KRIS AQUINO PAIRS WITH JULIA AND JOSHUA IN HER COMEBACK MOVIE "I LOVE YOU HATER"

Kris Aquino is back on the big screen after a 3 year hiatus and pairs with onscreen partner Joshua Garcia and Julia Baretto in Star Cinema's latest offering "I Love You Hater."  The movie is expected to redeem Kris Aquino's status as a box-office star since her last two movies  "All You Need is Pag-ibig" and "Etiquette for Mistresses"  didn't fare well at the box-office. 

Kris plays Sasha Imperial, a former broadcast journalist who successfully embarked a career into digital content production. In the movie, Joshua Garcia and Julia Baretto find themselves as rivals hoping to get the attention of their CEO played by Aquino. The plot looks good for a romantic comedy in a millennial setting;  Joshua disguises himself as a gay man to keep his job in a back office saturated by gays. Kris was effortless in portraying her role as a budding social media mogul as it is so close to her real life persona.  The side plots  are interesting enough to make the movie more engaging but I guess the screenplay and pacing didn't seem to click with the audience.  John Estrada plays Kris Aquino's ex but sorry they have no chemistry enough to create "kilig" to the audience.  It would have been okay if they had Dieter Ocampo or another actor play the role.  I am not sure if this is just my opinion or what...but I guess if the movie was directed by another director say Cathy Garcia Molina, it might have been different.  The cinematography is impressive though; the drone shots showing overview of the metropolis are awesome.

The movie reportedly gross P5.5 million on its opening day.  For a local movie to gross for P5.5M on opening day isn't that bad but since this is a Kris Aquino movie, expectations were high considering that it also stars two of the most popular young stars today, Joshua Garcia and Julia Baretto. Surprisingly, there weren't much millenials among the audience, instead I saw a lot of people in their' 30's, 40's and 50's.  I watched the movie on the second day of showing at Mega Mall.  The movie is still worth watching anyway and might catch up at the box-office in the weeks to come.

"SID & AYA" (Not a Love Story)

So far, Sid & Aya is the only Filipino film that grossed
over 150M this year.

The positive reviews that I read about "Sid & Aya" led me to watch the movie and I wasn't disappointed. I certainly enjoyed watching the movie.  I love the visuals, the music and the soundtrack particularly  "Darkness Fell" by the Juans.  Irene Villamor's direction is quite impressive and very contemporary. With three box-office hits in a row she now join the league of female box-office directors like Cathy Molina Garcia and Antonette Jadaone.  Villlamor's credits includes "Camp Sawi" and "Meet Me at St. Gallens."

Dingdong Dantes plays Sid, a successful but callous stockbroker, who is suffering from insomnia.  He hangs out at a cafe in the wee hours and this is where he met Aya (Anne Curtis) who works as a waitress.  Charmed by Aya's odd but pleasant personality, Sid half-jokingly offered to pay Aya to keep him for a company just for a few hours whenever his insomnia strikes. Strange as it is, Aya agreed with the deal.  Aya is a hardworking woman who will to do anything just to earn money to augment her income in order to support her sick father and save money to pay her visa expenses to get her to Japan. She also moonlights working as a laundry attendant. Their constant "paid bonding" brought them closer, just as about Sid's girlfriend (Bubbles Paraiso) began talking about moving-in to Sid's flat. The romantic plot thickens as Sid informed Aya that he plans to propose marriage to his girlfriend. Aya decided to leave and work in Japan as an entertainer and Sid subsequently followed but their meet up didn't bring them back together. Aya didn't show up to bid goodbye before Sid flew back to Manila and nothing was mentioned what happened to the relationship of Sid and his girlfriend.  The next thing we see was the final scene showing Sid clad in a street get-up, walking at a trendy street in Manila and unexpectedly bumped into Aya at a cafe.  What happens next....it's up to the audience to interpret, just watch the movie.

