to really be a Filipino movie. And I'm just so glad that I am proven wrong.

The entire story takes places in less than a day. It's quite short if you think about it, but it's all for the better because it leaves no room for petty side stories, irrelevant dialogue, fillers, and everything else that makes a movie longer than necessary. The story moves fast and keeps you at the edge of your seat from the very first appearance of our dreaded aswangs. The conflict is established early on and more than half of the movie is devoted to the protagonists trying to win against the supernatural. It's pretty intense if you ask me.

Despite it's one-day setting, the characters are pretty fleshed out. I'm not sure if it's because they gave use familiar characters such as the talkative nagger as the mother, the timid husband, the breadwinner turned pregnant daughter, and the asshole of a boyfriend. We see different sides of the characters as they try to fight off the aswangs. Well, being faced with aswangs can really bring out the best and worst in a person. It's just that they're placed in a situation that will push them to do things that their normal selves won't do. But overall, I think they acted in a way their real-life counterparts would have acted.

Joey Marquez, Dingdong Dantes, Ramon Bautista,
Janice de Belen, Lovi Poe and Direk Erik Matti. ∞

The Mistress (2012)

They say that you'll either hate or love The Mistress. Fortunately, I'm on the love side, and I'm still trying to figure out how some people ended up not liking it. I don't think it's perfect, and I can cite a couple of flaws, but overall, I think it's a pretty good movie.

Sari (Bea Alonzo) is a mistress, a female master cutter. But she's also a mistress in another sense, the other woman of Rico Torres (Ronaldo Valdez). Despite knowing all this, JD (John Lloyd Cruz) still chases after Sari, wanting her even though he knows that she's already somebody else's. It's a common other woman story, with a few twists here and there. But though the story may be pretty common, they manages to make it interesting.

I think most of it is because of the pretty tight writing. The conflict is established quickly. Secrets are out not even halfway into the film and the audience pretty much already know what's going to happen next. But the engaging exchange of dialogue and the performance of the cast keep you watching. You just want to see how it will unfold, how they'll get out the mess. Or if they'd even ever get out.

I've been told that there's something wrong with the execution of the story. But having no background in film, I can't really see what's wrong with it. Sure, there are some problem with continuity such as how the blocking of actors would seem to change, but it's something I can let pass. Two hours passed by pretty quickly and I feel as if every scene either helps explore the complexity of a character or pushes the story forward. There are no unnecessary characters that take too much screen time, and no side stories that doesn't relate to the main conflict. Each primary character is explored, given enough screen time.

The Reunion (2012)

If you've seen the trailer of The Reunion on ABS-CBN, you're probably as confused as I am. There seems to be no storyline, just a lot of random antics and possible love lines. So here's one that actually has a plot:

Someone definitely heard my wishes when I said I wanted a barkada movie. But I didn't expect that it would be this. I should have included specific details on what I want and who they should cast.

Directed by Frasco Mortiz, The Reunion is about a group of friends who reunites a few years after high school, thus, the title.  It stars the most in-demand actors from the network: Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Enrique Gil, and Kean Cipriano. And their leading ladies in the movie are Jesse Mendiola, Bangs Garcia, Julia Montes, and Megan Young. What they failed to mention is that Cristine Reyes is in this movie, too. They should have given her more emphasis if Star Cinema was trying to make this a blockbuster. Haha!

Seriously though, with these four guys and four leading ladies, I'm pretty sure fans will flock to the theaters. But I'm not sure if if I'd be one of them. In fact, I have a strong dislike for Xian Lim, Enrique and Jesse Mendiola that it's enough to convince me not to watch it. But it's something that Star Cinema hasn't tried in years. I'll try to conquer my annoyance at the lead actors and try to see them beyond their showbiz personalities and view them as their movie characters.

The major reason why I'm willing to give this a shot is because I believe Star Cinema has the potential to make a good barkada movie. Over the past few years, they made the barkada of the lead roles powerful supporting characters on the life of lead roles. Take One More Chance and My Amnesia Girl as examples. More so on One More Chance, the barkada gives insight and perspective on the plot. Some of them even has their own sub-stories and provide more than just comic relief.

I have one last thing to say, why did they make Janus Del Prado as an extra? Come on, he's one of the best actors of his generation and it's past-time that he should be given a leading role in a movie. I'm fine seeing him on good Maalaala Mo Kaya roles but I want to see a movie with him as the lead. Who's with me?

