Featured: Jane Oineza of HAUNTED FOREST (2017)

Jane Oineza: our next Scream Queen

Jane Oineza is considered by many as one of the most talented young actresses of her generation. She have already received recognition not only here in the country, but also overseas. She won a World’s Best Actress certificate from the New York Festivals 2013, and got an International Emmy nomination for her performance in the MMK episode Manika (2012).

She had been playing supporting roles for quite some time, until she rose to fame after her Pinoy Big Brother stint way back 2014. And earlier this year, she finally had her first lead role in a movie with Star Cinema's murder mystery Bloody Crayons. Now, just a few months after her first lead role in a film, she has been selected to star Regal Film's latest horror movie offering, co-starring Jameson Blake, Maris Racal and Jon Lucas in Ian Loreños' "Haunted Forest". I had a little chat with her where we talked about her latest movie.

Source: Regal Films twitter page

Q: Can you tell us something about your latest movie, "Haunted Forest"?

Jane: Well, I'm playing Nica. My family had just moved into the province because of my dad, Aries played by Tito Raymart Santiago. There, I met my cousin Mitch played by Maris Racal. She introduced her friends to me (played by Jameson Blake and Jon Lucas) and we started out hanging out together. And that's when all the terror stars to unfold.

Q: How was it working again with Maris, whom you have previously worked with from your last movie, Bloody Crayons?

Jane: Uhm, it was nice because after Bloody Crayons, we were able to work together again. We had a lot of bonding moments every shooting day. There's one instance when I went a ride with her, like a road trip on our way to the shoot since the location was a bit far. Maris was so fun to hang out with. We still have our memories from our PBB days which is good. Nothing has changed. Actually, we became much closer.

Source: Haunted Forest Regal Films twitter page

Q: So in this movie, you are paired with Jameson Blake (thus, the loveteam Jameson). So how was it working with him?

Jane: It was okay. it was our first time working together. It was good.

Q: "Haunted Forest" is your second movie this year where you play the lead role. What was your first reaction when you learned that Regal Films picked you to star their latest movie?

Jane: Wow. Of course, i was surpised. I was shocked, because right after Bloody..., I have another work. But I feel blessed and thankful with Regal for trusting me with this project. That's why I gave my best here, so hopefully, people would like the movie.

Q:  Is it okay for you if people will give you the title as one of Philippines' horror princess today?

Jane: Taray! Grabe?! Well, nakakakilig. I mean, it's up to you guys (laughs). But of course, nakakakilig. It's nice to hear things like that from people.

Q: So aren't you worried to be typecast  in horror movie roles after your first two horror movies?

Jane: Not really. I mean, I'm happy with the work that they're giving me. And if my next projects are horror movies, then I'm good with that. I'm not really picky when it comes to projects. So if that's the blessing that they'll give me, I'm happy with it.

Source: Regal Films twitter page

Q: What should we expect from your movie "Haunted Forest"?

Jane: Well, you guys should prepare yourselves because this is sure to be a scary experience for everyone. We have a lot of surprises in store for you guys.

Q: So what is your motto in you life, in your career?

Jane: Well, I guess "Be yourself always. Be true to you, to who you are. Be patient. Be kind. And work hard. Never quit."

Q: Lastly, describe Jane Oineza in one word.

Jane: I guess, Hard-working.

"Be yourself always. Be true to you, to who you are. Be patient. Be kind. And work hard. Never quit." Jane Oineza

So that's it, folks. Let's all watch out for our latest horror teen princess, Jane Oineza, in the highly anticipated horror movie event of the year from Regal Films, "Haunted Forest", coming very soon in cinemas.

Cinema One Originals 2017 (World Cinema) Movie Review: Luca Guadagnino's "Call Me By Your Name"

Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer in "Call Me By Your Name" (2017)

One of the most highly anticipated films of the year and has received unanimous acclaim from international critics, "Call Me By Your Name" (2017) Luca Guadagnino's adaptation of the 2007 novel of the same name by André Aciman, had it's Philippine premiere last November 18, 2017 in Trinoma as part of the World Cinema section of this year's Cinema One Originals. The romantic coming-of-age drama film will be screened in four select cinemas in Metro Manila, and most of these screenings are sold-out already.