The tagline says it's not a love story.  I guess they just use it to attract viewers to make it more intriguing and appealing to audience and I guess it succeeded; the movie is a certified blockbuster.  Initially it wasn't a love story as there was money involved but as the story progressed, both Sid & Aya found themselves in a situation they didn't expect to happen.  The movie is presented in a semi-narrative style but what makes the movie even more appealing is the on-screen chemistry of Dingdong Dantes and Anne Curtis, somewhat reminiscent of Vi-Boyet tandem back in the 80's. There's a certain level of excitement that the two connects with the audience. Another factor is the directorial style of Irene Villamor which is very contemporary and adequately engaging.

The movie also stars Bubbles Paraiso, Gabby Eigenmann, Cholo Barreto, Joseph Elizalde with cameo roles by Joey Marquez and Jobelle Salvador.

ANGRY CITIZEN JAKE

The much anticipated Mike de Leon film "Citizen Jake" hit the theaters this week.  This is his first film after 17 long years.  Atom Araulo plays the title role of Jake, a young journalist who's a scion of a powerful political figure.  The film depicts Jake's personal saga and his struggles amidst the political scenarios surrounding his own social class. The movie also stars Max Collins, Nonie Buencamino, Luis Alandy, Gabby Eignemann, Teroy de Guzman and veteran actresses Cherry Gil and Dina Bonnevie.

The theme is obviously political all throughout with emphasis on the corrupt world of the powerful elite running the country.  If you are a Marcos loyalist, you may not want to watch the movie.  The sub-plots may be a bit confusing but you will all figure out later that they were all inter-connected with the story. There was also an intriguing mention of a starlet named Rosemarie linked to a top political figure and the mention of other political personalities like Bong Revillla, Tito Sotto and the "ilusyonadong boksingero" (obviously it's Manny P.). I wonder how will all these named personalities react to this movie (specially the Marcoses).  The dialogues are brave and brutally frank.  The story may be fiction but as Mike de Leon says "It is based on truths we ignore at our own risk." 

I suspect that CJ is more of a reflection of what De Leon tries to convey to his audience (being a hard line critic of the Marcoses) and he just want to expose the dirt and arrogance of traditional politics prevalent in  the country vis-a-vis political dynasty, powerful cronies and even prostitution, murder and gang rape. 

I certainly enjoyed watching the movie. The Mike de Leon touch is still there despite being inactive for nearly 2 decades and just about the film ends and the credits were about to pop-up, the audience gave a well-deserved applause (something that I only see at premier nights).  I hope the movie does well at the box-office.

"WOMEN OF THE WEEPING RIVER" BRINGS BACK NOSTALGIC MEMORIES

At last, I was able to watch the movie “Women of the Weeping River.”  I had long wanted to watch this film, not only because it is a critically acclaimed film so to speak but the film is close to my heart simply because the language medium used on this film is my own language, the "Tausug" dialect.

The film premiered at the 2016 QC International Film Festival and won the best picture award. Ironically I had no idea that the film was about the Tausug tribe until I attended the Gawad Urian Awards last year.  The film was nominated in various categories and eventually bagged the best picture award.  As the presenters mentioned the nominees showing clips from the movie, I was a bit flabbergasted to hear the characters speak in Tausug (though subtitled in English). The film also won the Best Director award for Sheron Dayoc who is a native of Zamboanga. After the awarding ceremonies, I attempted to talk to the director but there was no chance as he was surrounded by the press covering the event. 

The movie was also screened at last year’s Cinemalaya independent film festival but unfortunately the scheduled screening for that day was called off due to technical problems so the organizers moved it to another date but again, I wasn’t able to watch it, but I had the chance to talk to some relatives of the cast.  I gathered that the whole cast had no previous acting experience at all, except for the 2 week acting workshop that they underwent before they started filming.  The film was finally released for commercial run last week so I made it a point that I get to watch the film.

