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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