Everyone, including me, has been looking forward to seeing this film since it was announced to be part of the 2017 Cinema One Originals. Therefore, this will be a special review since this is the first foreign film I will be writing about here in my blog. Yes, this film is that special. Set in Italy in 1983, Call Me by Your Name chronicles the romantic relationship between a 17-year-old Italian-American, Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), and his father's American student, Oliver (Armie Hammer). It serves as the third and final installment in Guadagnino's Desire trilogy, following I Am Love (2009) and A Bigger Splash (2015).

It's the summer of 1983 in the north of Italy, and Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet), a precocious 17- year-old American-Italian, spends his days in his family’s 17th century villa transcribing and playing classical music, reading, and flirting with his friend Marzia (Esther Garrel). Elio enjoys a close relationship with his father (Michael Stuhlbarg), an eminent professor specializing in Greco-Roman culture, and his mother Annella (Amira Casar), a translator, who favor him with the fruits of high culture in a setting that overflows with natural delights. While Elio's sophistication and intellectual gifts suggest he is already a fully-fledged adult, there is much that yet remains innocent and unformed about him, particularly about matters of the heart.

One day, Oliver (Armie Hammer), a charming American scholar working on his doctorate, arrives as the annual summer intern tasked with helping Elio's father. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of the setting, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever.

Luca Guadagnino has been internationally renowned for his critically-acclaimed films for quite some time now. But to be honest, I haven't seen any of his past works before, making Call Me By Your Name the first. I am planning to check out his previous film, A Bigger Splash, starring Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson, and Matthias Schoenaerts and I've been looking forward to his 2018 remake of Dario Argento’s cult classic horror film, Suspiria,starring Tilda Swinton, Chloe Grace Moretz and Dakota Johnson. Because I am not very familiar with his works, I really had no idea what to expect with Call Me By Your Name. To reiterate, I haven't read the book by André Aciman, therefore I am not in the right position to say whether this was a good adaptation or not. But judging it as a movie that I have seen in the cinema, I can confidently say that this is one of the year's best films.

I love the slow build-up of Elio and Oliver's relationship, with Elio at first resenting the latter for his American ways (like his unusual way of bidding goodbye with "later"). Eventually, he starts to become curious with this American stranger, until his curiosity develops into an attraction. It kinda reminds me of my favorite film, Petersen Vargas' 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten where the main character Felix who was originally curious about his new Fil-Am classmate Magnus, and ends up developing feelings for him. As his attraction starts to get get stronger each day (he starts secretly entering Oliver's room and smelling his underwear and thinking of him while masturbating), he is unsure whether he should tell the latter his true feelings. His parents advised him to do so, and when he does, it was poetic. Oliver soon reciprocates his feeling for him, thus starting a love story doomed to end once the summer ends.

The way all of this things unfold is what makes Call Me By Your Name different from most romantic coming-of-age films nowadays. The film doesn't rush it's story. Instead, it takes it time in letting it's main characters realize their true feelings for one another. The audience is left waiting and wanting them to be together, and when they do, it's beautiful. This could not have worked if not for the film's two amazing leads. Timothée Chalamet gives Elio that pale, young, fragile look which perfectly matches Armie Hammer's Oliver- vibrant, carefree, and masculine. The two of them looks good together. and whenever they play and flirt around in one scene from another, the screen is oozing with their chemistry.

Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Elio was so raw and honest. The way his body moves, whenever he's dancing while walking around or whenever he's just alone in his room or when he is around with his friends, he is Elio and he definitely owns the role. The way he looks at Oliver, you can really see and feel the desire and emotions in his eyes. These are the same eyes that will break your heart in the film's finale. Armie Hammer partners this with his fun and vibrant performance as Oliver. He is believable as a scholar, and he wows everyone in one particular scene where he carefully explains the history of a name of a fruit. And once the two of them join together in one scene, it is explosive. The frame is burning with so much intensity and sexiness even before they start undressing. This may be the year's sexiest movie, way more titillating than the latest sequel of the Fifty Shades movies.