The film, set in Jolo, Sulu, with an ensemble cast of-non-actors from Western Mindanao region, portrayed conflicts of two warring Tausug clans in Sulu with two women as the main protagonists (played by Laila Ulao and Mariam Zimadar-Caranay-Raper).  As they confront the escalating blood feud that claimed lives of their immediate family members (including their own husband and children), the two women found themselves in a dilemma whether to let go or persevere the blood feud stretching back from generation to generation.  I found myself a bit sentimental while watching the movie as it reminded me of my childhood days.  I've heard similar stories and atrocities about land grabbing which was prevalent in Sulu during the 60’s and 70’s; in fact our family was once a victim of this atrocity.  But thank God, our land was returned back to us without resorting to violence.

The film was beautifully shot against the backdrop of Sulu and Zamboanga's lush forest and beautiful landscape with stellar performances from the cast.  It’s not the typical Filipino film that you see with characters using unconventional and over-the-top dialogues. Here everything was just natural. The director just let the cast deliver their lines in their own language which was so realistic that you feel like you are just watching them speak in real life. I am not going to talk about the movie in details as I am not a movie critic (LOL) but I found the film very engaging to the point that I became a bit nostalgic while watching the movie.  The funeral rites and prayer session are so authentic.  I’ve seen some Filipino films showing the Muslim culture of Southern Philippines but more often than not, they weren't accurate and I just laughed while watching. 

The film may not be attractive to ordinary moviegoers as it is presented in somewhat low-key manner and it's not a fast-paced movie either, but what is interesting about the movie is its pragmatic approach and the actors’ underacting style method which just came out naturally. Laila Ulaw’s performance has earned her at least three acting awards to-date, namely: from QC Int’l film festival, Young Critics’ Circle Award and more recently from ASEAN-China film festival.

                           

It is interesting to note that  young filmmakers like Sheron Dayoc reach out to audience using indigenous language as their medium notwithstanding the commercial viability of their craft but simply to make movies that they believe in.   Dayoc’s directorial style is such a gem and I can’t wait to watch his next film.  I wish that he’d be given more breaks as well as the actors specially Laila Ulaw.  I’ve seen her interview on CNN Philippines; she’s not only beautiful but a gifted actress as well.  I hope giant networks like ABS-CBN and GMA will give breaks to non-Tagalog artists and  promote diversity.  Congratulations to the producers of the film for coming up with a very engaging and visually artistic film.  

NOTE:  Women of the Weeping River will be shown at '76 Cinema in San Juan, beginning 31 March 2018.  
#womenoftheweepingriver

"MY PERFECT YOU" REVIEW KUNO

Based on the trailer of "My Perfect You," one would think that this is just another rom-com movie from Star Cinema but think otherwise.  It's an escapist film and almost all the scenes during the first half of the movie focused on the hallucination episode of Burn (played by Gerald Anderson), who suffered from schizophrenia brought about by severe depression after his girlfriend dumped him who feared that Burn might inherit his mother's mental disorder. Burn orchestrated his marriage proposal to his girlfriend that took place in his work place but was literally turned down right in front of his colleagues. He was eventually fired from his job as he could no longer perform his work.  Feeling devastated, he tried to escape to a faraway place but met a car accident on his way which resulted into his loss of memory. He then went through a period of hallucinations and psychological trauma. Abi (played by Pia Wurtzbach) appeared in his hallucinations but what happens next... well....just watch the movie.  I don't want to be a spoiler.  At any rate, the movie is worth watching.  Director Cathy Molina Garcia proves once more that she is a consistent box-office director to reckon with.

Pia looks fresh and prettier sans those heavy make up that we often see her on TV.  Gerald and Pia seems to have a good chemistry onscreen but I wished they were given a more upbeat and modern storyline that would perfectly suit them. Pia has the potential of becoming a romcom actress but I feel that this is not the right vehicle for her. Gerald is one of the underrated actors and he certainly could play roles vacated by John Lloyd Cruz.  The movie was quite long (more than 2 hours); they could have edited or shortened the delusion episode and will have no effect on the story.

