SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL XV

A lot of things have changed since that disappointing experiment by Chito Roño two years ago. Can SRR redeem itself or is this the end of one of my favorite Christmas traditions?

Stimulating and brave are the two best adjectives to describe the first segment of SRRXV. First scene palang with Solenn Heussaff, sobrang stimulated ka na. Kidding aside, I think that this is a strong starter for an SRR film. Horror-factor is not there but the story is engaging. It’s fun seeing the old myth come to life. There are social commentaries about greed and vanity that’s applicable in today’s society. However, the film became overdramatic in the last act. Ending was okay.

Erich Gonzales’ voice sounds so convincing and naive. The CG snake is sexier than the human twin. JC de Vera was okay even if his character is somewhat unnecessary for this film to work. Ariel Rivera brought the staginess that hurt the movie. There’s a classic cameo in here that I don’t want to spoil but if you know the myth, you know who she is.

One thing is certain: Ahas has balls. 3.5/5

Second stories are usually the best among the three. This segment is strong, straightforward and effective with its horror. It establishes the tension between its characters from the get-go and is not afraid to throw twists because of its carefully-designed plot. You know that jump-scares are my pet peeves but Jerrold Tarog knows how to use them creatively. There’s a scene where a hand appeared below the bed that made me shrug in my seat. A tiny difference in the background is always creepier than a large figure booing in front of the screen, for me. Tarog’s camerawork trademarks are visible. My favorite shots are the spinning camera scenes. The subtle musical score is also fantastic.

"You're not you when you're hungry."

- Snickers

Story is slightly comparable but better than Chito Roño’s Feng Shui because it’s tighter and it has a great cast. Dennis Trillo and Carla Abellana were equally remarkable. Kryshee Grengia was also outstanding. Man, they drag that kid on the floor big time. The Voldemort-Gollum-Werewolf Lupin-Hunchback Dude from 300 guy was disgusting but Chanda Romero knocked them out of the park. Possible Best Supporting Actress.

A pinch of mystery, a spoonful of terror and scoops of artistic direction makes Ulam a well-served dish for people who are dying to see a good horror film in this age. 4/5!

My review for the last installment of the anthology will be as short and as thin as it is. A lot of people will be displeased with its lack of character development and creative deaths but I found it interesting. I didn’t appreciate Perci Intalan’s Dementia but I honestly liked this one. The CG tiyanak is awfully designed with its Tarzan movements and gomu gomu no umbilical cord. It really depends on how the viewer will look at this. Everyone is one-note. No one to care about. You’re just in for the kill. I only cringed at one scene where Matteo Guidicelli is doing a CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a baby. So wrong. Kim Atienza’s moments are unintentionally funny and the Betong-Bentong joke made me laugh.

Characters are poorly developed and the plot is successfully convoluted but Flight 666 cheats its way through me by committing to what it wants to be. 3/5!

I'm happy that John Lapus returned because his deaths are the biggest reasons why I watch SRR. Not once, but thrice!

Shake, Rattle & Roll XV proves that the Filipino horror is nowhere near to be dead. With the help of skillful filmmakers and fascinating superstitions in this country, the Christmas tradition will live and continuously adapt for generations to come.

TASTY PANSIT BUTIKI FLAVORED! 3.5/5

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