It's good to know that Guadagnino wasn't actually interested in sex in the movie. It was the same reason why he had to edit a lot of sexually explicit scenes in the film's original draft. According to him, he just wants to focus on two people having a moment. He wanted the audience to completely rely on the emotional travel of these people and feel first love And he did. And he did it so well that even if there were no explicit nudity from the two leads nor hardcore sex scenes happening onscreen, the picture still ended up scorching hot.

Luca Guadagnino also transports us into the hot summer of 1983 somewhere in Northern Italy with the film's beautiful soundtrack and luscious cinematography. The music matches the atmosphere of the film, nostalgic, wistful and will leave you longing for the yesteryear. The cinematography is so stunning. Each scene is blooming with colors and lights, making the picture look so crisp and real. You can really feel heat of the summer afternoons and feel the coolness of the refreshing water in the river with the film's cinematography. From the village of Crema, Lombardy to the quiet dirt roads where the two characters rides their bike, every single location comes to life with the long, luscious camera works. I especially liked the shots in the lake scene where Elio, his father and Oliver went to check out some pieces of antiquity recovered from the lake. The scene was so brightly lit that when they showed a close-up shot of the water, it felt like it was going to splash out of the screen. It was that gorgeous.

I also loved the script, penned by James Ivory. It was so poetic and memorable that you'd want to hear it over and over it. From the beautiful advises received by Elio from Amira Casar's Annella, his mother to the  heartfelt revelations by Michael Stuhlbarg's Mr. Lyle, his father towards the end of the film, every word was divine.

"We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster than we should that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new. But to feel nothing so as not to feel anything - what a waste!" 

-says Mr. Lyle to Elio in one of the scenes. These words, although beautifully written, are also painfully true.

" Nature has cunning ways of finding our weakest spot." I agree.

Then, just when you thought you could already breathe out of all the sadness of the film comes one of the most heart-wrenching post-credits scene in recent memory. God, Timothée Chalamet sure is a heart breaker. Call Me By Your Name is already a cult classic in the making. A film sure to steal all the trophies from the upcoming awards season. Luca Guadagnino's romantic coming-of-age story is an honest, sultry, poignant and beautiful portrayal of a boy's first love.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Call Me By Your Name" (2017)

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer

Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Marilou Diaz-Abaya's "MORAL" (1982) Digitally Restored & Remastered

Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Moral (1982)

1982 was a big year for Philippine cinema. The year's Metro Manila Film Festival debuted the all time favorite, critically-acclaimed masterpiece from Ishmael Bernal- the Nora Aunor starrer Himala. But aside from that, the film's writer, master storyteller Ricky Lee wrote another praise-worthy movie released at that same time. Moral (1982) produced by Seven Star Productions and directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, starred Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong and Anna Marin. One of the official entries for the 1982 MMFF, it's a four-story movie about four friends at the height of youth activism in the years before Martial Law.

And last November 16, 2017 at the Trinoma Cinema 2, the ABS-CBN Film Restoration unveiled the film's digitally restored and remastered version. The special screening was graced by the film's writer, Mr. Ricky Lee himself, Marc Abaya (son of the lte director Marilou Diaz-Abaya) and one of the film's star, Ms. Lorna Tolentino. I was lucky enough to be invited and be part of the said event by the ABS-CBN Film Restoration.