The Reunion opens nationwide on August 15, 2012.

Intoy Syokoy (2012)

The main reason why I watched Intoy Syokoy was because of JM De Guzman, and after watching it, I realized that I had a pretty good reason. Despite all the snot and grime, JM consistently proves to be cute in every scene, despite his seemingly haggard appearance. Yes, I've been told a couple of times that I'm pretty shallow.

I have nothing much to say about Intoy Syokoy, because there wasn't anything new. Somehow, it felt as if it's a movie we've seen countless of times already.

Based on Eros Atalia's character, Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino is a story of a teenage boy who tries to get by life one mussel at a time. After Intoy's father died due to an accident (or a broken heart, whichever), his mother abandons him. He has no one left besides his friends. He manages to survive each day with the hope of getting out of Kalye Marino, hopefully with Doray, the love of his life.

Besides this plotline, pretty much everything else is reminiscent of 50% of Filipino indie films. It's about poverty, that's pretty much a given. It's about the vicious cycle of going back to zero just when you start to think that you could finally get out of the hellhole. I was waiting for something else, something new. A ray of sunshine to bring some good to the lives of these teens from Kalye Marino.

Tedious is something that comes to mind when I try to think of an adjective to describe this movie. It's long. But I somehow felt as if it didn't go anywhere. We see a resolution to Intoy's love for Doray, who ends up becoming a prostitute when she couldn't find a job anywhere else. But other than that, it's a sad tale for the people who lives in Kalye Marino.

There are some things that I don't understand such as how Doray has AIDS. I'm not that familiar with the disease but I don't think it takes effect that fast. One of Intoy's friend's father is a seaman who died, beheaded by pirates. I don't understand how his head kept in a too simple container reached his home. I wonder if the government sent that container but I somehow think it should be presented in a better manner.

(photo source)

Maybe I expected too much. How dare I expect rainbows and butterflies when white tide phenomena and sexually transmitted disease are normal occurrence in Kalye Marino. But it was a tiring movie experience.

But with all these said, I still think it was worth my time and money. I don't regret watching the movie, and not just JM, too. I think Intoy's character arc is developed well enough. We see him grow as a person. We see him move on from every misfortune that enters his life. But for a viewer, it's all too much to handle.

I only have praises for the cast. I even think LJ Reyes is quite good in this moive. But it was Joross Gamboa who definitely steals the spotlight. He won Best Supporting Actor in the New Breed category for a reason. He seems to have a knack for playing supporting roles that will leave an impression on the viewers' minds. His character is not just a comic relief in this movie, too. It's nice to see him grow from the Joross Gamboa of Star Circle Quest to a respected actor who knows his craft.

I say, give this movie a try. It's not as bad as I make it out to be. But make sure to have your heart prepared from all the possible breaking it has to go through just by seeing JM crushed. I dare you not to want to leap forward and give the poor boy a hug. Intoy definitely needs one (or a hundred).

Babae sa Breakwater (Woman of Breakwater) 2003

(source)

I was fortunate enough to attend the opening night of Cinemalaya where they screened Babae sa Breakwater as a tribute for the late Director Mario O'Hara.

I've heard of the movie countless of times but hadn't shown much interest. I was 13 when the movie came out and it's definitely something that would interest me. I have heard praises about the movie but had deemed the movie as something not for kids, if you know what I mean. I also didn't see it as an indie film since I'm pretty sure it was shown in a lot of theaters. But then again, I don't really have a clear grasp on what makes a movie indie.

After viewing the movie last friday, I realized that I had a completely wrong impression of the movie. It's not a "bold" film like what my 13-year-old self thought. It illustrates the depressing lives of Filipinos living in poverty, in the streets of Manila, in the breakwater along Roxas Boulevard.

The movie is about the brothers Basilio (Kristoffer King) and Buboy who are from Leyte but are forced to live in the slums of Manila. As they make themselves at home, living in a community along Roxas Boulevard, they meet Pakita (Katherine Luna), a prostitute.

Despite all the humor peppered all throughout the movie, Babae sa Breakwater is a haunting film that reflects the everyday trials of the Filipino poor. What makes this movie so haunting is the fact that no matter how unbelievable or far-fetched some difficulties the characters encounter, they are the kind of things you know happen in real life. The horrors of poverty are sometimes worse than the ones in the movies.