Apparently Pia was offered to be part of "The Big Brother" (US edition) but she turned down the offer in favor of this movie.  Had she accepted the offer, she would have meet again Ariadna Gutierez who's also in the show. It would have been interesting to see Pia and Ariadna together in one show.  Everybody knows what happened in 2015 Miss Universe when host Steve Harvey announced the wrong winner.

"RESPETO" TOPS CRITICS' POLL FOR BEST FEATURE FILMS OF 2017

Treb Monterra II's "Respeto," a movie about a young rapper in a Manila slum who dreams of hip-hop greatness tops the poll carried out by authoritative blog Pinoy Rebyu (Filipino film aggregator). 32 respondents (mostly film reviewers and bloggers) were asked to name their top choices for best feature films of 2017. The movie also topped the polls in 6 other categories that includes Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best First Feature, Best Supporting Performance, Best Editing and Best Scene (ending scene).

"Respeto" also won the Best Feature Film in last year's Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Mikhael Red's "Birdshot" which is the Philippine's official entry to the Oscars Best Foreign Language film ranked 7th. On the other hand, 2017 MMFF Best Director award winner Paul Soriano ("Siargao") was literally snubbed by the 32 respondents however "Siargao" received citations in two categories (best cinematography and best supporting performance for Jasmine Curtis-Smith).

Interestingly only one mainstream movie made the cut ("Love You to the Stars and Back" at no. 13) and the rest were produced by independent filmmakers.  It's a pity that a number of these films never get to be screened nationwide due to some constraints specifically in securing playdates and stiff competition with mainstream movies as such, they only get to be shown in local indie film festivals on limited theater run.

Here are the Top 20 Films as voted by 32 respondents: Please click this link to see how the respondents voted 

1 – Respeto 

2 – Kiko Boksingero 

3 – Balangiga: Howling Wilderness

4 – Ang Larawan 

5 – Paki 

6 – Changing Partners 

7 – Birdshot 

8 – The Chanters 

9 – Smaller and Smaller Circles 

10 – Neomanila 

11 – Alipato: The Very Brief Life of an Ember 

12 – Motherland 

13 – Love You to the Stars and Back 

14 – Bliss 

15 – Nervous Translation 

16 – I’m Drunk, I Love You 

17 – Kita Kita 

18 – Haunted: A Last Visit to the Red House 

19 – High Tide 

20 – Patay Na Si Hesus 

Of the 20 films listed above, I have only watched 3 films namely "Respeto," "Birdshot" and "Love You to the Stars and Back".

Joana Ampil  ("Ang Larawan")  and Noel Comia, Jr.  ("Kiko Boksingero") received the highest votes for Best Lead Performance while Dido de la Paz and Yayo Aguila got the highest votes best supporting performances for "Respeto" and "Kiko Boksingero," respectively.  

To see the complete list of winners please visit Pinoy Rebyu blog. 

For those who missed the regular run of the films mentioned above, you may still catch up and watch at '76 Cinema in San Juan.   Just  check  out  the  latest schedule of movies showing on their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/cinema76fs/

FOR ARTS SAKE

ART, SEX AND MALE NUDITY

I was invited yesterday by my two friends to watch the 2014 indie film “Esprit de Corps” at 'Cinema 76, a movie theatre located in a quiet residential area in San Juan suburb. The micro-theatre with a capacity of about 60 seats, is a haven for film buffs and Indie film lovers, so just in case you might have missed the limited theatre run of popular indie films, just check out the line-up of movies up for showing at 'Cinema 76 website. Regular ticket price is set at P150 only.

“Esprit de Corps” is an adaptation of Auraeus Solito's play of the same title in the 1980's about the game of seduction and ranks in the ROTC. It’s an unusual story of two cadets and their pursuit to outsmart a corrupt Major Marcus for his position. The movie is set at a Catholic school for boys a few years before the Marcos dictatorship fell from power. The long and grueling interrogation scenes and male nudity may be a bit shocking to some but I tell you this is a good watch film. I’ve heard people before who walked out from cinema feeling that they’ve watched a movie that’s isn't worth their money but “Esprit de Corps” is a good deal of entertainment; it’s the kind of movie that stickily secure the audience to their seats from start to finish and mind you, all the seats inside the theater were all filled up (mainly millenials.)).