With the Grand Slam Queen Ms. Lorna Tolentino

The film opens with the wedding of Maritess (Anna Marin) attended by her three classmates and best friends: Joey (Lorna Tolentino), Kathy (Gina Alajar) and Sylvia (Sandy Andolong). Joey is a drug user who sleeps around with different men. Kathy is a mediocre singer who will stop at nothing to fulfill her dream of the big-time. Sylvia is a liberated woman who finds security in the love of her gay ex-husband who is now living in with another man. Maritess ended up as a conventional housewife, who is reduced to a baby-making machine. In the span of three years from 1979 to 1982 the film traces the lives of these four women through their seemingly desperate but also interwoven experiences, and in their attempts to resolve their individual problems, are mirrored the different faces of the woman in our society today.

Despite the film being more than thirty years old already, it's undeniably entertaining. Honestly, I didn't even noticed the film's two hours and thirty minute running time because there was no dull or boring moment in the film. Each of the four characters had their own unique experiences, each telling a different story. I particularly liked Joey and Kathy's journey. Kathy's obsession of becoming famous is something that is very common these days in the age of social media. Joey's attempt of finding love from a guy who doesn't have feelings for her is something that anyone can relate to. The script, penned by Lee, was brimming with hip language, deep realizations in life and lovely humor. Matched with the artistic direction of helmer Marilou Diaz-Abaya, I love how the film's script introduced these four characters and build them up in a way that the audience can sympathize with them and willingly follow their lives. The way the characters were written and brought to life felt so raw and real.

The film boasts a powerful cast not only in the lead but also in it's supporting roles. There's the surprising portrayal of Juan Rodrigo and Lito Pimentel as Sylvia's gay ex and his lover. Dexter Doria steals the show with her short but memorable portrayal of a jealous mistress. We also have Odette Khan and Laurice Guillen to complete the list. Anna Marin and Sandy Andolong were both great in their roles as Maritess and Sylvia respectively. Gina Alajar's unforgettable turn as the ambitious Kathy was a really fun one. She brought the whole theater into laughter with her humorous quips and jokes. Watch out for that scene where she tries to hang out with Claire Dela Fuente and Amy Austria. It was absolutely hilarious and is probably one of the unforgettable scenes in the film. Lorna Tolentino was outstanding in her tour de force performance as the troubled Joey. She really stood out in this movie. I particularly liked those moments she shared with Ms. Laurice Guillen who plays her mother.

Regarding the film's quality, it was already made clear early on before the film played that there were a lot of difficulties in the restoration. This is because the film reels that they were able to contain had suffered from mold damage. This greatly affected the film's look and sound. Although there were some green shades that appear onscreen during some parts of the film, I think they were able to do a pretty good job in restoring the film. The whole movie still looks stunning in high definition. Overall, this has been one of those restored classics that I really enjoyed watching. I am surely looking forward to seeing more of these restored classics.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Moral" (1982)
Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, starring Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong and Anna Marin

Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Joseph Teoxon's "Throwback Today"

If given a chance, would you want to change your life? What would you change? Or should I say, when? That is the question posted by Joseph Teoxon's sci-fi dramedy "Throwback Today". The film stars Carlo Aquino who plays Primo, the protagonist of the story. It also stars Empress Schuck, Annicka Dolonius, Allan Paule and Kat Galang and is one of the official entries to this year's Cinema One Originals.

In Throwback Today, we follow Primo, who seems like he has ran out of luck in his life: he is jobless, he's about to get thrown out of their house and the girl he loves is about to get married. That is until one day, he discovers that he can communicate with his younger self through an online chat room. Primo is convinced that he is failing so much today because of what he has done in the past, so he decided to convince his younger self to help him change the past to change the future.

Carlo Aquino plays Primo
Screenshot from the trailer

During the first few minutes of the film, I immediately thought that this has some similarities with the Hollywood movie The Butterfly Effect (2004) starring Ashton Kutcher. Both film feature a male lead character trying to change his current situation in life by changing things from his past. Both films have drastic consequences in the present for every change that takes place in the past. But Joseph Teoxon's sci-fi dramedy has enough distinction from the latter. Though the two films have a similar premise, Throwback Today has more heart. It's more lighter in tone and thus, far more enjoyable than the other one. Although the concept of changing your past isn't new anymore as we have seen a lot of films recycling the same concept over and over again, this sci-fi entry stands out with it's fun and entertaining execution.