I think this is something people who aren't aware of the situation in the Philippines would realize. There are some things in the movie that would be difficult to grasp outside the Filipino context, such as the kulto acts at the start of the movie. The movie is grounded on the reality of Filipino lives that it's chilling how the story unfolds. Countless of misfortunes happen to the characters and the viewers may start to think that that many unfortunate events can't be happening in real life. Then you remember the things you hear in the news and remember the statistics, and you realize that it might actually be possible. One misfortune after another hits Basilio and Buboy but they shoulder on. Always.

What I love about the movie is the characters' ability to look up when everything is going downhill. This shows Filipinos' resilience in the faces of difficulties. Basilio and Buboy may be swimming in a sea of garbage but as long as they have each other and they have something to eat, as little as it may be, they still have the heart and the energy to smile and laugh and be thankful.

I am not quite sure whether the movie is aptly titled, though. Pakita plays a huge part in the film but I somehow feels like the story really focuses more on Basilio. Then again, Pakita somehow influences most of Basilio's decisions in the film.

I don't really have any qualms about the movie except this one scene that will definitely spoil it for those who haven't watched it yet. Hee. I won't even get into the technicalities of the movie as I am no expert in that field.

I don't think I'll watch this movie again for the very simple reason that it's just too heart-breaking for me. I'm not the type of person who likes to torture herself. But I'm pretty sure it will be watched for generations to come. A gem like this is just too difficult to forget.

Hataw Na (1995)

It's a lonely Sunday when my only possible source of entertainment was television. It's been awhile since I last watched a full movie on TV. And after n years, the movie I ended up watching is Hataw Na!

It's a pretty old movie and some of my friends haven't heard about it! It was released on 1995, meaning, I was only 5 years old when I first saw it. As I remember correctly, I actually liked it back then. But the story had been lost to me after so many years of not seeing the movie. But on that Sunday, I suddenly understood why it's such a hit back then. Despite it's horrifyingly cheesy scenes, it's actually quite good. And I have a feeling that me saying that will make you lose your trust on my judgment. But still.


Here's a clip from the movie:

See? It's a flashmob. I didn't know flashmobs exist as early as 1995! Their dance number during the last scene is more reminiscent of modern flashmobs but I couldn't find a clip on Youtube. I know that it's something that we regularly see on TV shows and movies and pretty much everywhere, but to see it in a movie released almost two decades ago is quite amazing. I couldn't help think that it's so innovative. But then again, old Filipino movies have dance numbers. This one is a bit different, though, since it really focuses on the students' desire to perform. And not just because they're at the beach or a waterpark.

Just some thoughts regarding the movie:

• We need more movies like this! The Philippine cinema is full of RomComs lately, and I miss movies about a group of friends. I am pretty sure it will sell if they produce a movie reminiscent of Gimik and T.G.I.S. This isn't even entirely about the friendship of the students but it's just nice that love story isn't the center of this movie. Sure, there's a little going on with Gary Valenciano and Dayanara Torres but the story didn't entirely focus on their relationship.
• Hataw Na is like the Filipino movie version of Glee in a way that I'm not even sure if it's good or bad. Haha. Gary V. definitely reminds me of Will Schuester, but less annoying. 
• The antagonist of the movie happens to be the principal and I hate how she's so pointlessly evil! Sadly, I do know that a lot of Catholic schools in the country are run by teachers like her. I do not want to generalize, though. I am just glad that I attended a public school in college, and I was free from all the ridiculous rules a Catholic school may have. Just like in the movie.
• I miss the Jolina with 101 hairstyles and wacky outfits.
• I don't know how Jao Mapa even became famous. HOW?
• Victor Neri, on the other hand, is as charming as ever, despite the katsupoy hairstyle. Where is he? I'm pretty sure he's a lot older now, but I hope he still has that bad boy charm. (He also reminds me of Bang SungJoon. OMG. But my friend disagrees.)
• The dance steps look unbelievably easy? I don't know. It's probably the trend during that time or maybe I'm just so equipped with seeing difficult moves from dance groups these days. Haha. I don't know. But we're talking about a Gary V movie here, and you can't possibly say anything wrong with his dance moves.
• Watching Hataw Na makes me want to watch more movies of Dayanara Torres, especially that one with Aga Muhlach.

Again, we need more movies like this. It's ridiculously good. Cheesy, but good.

So, I'm calling out to Star Cinema (and to GMA Films, I guess) to produce more barkada movies! It's definitely the best. One with Daniel Padilla is ideal. KTNXBYE.