C1 Originals 2018 Movie Reviews: Paglisan, Pang-MMK & A Short History Of A Few Bad Things

Here's the second part of my reviews for this year's Cinema One Originals competition films.

In Carl Joseph Papa's animated musical drama "Paglisan", we follow Crisanto and Dolores (Ian Veneracion and Eula Valdez) whose marriage is going through a rough patch. Going through a marital crisis, a couple’s marriage is tested when Crisanto is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease as Dolores sinks deeper into depression. "Paglisan" tells the story of how a married couple attempt to survive together through fading memories and fleeting identities. "Paglisan" also features the voices of Khalil Ramos and Junjun Quintana.

Though I must say that the rough animation (that gradually deteriorates by the end of the film maybe a representation of Crisanto's mental state as his disease takes over his mind ) was a bit distracting at first, I eventually fell it love with the entirety of the movie with its deeply moving story, fully realized characters and it's great musical numbers. I especially loved that "Do ReMi" moment where they sang "I Can" frok the 1996 movie. Ian Veneracion and Eula Valdez were both amazing as Crisanto and Dolores. Despite only hearing their voices, they managed to make us feel the pain and frustrations of their characters. Khalil Ramos and Junjun Quintana were great additions to the cast as they play the adorable couple Ian and Paul.

The only thing I could wish for would be a live action version of the film with the same cast. That would really awesome.

Rating: 9/ 10

John Lapuz makes his directorial debut with "Pang-MMK", a parody of the ABS CBN anthology. The story, which was even inspired by an actual episode from the show, follows Janus the legitimate son, who was given the stressful responsibility to take care of his father’s funeral. With the presence of a senator, constant phone calls from his mother (who was in the United States), and the conflict between his scandalous sister and his father’s mistress; the funeral became dramatic, chaotic, and hilarious. Pang MMK is about one’s strength of character, overcoming adversities, and facing them head strong. It stars Neil Coleta, Nikki Valdez, Zeppi Boromeo, Ricky Davao and Cherry Pie Picache with special participation from Ms. Charo Santos Concio.

"Pang-MMK" turns out to be one of the funniest local comedies I've seen in recent memory. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments. Some are so hysterically funny that I had to stop myself from laughing so loud inside the cinema. John Lapuz' script and direction were all on point. He really knows his way through the comedy genre. Neil Coleta and Nikki Valdez did a wonderful job in portraying the brother and sister star of the show. Nikki Valdez was especially hilarious in that "Family Room" scene. I just loved it. Period.

Rating: 9/ 10

Keith Deligero's "A Short History Of A Few Bad Things" follows Felix (played by Victor Neri), a troubled detective who struggles to solve a series of grisly killings, while a deep conspiracy works to keep the truth just out of his reach. Set in the southern Philippine city of Cebu, the film revolves around his investigation of the killings, and the shocking discovery he is about to find out.
I was quite surprised right from the first few minutes of the film because it wasn't what I was expecting. Or maybe I didn't have any expectations at all given the fact that I haven't seen a Keith Deligero film before. Nevertheless,  "A Short History Of A Few Bad Things" caught my heart from start to finish. From it's screenplay, cinematography and cast, the film is definitely one of the stand outs of the festival.

The screenplay (a mix of Bisaya, Tagalog and English dialect) by Paul Grant and Keith Deligero injects a lot of wit and humor into their tightly-written mystery. I was really shocked when it revealed it's mind-blowing twist. It reminded me so much of Shane Black's "The Nice Guys". The screenplay of "A Short History Of A Few Bad Things" is undeniably one of the best from local cinema this year, along with Chito Rono's "Signal Rock". Jay Gonzaga was so fun to watch as Felix' partner in the investigation. Victor Neri was incredible as the lead. Publio Briones stood out with his portrayal of Ouano, Felix' boss.

 "A Short History Of A Few Bad Things" is a fun, engrossing and highly entertaining take on the classic crime mystery genre. It's an impressive piece of cinema that is definitely not to be missed. One of the best from this year's festival.

Rating: 10/ 10