The film's witty and humorous script  was successful in keeping audiences' attention for a long time. There's a lot of really hilarious moments that made the crowd laugh out loud inside the cinema. The film never felt boring or dragging. The pacing was consistent all throughout. The characters were all written very well. It's like they're someone you've known from your high school or college days. These are characters that you can really connect with. That you can see yourself into. That's why it's hard not to fall for and root for these characters. I also loved that the story did not turned out like I expected it to be. The last part of the film was unpredictable. It took  different turn and decided to leave the whole thing to it's main character to resolve. It's nice that the film took a different route for it's resolution. It was totally unexpected and I really appreciate it. It's almost felt like watching a feel good movie.

Of course, the biggest asset of the film is it's talented cast. It's so nice to see Annicka Dolonius again after her stint in one of my favorite indie films, Ang Nawawala (2012) and in the surf movie Apocalypse Child (2015). She fit the role as she has this mysterious aura whenever she's onscreen. Empress Schuck was also good in her portrayal of Primo's best friend. But the real star of the film is Carlo Aquino, who gives a very committed performance as the protagonist, Primo. After his stint in the youth oriented film Bar Boys earlier this year, I've decided to follow Carlo Aquino's next projects and Throwback Today was the perfect movie for him. He definitely looked and felt so convincing as Primo. Whenever he's onscreen, one can't help but to be magnetized with his charm. He is able to shift from high and low emotions and still keep us glued to the screen with presence.

I pretty much enjoyed Joseph Teoxon's sci-fi "Throwback Today". This is the type of film that anyone can easily appreciate. It isn't bombastic in any way. But it's a simple movie that will leave a smile in your face once you leave the cinema.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Throwback Today" (2017)
Directed by Joseph Teoxon, starring Carlo Aquino, Empress Schuck, Annicka Dolonius, Allan Paule and Kat Galang
An official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals Film Festival

Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Danny L. Zialcita's "Langis at Tubig" (1980) Digitally Restored & Remastered

If two marriages is bigamy, is one... monotony?

Back when the Metro Manila Film Festival wasn't all about the money, but instead about the movies, melodrama master Danny L. Zialcita (T-Bird at ako, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan?, Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi) blessed the MMFF patrons with a one of a kind film that made a big impact in Philippine cinema. Langis at Tubig (1980) starring Vilma Santos, Amy Austria and Dindo Fernando is one of those classic romance drama films that tackled infidelity in a whole new way. And last November 14, 2017 at Glorietta Cinema 4, the ABS-CBN Film Restoration has unveiled the film's digitally restored and remastered version, as part of this year's Cinema One Originals festival.

Thank you ABS-CBN Film Restoration for the invitation!

Bobby (Dindo Fernando) is a man secretly in love with his neighbour and friend Cory (Vilma Santos) but who is living-in with her partner Charlie (Ronaldo Valdez). However, Cory decides to leave Charlie upon discovering his deepest secret that he is a married man. This gives Bobby the chance to show his true feelings for Cory and marries her even adopting the child Charlie has left in her womb. Bobby lives the life of a perfect husband with Cory and accepts a job assignment in Albay shuttling to and from Manila to support his new family. In the province, he meets Pilar (Amy Austria) a lovely town girl. His friendship with Pilar blossoms and they find themselves falling for each other, with Bobby concealing his real marital status. Soon the two learn that she is pregnant and the family forces them into marriage. Consequently, the women discover that Bobby is living a lie and is married to two women. He is forced to make a crucial decision, which of his marriages must be honour? Or will he faced the prospect of getting charged with bigamy? Source: Star for All Seasons 

The film's set-up is pretty much simple. We have seen a lot of similarly themed drama films in the past that tackles infidelity. Only here, the man ended up marrying both women. What sets this movie apart from the other is the way the movie was stylized. It stands out among other films with Danny L. Zialcita's trademark: his witty script brimming with quotable quotes like “…handa akong magparaya, kung gusto niya isang linggo sa kanya, isang linggo sa akin. Kung ayaw niya, anim na araw sa kanya, isang araw sa akin. Kung ayaw pa rin niya lahat na ng araw ay sa kanya na." These quotes which were very beautiful and poetic (though a bit campy and cheesy at times) makes every conversation of the characters so much fun and engaging. The way the actors also deliver these lines makes the dialogues believable and acceptable. They are so committed to each character that they're playing. 

