"Class Of 2018" Movie Review: The Kids Are Goin' Crazy In This Fun Teensploitation

T-Rex Entertainment brings together some of the country's favorite teen stars in one of the most highly anticipated local films this year. "Class Of 2018", directed by Charliebebs Gohetia, and co-written with Jericho Aguado, features "Goin' Bulilit" alumni Sharlene San Pedro, Nash Aguas ,Kristel Fulgar, CJ Navato and Kiray Celis. They are joined by T-Rex Artists Lara Fortuna and Aga Arceo, together with veteran actors like Yayo Aguila (Kiko Boksingero), Adrian Alandy, Dido dela Paz (Respeto) and Alex Medina (Babagwa, Heneral Luna). The film also stars Jomari Angeles (Ma' Rosa, Hintayan Ng Langit), Ethan Salvador (2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral), Michelle Vito, Kelvin Miranda, Nikki Gonzales, Shara Dizon, Hanna Francisco, Renshi de Guzman, Dylan Ray Talon (Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus), Micah Jackson, Jude Servilla (Bagyong Bheverlynn), John Vic De Guzman (Seklusyon), Yvette Sanchez, Jerom Canlas, Noubikko Ray and Sherry Lara.

"Class Of 2018" follows the students of Section Zamora, the section where Del Pilar National High School’s young misfits, losers, and delinquents usually end up in. Everyone knows that anyone in Section Z has no chance of a good future. When Section Z goes on a field trip to Mt. Bantayog for an Earth Science project, one of them contracts a mysterious virus. The infected student quickly develops disturbing symptoms, eventually driving him to attack the rest of his classmates. Out of nowhere, the military swoops in and quarantines the class in an abandoned facility somewhere deep in the forest to control the spreading of the virus. While inside the quarantine zone, everyone in Section Z is forced to fight for survival. Their issues with each other arise as quickly as the spreading of the mysterious virus, which heightens the infected’s aggression and thirst for violence. Believing that a proper future is waiting for them outside, the surviving students gear up to fight their infected classmates, who have transformed into mindless violent monsters. With the additional threat of the military who quarantined them for suspicious reasons, will the students make it out alive?

"Class Of 2018" doesn't really work as a horror film. It's more of a scifi thriller infused with some comedy. Imagine "The Maze Runner" meets "Battle Royale" with a Pinoy flavor. Its premise may not be new to us since we have seen many stories about experiments gone wrong in movies, but the script from Charliebebs Gohetia and Jericho Aguado manages to be interesting enough as they stuffed it with many twists and turns. Gohetia, who recently directed the Cinema One Originals comedy film "Bagyong Bheverlynn", infused the story with effective humor that creates a perfect balance between violence and laughs. The production values were okay, plus it has some nice visuals (despite some rough CGI), particularly the playful cinematography.

But the biggest aspect as to why the film works is because of its cast. It was so nostalgic to watch Sharlene San Pedro and Nash Aguas together since I have witnessed these two grow up from those cute little child actors back then to the teens that they are now. Their acting prowess were on full display of the film. NashLene fans will also get their money's worth because of their sweet little moments together. Kiray Celis was so fun to watch as your typical mean girl/ queen bee. I don't know why Michelle Vito keeps on getting typecast as the dumb rich or mean girl in movies ("irregardless?") but to her credit, she does the job really, really good. CJ Navato was okay as the nerd of the group, though he didn't really have anything to do except to make theories about what's going around them. Ethan Salvador and Jomari Angeles (both from the film "2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten") did a great job with their roles as Nash Aguas' buddies. Lara Fortuna was a revelation as the ass-kicking fighter in the group. But it was Kristel Fulgar who stole the spotlight as the mean girl turned good girl of the class. Her character was the most interesting one among the class. Kristel's performance was probably the best in the film. Her funny and quirky portrayal added to the enjoyment of watching the film.

Of course, the film isn't that perfect. It has several plotholes, some really bad characters who always choose making stupid decisions (like risking your life and another person's for a necklace?), and those weird visions of the characters' future whenever they die. The scares also don't work that much. I also sensed that some of the characters don't feel any danger at all.

Despite its flaws, "Class Of 2018" is a pretty engaging and amusing teensploitation. And aside from its entertainment value, it's also a morality play on today's society and a critique on this generation's youth, in the guise of a teen horror thriller with lots of comedy. It has its moments of fun and thrills, and loads of fan service. It's the type of film best enjoyed with friends as it promises viewers a really good time at the cinema.

Rating: 8/ 10

 "Class Of 2018" is now showing in Philippine cinemas from T-Rex Entertainment.

