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.
For more movie updates, kindly like and share TMB on Facebook.
See you in cinemas this Christmas and have a fruitful 2018!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more movie updates, kindly like and share TMB on Facebook.
See you in cinemas this Christmas and have a fruitful 2018!