I actually loved the way Zialcita shot the scenes when a tension starts to unfold or a revelation is made. They were very campy and it felt like you're watching a telenovela, particularly those zoom in shots to the character's faces when they hear or discover something. Then, there's the crazy sex scenes that ranges from poetic (like Cory and Bobby having their honeymoon in the forest) to downright outrageous (Pilar and Bobby's sex at the hay stack intercut with clips of a fruit being cleaved in half).

All of this couldn't have worked if not for the wonderful cast of the film. Dindo Fernando proved his amazing acting skills here in this film. No wonder he was awarded the FAMAS and the MMFF Best Actor award that year for his portrayal of Bobby. Amy Austria was also good in her performance as Pilar. It was so fun when she started planning on confronting Cory about their husband. She was also able show off her dramatic prowess during her scenes with her emotional father.

Tatay: Ganoon mo ba siya kamahal? 

Pilar: Tulad ng lupa at ng bahay na nakatirik doon. Tamaan man ng hangin, susuhayan. Daanan man ng bagyo, tatayo. Pasukin man ng dayuhan, ipaglalaban. Ikamamatay.

I was so surprised when Vic Silayan showed up in a special role as the judge. It was fun seeing him in other roles since the only movie I recall seeing him was Kisapmata (1981). There's also that hilarious aunt played by Adul de Leon that got everyone inside the cinema laughing. Of course, Vilma Santos will always be Vilma Santos. She was amazing in her portrayal of Cory. Director Zialcita gave her a lot of great moments to shine in this film. She also had the most number of unforgettable lines among the characters. Only Ms. Vilma Santos can throw ridiculously long lines like these but still sound believable and sympathetic.

"...Bobby you gave me hope. You made me a wife. You showed me love when there's only hatred. Ginawa mo ako kung ano ako ngayon, babae."

Regarding the digital restoration of the film, I must say that Central Digital Lab did a wonderful job in digitizing, restoring, and remastering this classic. The picture looks so crisp and stunning in high definition. It was like the film was just shot yesterday. Though there were some parts when the audio sound changed (it was explained early before the screening that they had to use different sources of the audio of the film, including one the version for television broadcast), this did not really affected my enjoyment of the film. We are indeed so lucky that we have organizations like the ABS-CBN Film Archives who aims in preserving classic Filipino films before it's too late. If not because of them, maybe we won't get a chance to get a glimpse of these masterpiece. I definitely agree, we all deserve to watch classic films.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Langis at Tubig" (1980)
Directed by Danny L. Zialcita, starring Vilma Santos, Amy Austria and Dindo Fernando

Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Kip Oebanda's "Nay"

Ms. Sylvia Sanchez is "Nay"

After his critically-acclaimed youth oriented film Bar Boys which debuted at the first Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, director Kip Oebanda is back. This time, he takes on a classic Filipino folklore and gives it a new, millennial spin. Tagged as a gore film, this horror drama mixes shocks with political messages and underlying themes. “Nay”, written and directed by Kip Oebanda, stars a pretty interesting cast, led by Enchong Dee, Jameson Blake and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, together with Harvey Bautista and Carla Humphries and is one of the official entries to the Cinema One Originals 2017.

Martin's (Enchong Dee) sheltered life is turned around when he gets terminally ill. To save his life, his beloved yaya, Nay Luisa (Sylvia Sanchez) turns him into something truly horrifying. He must choose between dying or becoming a monster that preys on the poor and the weak in city where dehumanization has become the norm.