Hats off to the impressive performances of the three lead stars JC Santos, Sandino Martin Jr and VJ Mendoza. I wished that they be given more breaks in showbiz because they really deserved it and of course congratulations to the director of the movie Auraeus Solito AKA Kanakan Baligtagos for coming up with an engaging film. He’s also the director of another gay themed and acclaimed movie “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros.”

After watching the movie we walked around the area looking for a place to eat. We then went inside a new mall. There were a variety of choices: from gourmet to "tapsilog" but we ended up having our late dinner at sidestreet fastfood restaurant and then we headed back to our friend's place for late night converstation until it was time to go home at 1:00 a.m.

Film Review: "Respeto"

"RESPETO"

2017 Cinemalaya Film Festival Entry

Starring:  Abra, Dido de la Paz, Nor Domingo

Screenplay: Treb Monteras II, Njel de Mesa

Directed by: Treb Monteras II

Produced by : Arkeo Films

As I was scrolling online the schedule of movies showing about two weeks ago, I figured that "Respeto" was still showing in a few Metro Manila theaters so instead of doing nothing at home one lazy Sunday afternoon, I went to Market Market to catch up with the 4:50 pm scheduled screening.  Another Filipino film, Star Cinema's "Last Night" (starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga) was still showing but I opted to watch "Respeto" instead.

"Respeto" won the Best Picture award in the recent Cinemalaya Film Festival.  I actually watched 2 festival entries, these were "Nabubulok" and "Bagahe." I missed to watch "Respeto" or let's just put it this way, I actually overlooked it and one thing, I could only watch 2 films that day.

"Ano ang mas mahalaga sa iyo?  Pera o panalo? panalo o respeto? This is just one of the catchy lines from the movie. You can watch the trailer on this link

Initially, I was given the impression that "Respeto" was all about hard core fliptop battles and hip-hop culture but it's more than just that.  It also tackled real life issues that is prevalent in our present society vis-à-vis drug trafficking, poverty, police brutality, demolitions and political inclinations (depending on which side of the fence you are). 

Abra plays the role of Hendrix, an aspiring young rapper and an orphan entangled by poverty, forced by circumstances to work as drug courier.  He engaged himself on the side, participating in underworld fliptop battles but always end up heckled and loses in the process.  Frustrated to impress and gain respect, he tried to steal ideas of an old man (played by Dido de la Paz), a reclusive poet and owner of a run-down second hand book store.  At one point, the old man confronted him for stealing his ideas but one thing lead to another, he eventually became Hendrix's mentor.  The old man is suffering from mild schizophrenia and had unsettled issues with his son who is a corrupt policeman moonlighting as a drug trafficker.   Hendix's sister and her boyfriend work for the old man's son as drug pushers; the couple stays at home most the time  and uses Hendrix as their errand boy selling prohibited drugs to their customers.  As the drug business slowed down due to looming threat from the authorities, the cop found himself under pressure; he eventually killed the couple in order to silence them from exposing his involvement in drug trafficking.  His next target was Hendrix who hid in the house of the cop's father. The movie ends in a violent but well executed scene with the furious Hendrix killing the corrupt policeman as the latter tried to leave the scene after his father stopped him for attempting to kill Hendrix.  

It is interesting to note that this is Treb Montera's debut film and given the limited budget provided by Cinemalaya, he came up with a realistic and engaging film that's all worth your money and time. A high level of acting ensemble (including participation of real life rappers) contributed to the success of the film.  The role of Hendrix fits Abra perfectly and in many instances, he was just like acting himself throughout the film being a rapper who grew up in the streets.  The movie is not perfect but it certainly gave the audience a breather amidst the series of romcom movies that is dominating the local cinema scene.

Besides the special jury award for best film, "Respeto" also yielded additional awards including best supporting actor for Dido de la Paz and technical awards (best editing, Best Cinematography and best sound).