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Featured: Ethan Salvador is 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten

Ethan Salvador as Magnus Synder

It's been almost a year since Petersen Vargas' critically-acclaimed coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten swept everyone off their feet with it's honest and raw portrayal of friendship and first love in last year's Cinema One Originals. The film earned 11 nominations from the festival, including a Best Actor nomination for it's star, Khalil Ramos. The film ended up winning 3 awards: Best Cinematography for Carlos Mauricio, Best Supporting Actor for Jameson Blake and the highly-coveted Best Film. The film also got director Vargas a Best First Feature award in the 27th Young Critics Circle Awards, and nominations for Khalil Ramos (Best Actor, 40th Gawad Urian Awards) and Jameson Blake (New Movie Actor of the Year, 33rd Star Awards for Movies).

But it seems like this was just the beginning for the film's success as it premiered in the recently concluded 32nd Lovers Film Festival - Torino LGBTQI Visions in Italy, where it won the Audience Choice Award. After it's debut, the film garnered critical acclaim from foreign critics. QuotidianoPiemontese.it says "It works perfectly and gives us feelings and fears of the protagonists, surrounded by the new experience it is rolled slowly on their souls and involves their bodies." GayPost.it calls it "One of the most interesting, visually seductive and stylistically impeccable proposals, in competition at the Lovers Film Festival, is without a doubt "2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten". The film also had it's Asian Premiere at the recently concluded 28th Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, and will be having its North American premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

Last September 23, 2017, the film was screened for this year's Cine Europa at the Premiere Theater of Shang Cineplex, Edsa Shangri-la Manila. After the screening, I was able to meet and have a little conversation with one of the film's star, Ethan Salvador who plays Magnus Snyder.

Ethan Salvador in Pinoy Boy Band Superstar
(Source: Pinoy Boy Band Superstar)

Ethan Salvador, originally from Las Vegas where he grew up with his mother, started pursuing his acting career at the age of 16. Acting has always been in his blood, even before he met his estranged father, ’80s Regal actor Emil Salvador. His first venture into showbiz in the country was the now defunct reality show, Pinoy Boy Band Superstar. After this, he got one of the lead roles in Petersen Vargas' full length debut and entry to the 12th Cinema One Originals Film Festival. His performance in the film earned him rave reviews, and even got him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Since then, he had joined different projects here and there, from a cameo role in the Sarah Lahbati horror pic Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah Dela Cruz, as leading man in one of the episodes of the teen anthology series Wattpad Presents (Episode: Breaking the Bad Boy) and now as part of ABS-CBN's newset Primetime series The Good Son.

Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten page

Here is my short interview with everyone's favorite Omega Boy, Ethan Salvador.

Q: Did you had hesitations in accepting the role after learning that it's a queer film?

Ethan: No, not at all. I had hesitations just because it was my first film and because I was originally be casted as Maxim. So when I read the masturbation scene, I was like hmm, i don't know. But I mean, hey, the show must go on. Art is art. So let's just go with it. It's just a character. And then, they put me as Magnus. But I have no objectification against gay people. Lesbian people.

Q: Did you expect that the film would be this successful? I mean after winning last year's Cinema One Originals Best Film award, it got the Audience Choice Award in the 32nd Lovers Film Festival, and now it is being shown in Hong Kong and soon in Vancouver.

Ethan: Yeah. That... That... That blew my mind. I had no idea this film would reach that high of a magnitude. I mean, we won three things but... Everyone loves it. I'm just happy for that.

A scene from the film. Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten page

Q: What was the first thing that you said when you first saw yourself in the movie?

Ethan: I said this is so weird. So weird. Right? You know, when you see yourself on TV, it's just... you're not only watching yourself, you're watching the character but at the same time, it is you. I kinda don't like watching myself on TV or movies. It just feels weird (laughs).

Q: So after 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, you had a small role in the horror film ang Pagsanib kay Leah Dela Cruz as Sarah Lahbati's younger brother...

Ethan: Oh, yeah. Yeah. Did you see that?

Me: Yeah. I watched it.

Ethan: Wow.

Q: And you were in an episode of Wattpad Presents, a part in the upcoming Goyo film and some endorsements here and there. So among all the characters that you have played, would you consider Magnus Snyder as the most memorable role ever?

Ethan: Uhm... I mean, there's so many movies that I wanna do. But I guess you could say that. This is my very first big movie character. So yeah, he's my most memorable character.

A scene from the film. Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten page

Q: So there were some fans of the film (me included) who were hoping to see a happy ending, or at least see Felix and Magnus being together by the end of the movie (alive). If you were given the chance, would you prefer a happy ending for the two characters?

Ethan: No. No. If I could, no. I like it just the way it is. It gives it more robust, because I mean, the Philippines is all about happy endings. And then, you put a movie like this, it's just like shucks. Everybody would go oh, what? They didn't go to college? Oh, he died. