After a quite successful attempt of marketing indie films to the mainstream audience last year, the Metro Manila Film Festival is back with eight entries that will cater more types of moviegoers. MMFF Parade of Stars will be held on December 23 and nationwide screenings shall start on Christmas Day. Here's my take on the following movies.
ALL OF YOU
Why watch it: Mostly because of its director and lead actors. Dan Villegas has a good batting average. His last film, "Changing Partners", won major awards at Cinema One Originals and he has worked with JenDer before in "English Only, Please" that became a sleeper hit of MMFF 2015. We've also heard positive feedbacks from people who already saw it in their special screening.
ANG LARAWAN Why watch it: Unconventional and with the highest chance of winning. It's the film adaptation of "Larawan", which is the Filipino musical version of the iconic English play by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin. His obra was adapted to the big screen in 1965 by the first National Artist for Film Lamberto Avellana. Ang Larawan's powerhouse cast is directed by Loy Arcenas, who previously helmed "Niño" that's very identical to "A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino".
It's good. I've seen it. As a fan of the original English play, I can say that it delivered Nick Joaquin's message eleganty and entertaining at the same time. Joanna Ampil knocked it out of the park and the final song numbers are highly enjoyable. So if you still have faith in Filipino films, please watch this.
ANG PANDAY Why watch it: This is Coco Martin's directorial debut (as Rodel Nacianceno) and it's kinda interesting to see Flavio slash demons in Tondo. The official theme song by Gloc-9 and Ebe Dancel is freaking good!
DEADMA WALKING Why watch it: Palanca-awardee screenplay, tons of cameos and talented leads. "Deadma Walking" is the dark horse of this year's MMFF and probably the successor to Die Beautiful's success last year. It's also as funny as its trailer according to those who've seen it last week.
GANDARRAPIDDO: THE REVENGER SQUAD Why watch it: Vice Ganda. Pia Wurtzbach. Daniel Padilla. If you like them or if you have a FOMO, go watch it. Who knows? There might be some enjoyable cameos like the kid in their trailer.
HAUNTED FOREST Why watch it: If you have a horror movie tradition every Christmas like we do, you might wanna try this. Trailer looks okay and Regal is back in doing what they are most famous for.
MEANT TO BEH Why watch it: Every year, I have been praying for a good Vic Sotto entry because I grew up with his movies that are still funny today. "My Big Bossing" was okay but it's damn forgettable. Dawn Zulueta might be the Drew Barrymore of Vic Sotto's Adam Sandler-ish flicks. Plus, it has an interesting cast and director that weren't from Bossing's previous films.
SIARGAO Why watch it: I love Paul Soriano's "Balut Country". It's good, informative and pro-Pinoy. Hoping that this would also be the case for "Siargao". You can also rely on Echo, Erich and Jasmine. There are some visually-stunning shots in the trailer you don't wanna miss.
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See you in cinemas this Christmas and have a fruitful 2018!
Starring Edgar Allan Guzman, Joross Gamboa, Dimples Romana, Gerald Anderson and more
Directed by Julius Ruslin Alfonso
Written by Eric Cabahug
"The film adaptation of the Palaca-winning screenplay follows two gay best friends who embark on a hilarity-induced pursuit to fake one of their deaths."
Deadma Walking is an official entry to the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival
UNEXPECTEDLY YOURS
"Two former high school friends Patty and Cocoy find each other thirty years later not only as organizers of their high school reunion but also as neighbors. Patty and her daughter Yanni's quiet lives are shaken up when Cocoy and his nephew Jason comes knocking on their door."
Directed by Joyce Bernal
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
"A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. When an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks, the world's greatest detective -- Hercule Poirot -- arrives to interrogate all passengers and search for clues before the killer can strike again." Directed by Kenneth Branagh
BARBI D' WONDER BEKI
"A coming-of-age film that tells the story of Billy Bayagan, a closeted gay in a family of strict and conservative policemen. The film follows his journey of acceptance and love for his true self." Directed by Tony Y. Reyes
WONDER "Based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time." Directed by Stephen Chbosky
DADDY'S HOME 2
"Father and stepfather Dusty and Brad join forces to make Christmastime perfect for the children. Their newfound partnership soon gets put to the test when Dusty's old-school, macho dad and Brad's gentle father arrive to turn the holiday upside down. After a sudden change in plans, the four men decide to take the kids to a luxury resort for a fun-filled getaway that turns into a hilariously chaotic adventure."
Directed by Sean Anders
MIDNIGHT RUNNERS
"Two best friends who are students at the Korean National Police University accidentally witness a kidnapping and decide to work together to track it down."
Directed by Kim Joo-hwan
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Starring Coco Martin, Jake Cuenca, Gloria Romero, Jaime Fabregas, Awra Briguela, Elisse Joson, Lito Lapid, Ronwaldo Martin, Zaito, Bassilyo, Smugglaz, Phoebe Walker and more Directed by Rodel Nacianceno (Coco Martin)
"In this 2017 epic comeback of the iconic Pinoy hero, Coco Martin plays the grandson of the original Panday whose life will suddenly turn upside down when he realizes that his bloodline is destined to save humanity from the evil doings of Lizardo."
Ang Panday is an official entry to the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival. Flavio will return on Christmas Day!
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Starring Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Chadwick Boseman, Tom Holland, Sebastian ͏Stan, Paul Rudd, Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Tom Hiddleston, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Tessa Thompson, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Gwyneth Paltrow, Danai Gurira, Benedict Wong, Cobie Smulders and so much more
Directed by The Russo Brothers
Witness the end of an era on May 4, 2018 in Philippine cinemas
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Starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld, Elizabeth Banks, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, Alexis Knapp, Ruby Rose & John Michael Higgins
Directed by Trish Sie
Prepare for their last call-out on January 8, 2018 in Philippine cinemas!
"After the highs of winning the world championships, the Bellas find themselves split apart and discovering there aren't job prospects for making music with your mouth. But when they get the chance to reunite for an overseas USO tour, this group of awesome nerds will come together to make some music, and some questionable decisions, one last time."
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"Everyone deserves a great love story. But for Simon it's complicated: no-one knows he's gay and he doesn't know who the anonymous classmate is that he's fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, scary and life-changing."
Starring Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Miles Heizer, Keiynan Lonsdale, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel & Tony Hale
Directed by Greg Berlanti
Based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
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COCO "Despite his family's generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Hector, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history."
Directed by Lee Unkrich & Adrian Molina
BREATHE
"After contracting polio at the age of 28, Robin Cavendish is confined to a bed and given only months to live. With help from his wife Diana and her twin brothers, and the groundbreaking ideas of inventor Teddy Hall, Cavendish emerges from the hospital ward and devotes the rest of his life to helping fellow patients and the disabled."
Directed by Andy Serkis
TRIP UBUSAN: The Lolas vs. Zombies
"Catch Kalyseryes Lola Nidora, Lola Tinidora, and Lola Tidora in this hilarious movie as they, along with their little niece Charmaine, attempt to survive a zombie outbreak!" Directed by Mark A. Reyes V, DGPI
THE SNOWMAN (Ayala Malls Exclusive)
"For Detective Harry Hole, the death of a young woman during the first snowfall of winter feels like anything but a routine homicide. His investigation leads him to "The Snowman Killer," an elusive sociopath who continuously taunts Hole with cat-and-mouse games. As the vicious murders continue, Harry teams up with a brilliant recruit to try and lure the madman out of the shadows before he can strike again." Directed by Tomas Alfredson
SUBURBICON
"Suburbicon is a peaceful, idyllic, suburban community with affordable homes and manicured lawns -- the perfect place to raise a family, and in the summer of 1959, the Lodge family is doing just that. But the tranquil surface masks a disturbing reality, as husband and father Gardner Lodge must navigate the town's dark underbelly of betrayal, deceit and violence." Directed by George Clooney
BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99
"A former boxer loses his job as an auto mechanic, and his troubled marriage is about to expire. At this crossroads in his life, he feels that he has no better option than to work as a drug courier. He soon finds himself in a gunfight between police officers and his own ruthless allies. When the smoke clears, Bradley is badly hurt and thrown in prison, where his enemies force him to commit acts of violence that turn the place into a savage battleground." Directed by S. Craig Zahler
OLAF'S FROZEN ADVENTURE (opening short film for Coco) "When the kingdom of Arendelle empties out for the holiday season, Anna and Elsa realize that they have no family traditions of their own. So Olaf sets out on a merry mission to bring home the very best traditions and save Christmas." Directed by Kevin Deters & Stevie Wermers
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"A Yeti is convinced that the elusive creatures known as "humans" really do exist."
Starring Channing Tatum, Zendaya, Gina Rodriguez, Jimmy Tatro, James Corden, Danny DeVito, Common & LeBron James Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick
Starring Derek Ramsay & Jennylyn Mercado With the special participation of Sam Milby, Rafael Rosell & Solenn Heussaff Directed by Dan Villegas
"Gab and Gabby, two individuals who have strong opposing views on love and marriage, fall in love and agree to be in a committed relationship, notwithstanding their differing outlook in life. As they hit the 3-year mark, the couple find themselves back to where they started, as they ask themselves where their relationship is headed. Will they meet halfway or move on to different directions?"
An official entry to the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival Know the real score between Gab and Gabby on Christmas Day.
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Starring Joanna Ampil, Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino, Sandino Martin, Cris Villonco, Aicelle Santos, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Rayver Cruz, Ogie Alcasid and more Directed by Loy Arcenas
An official entry to the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival Discover the mysteries within the house of Don Lorenzo Marasigan on Christmas Day! Please like and share TMB on Facebook for more movie updates!
Starring Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg, Mel Brooks, Kevin James, Steve Buscemi, Keegan-Michael Key, Fran Drescher & David Spade Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky
"Mavis surprises Dracula with plans for a fun-filled summer voyage on a monster cruise. As the pack starts enjoying colossal buffets and exotic excursions, Drac finds himself falling for the ship's intriguing but dangerous captain. He soon learns that trying to balance family, friends and romance might just be too much to handle -- even for the world's most powerful vampire."
Cruise with the gang next year in Philippine cinemas!
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Starring Storm Reid, Levi Miller, Deric McCabe, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Peña, Zach Galifianakis & Chris Pine
Directed by Ava DuVernay
"Meg Murry and her little brother, Charles Wallace, have been without their scientist father, Mr. Murry, for five years, ever since he discovered a new planet and used the concept known as a tesseract to travel there. Joined by Meg's classmate Calvin O'Keefe and guided by the three mysterious astral travelers known as Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, the children brave a dangerous journey to a planet that possesses all of the evil in the universe."
Starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson & Zendaya
Featuring original songs by the Academy Award winning lyricists of La La Land
Directed by Michael Gracey
"Inspired by the imagination of P. T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business & tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation."
Coming soon in cinemas nationwide.
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Starring Chris Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky, Michael Peña & Taylor Sheridan
Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig
"In the wake of Sept. 11, Capt. Mitch Nelson leads a U.S. Special Forces team into Afghanistan for an extremely dangerous mission. Once there, the soldiers develop an uneasy partnership with the Northern Alliance to take down the Taliban and its al-Qaida allies. Outgunned and outnumbered, Nelson and his forces face overwhelming odds in a fight against a ruthless enemy that takes no prisoners."
Exploding soon in Philippine cinemas.
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Go behind the scenes of what could be the toughest shoot in Philippine cinema.
Starring Anne Curtis, Joross Gamboa & Brandon Vera
Here's what Director Erik Matti has to say about BuyBust:
"On our first scene-per-scene with the staff, after I explained everything we will be doing for the script, the main comment I got was that the film is "too ambitious". I panicked when I heard that comment. Too ambitious.
Being a filmmaker in a Third World country, I know what it means to be ambitious and not pull it off. I've had countless experiences on that in my other films. But I was determined to execute what I imagined BuyBust should be.
And so began the arduous preparations we had for BuyBust born out of my paranoia that we had to execute this film properly. Tests, tests and tests. Hair tests, wound tests, blood tests, squib tests, rain tests, fight tests, stab tests, explosion tests. It still cost money but at least not as much as when you have an entire cast and crew waiting on the sidelines.
This film may have taken two years of my life. Of the cast and crews lives too. And for someone used to the Third World turn around time for filmmaking, it took a lot of patience, passion, boiled eggs and iced coffee to see this through. Making a film this long felt that there is, indeed, forever. And we're still shy of three more days of shoot, mind you.
This is the toughest shoot I've ever done. And yes, this is ambitious. It was crazy, strange, hardworking and in most times, scary. But believe you me when I tell you, this is the most fun set I've ever had. If only I can show you a playback peek of the kind of dedication our cast and crew had on this film, you'd be amazed how we've done all these crazy dangerous shit and still laugh and smile about it at the end of the take.
Here's the first look into our film, #BuyBust. A peek into the process that went for almost two years, all compressed into two and a half minutes of teaser.