Screenshots from the trailer

The film is perfect for the theme of this year’s Cinema One Originals film festival: Walang Takot (fearless).The film’s story is not just about the plight of Martin’s character after being turned into an aswang. It also tackles very important and relevant issues today, particularly on extra-judicial killings. Though technically a horror film, Nay hides a lot of political and social overtones underneath it’s bloody and violent skin. It offers a very timely commentary on our society’s morality nowadays, particularly how we are slowly being desensitized to violence around us. At one point of the film, Nay Luisa asks Martin who is he to judge who should die and who should live. This pretty much mirrors how the people responsible for those extra-judicial killings are deciding whether it’s better if one man should just die instead of giving him a chance to change.

The film’s boasts a very powerful cast. Enchong Dee was really good in portraying the young yuppie Martin. He was able to convey a lot of emotions for his character, particularly during the time he was suffering from his illness. Jameson Blake has improved a lot since his past stint in 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten and Nabubulok. He has grown into the craft he is passionate about. I think he should get more challenging roles because for sure, he’s going to nail them. I was impressed with Carla Humhries and Harvey Baustista in this movie. And of course, who can forget Ms. Sylvia Sanchez’ tour de force performance as the title role Nay. She surprised us with her bravura take on her character. She was magnetic and captivating. She quickly shifts from being funny to scary. It was a performance that deserves recognition, perhaps a Best Actress award.

And yes, the film succeeds in it’s promises of gore. Nay is definitely one of the bloodiest Pinoy horror films I’ve seen, with it’s shocking and brutal visuals. It doesn’t care about jump scares an instead, it’s focused on shocking the audience with it’s unapologetic blood shedding. Though it’s not as gory as other foreign gore films I’ve seen, it has enough to satisfy my cravings as a gorehound. The pacing of the film was slow, but it was okay. It wasn’t really boring because of the witty script, combining shocks and humor. So far, this is one of the best Aswang movies I’ve seen in local cinema. Also, some of the scenes of the film reminds me of the Spanish horror film REC . And that ending has some Hannibal feels in it.

Watching Nay was a great way to start my Cinema One Originals experience this year. It’s shocking, brutal and bloody. But it’s also funny and entertaining, plus it’s timely commentary on our society’s issues today is very relevant. A millennial Aswang film? What more can you ask for?

Rating: ✰✰✰✰1/2  of 5

"Nay" (2017) directed by Kip Oebanda, Enchong Dee, Jameson Blake and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez

An official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals Film Festival

Movie Review: Chito S. Rono's "The Ghost Bride" (2017)

Kim Chui is "The Ghost Bride"

Back in 2004, when Philippine cinema was said to be already dying, director Chito S. Rono (then known for his remake of Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara) gave Filipinos a horror film that brought back audiences to cinemas. Feng Shui (2004) broke box-office records and gave it’s star, Kris Aquino, the title box-office horror queen. The film revolves around a curse brought upon by a mysterious Chinese home ornament, a bagua. After this, Chito Rono followed this up with yet another box-office smash hit, Sukob (2006) which revolves around a curse from a Filipino wedding superstition. These films were two of my favorite al-time Pinoy movies, and they’re the reason why I first fell in love with the horror genre. That’s why I have been looking forward to Chito Rono’s return to form after a three year break from his last horror hit, Feng Shui 2 (2014). This time, he tackles yet another Chinese belief, an old tradition that is almost non-exist already in "The Ghost Bride".

To save her family from being homeless and her father (Robert Sena) suffering from a heart condition, Mayen (Kim Chiu) desperately agrees to take the offer of a Chinese matchmaker (Alice Dixson) for a huge amount of money. In exchange, Mayen must submit herself as a Ghost Bride to a wealthy but dead Chinese man. This deal, however, happens to be a deadly curse when the deceased groom's ghost becomes jealous and possessive of Mayen. It begins to take a toll on her and the people close to her heart. Ultimately, Mayen must make a choice on how to save herself, and most especially her family.

Screenshots from the trailer

The story is actually pretty interesting. It amps up the film’s weirdness as the story delves further into old and unusual Chinese beliefs. The film takes it’s time before the actual conflict starts. Instead, it focused on introducing it’s characters, particularly it’s protagonist, Mayen (Kim Chui). The film takes it’s time in building her character and making us understand her current situation so that we can empathize with her and accept the actions she will be taking. Unlike most of Chito Rono’s previous horror films (Feng Shui, Sukob, The Healing), this movie doesn’t follow the typical slasher format. It doesn’t focus on raising the body count and instead, focusing on terrorizing it’s main character. Yes, there are some characters that gets killed along the way but they’re not that many as compared to the other films by Chito Rono. This is not another Feng Shui movie. Here, Chito Rono is focused on scaring the audience through Mayen and not through contant death sequences.

One thing that I also liked about this movie is that it’s characters were people you can sympathize. Mayen is your regular daughter who is willing to do anything for her family. Any breadwinner in the audience can relate to her actions. I liked that the characters in the story weren’t all introduced just to be killed off and to increase the body count. Instead, they all have a purpose, with the exception of Jerome Ponce which I did not really understand if his character has any use in the story. I mean, I love Jerome Ponce and he’s a good actor. But I think his character should have been given something to do at least, because honestly, the story could still move forward without his character. Aside from this, I love the rest of the characters of the story, especially Mayen’s auntie Akoh (Beverly Sarmiento) and her brother, Ahia (Victor Silayan).

This movie proves that no one can still top director Chito Rono when it comes to horror. He sure knows how to scare his audiences. Although his last horror film, Feng Shui 2, wasn’t that good (the movie starts out really fun and scary but the other half up being dragging and scare-free), he was able to redeem himself with The Ghost Bride. He was able to set up some pretty creepy moments, but the best part were those nicely doen ump scares that will get you when you least expect them. Not a lot of Filipino horror movies nowadays can do that to me but this movie was successful in giving me the scares. Also, the film’s weird concept really gives out a lot of creepiness to the film making it unique and unsettling.

The film also boast a powerful cast. Alice Dixson was magnetic as the matchmaker Angie Lao. Her portrayal was admittedly over-the-top, but she definitely nailed the part. Despite a lot of people stating that her stereotypical Chinoy accent sounded awkward, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I actually loved it. I think her weird portrayal adds some weirdness to her character and I would love to see more of Angie Lao in the future, maybe a sequel to the film or who knows, a spin-off about her character. Beverly Sarmiento also deserves some praise for her bravura performance as Mayen’s Akoh. She was one of my favorite characters from the movie and her psychic visions were really cool. Isay Alvarez was unrecognizable as the monk Suan Ming. I’ve never imagined her in a role like that and she reminded me so much of Tilda Swinton from the Marvel movie Doctor Strange. Christian Bables was also commendable in his short role. Of course, I have to admit, Kim Chui was the perfect choice for Mayen. I don’t think the film could have worked if some other actress were playing the lead role. She was Mayen and she definitely owned it.

The film also deserves some praise for it’s extravagant production values. From the sets to the look of the ghosts, everything was really good. I especially loved the part when Mayen’s character went to Nepal. The temple that they’ve used as a backdrop was stunning, and the view of the mountains in the finale was mesmerizing. I also enjoyed the film’s representation of hell. Though a lot of people hated that part, I loved it. It reminded me of the works of the Pang Brothers, particularly their horror flicks The Child’s Eye and Re-cycle.

The only other thing that I didn’t liked about the film is that there were some moments when there’s to much dialogue. I mean, you and your family’s life is already about to get endangered, yet you still have to bother having a small chit-chat with them? Too much talk instead of action. But aside from that, the whole movie was fantastic. This is a movie that is definitely worth your money. It promises a good time in the cinema and it delivers. It is the best example of a Chito Rono horror movie experience.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"The Ghost Bride" directed by Chito S. Rono, starring Kim Chiu, Matteo Guidicelli, Alice Dixson and Christian Bables