To the cast who never let go, even with all the body aches and pains that were too hard to endure, to all the headaches our producers suffered with the rise of the peso count left and right, to the staff who continued on without an ounce of angst and intrigue (and even found a bit of love on the side too), on every rain-soaked night on the set, to the stunt people who gave it their all-- getting thrown around, beaten up, falling from high places and doing it over and over again for countless takes and nights, here's everything we've worked hard for all these months of endless nights that practically changed our sleeping habits.
Finally, I think we're ready to share this with everyone.
Don't be swayed by my lengthy backstory. Hope you like it."
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Zazie Beetz, Brianna Hildebrand, Morena Baccarin, Stefan Kapicic & T.J. Miller
Directed by David Leitch
"After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Mayberry’s hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor – finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World’s Best Lover. "
Around June 2018 in Philippine cinemas.
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November 13-21: TriNoma, Glorietta, Gateway, Cinema '76, UP Cine Adarna & Cinematheque Centre Manila
November 22-28: Black Maria Cinema & Power Plant Mall
"Eight-year old Yael, shy to a fault, lives in her own private world. Everything changes when she finds out a pen that can translate the thoughts and feelings of nervous people."
A film by Shireen Seno
Starring Jana Agoncillo
With a special participation of Sid Lucero
See the world through the eyes of Yael on November 13-28 at TriNoma, Glorietta, Gateway, Cinematheque Centre Manila, UP Cine Adarna, Cinema '76, Power Plant Mall and Black Maria Cinema
For more info, go to our C1 Originals Guide
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"Erika and Tristan fell in love in their younger years. When they meet again, will Erika be willing to risk her heart again?"
Directed by Joel C. Lamangan
ALL I SEE IS YOU
"Gina is a beautiful young woman who's still haunted by the accident that took her sight years earlier. Living in Bangkok with her husband, James, she undergoes a cutting-edge operation that restores the vision to her right eye. Now that Gina can see again, she slowly starts to realize that her newfound independence makes James feel jealous, threatened and insecure."
"A coming-of-age film that tells the story of Billy Bayagan, a closeted gay in a family of strict and conservative policemen. The film follows his journey of acceptance and love for his true self."
Starring Paolo Ballesteros, Joey De Leon, Ejay Falcon, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, Joey Marquez, Smokey Manaloto, Nikki Valdez, Ruby Rodriguez, Kim Domingo, Benjie Paras, and more!
Directed by Tony Y. Reyes
Follow Barbi D' Wonder Beki on November 29 in cinemas nationwide!
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"Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history."
Directed by Lee Unkrich
Co-directed by Adrian Molina
Featuring the voices of Anthony Gonzales, Edward James Olmos, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach and Gael García Bernal
Celebrate life with Disney/Pixar's Coco on November 22, 2017 in Philippine cinemas!
"Believing they have left behind shadowy figures from their past, newlyweds Christian and Ana fully embrace an inextricable connection and shared life of luxury. But just as she steps into her role as Mrs. Grey and he relaxes into an unfamiliar stability, new threats could jeopardize their happy ending before it even begins."
Starring Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, Marcia Gay Harden, Rita Ora, Luke Grimes, Arielle Kebbel, Kim Basinger, Tyler Hoechlin, Callum Keith Rennie & Eloise Mumford
Directed by James Foley
Based on the novel by E L James
Get whipped by the last Fifty Shades chapter on February 7, 2018 in PH cinemas!
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"A documentary about Mt. Banahaw, its people, their culture and practices."
Directed by: Dempster Samarista
Be fascinated by Bundok Banahaw, Sacred and Profane will compete at Cinema One Originals 2017, which will be held on November 13 - 21 at Trinoma, Glorietta, Gateway, Cinema '76, Cinematheque Manila, and UP Cine Adarna.
For more info, go to our C1 Originals Guide
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"A documentary film about the Bahay na Pula in Bulacan and the stories of comfort women during the Japanese colonization."
Directed by Phyllis Grande Know the mystery behind Haunted: A Last Visit to the Red House at Cinema One Originals 2017, which will be held on November 13-28 at TriNoma, Gateway, Glorietta, Cinematheque Centre Manila, UP Cine Adarna, Power Plant Mall & Black Maria Cinema. For more info, go to our C1 Originals Guide. Like and follow TMB on Facebook for more movie updates
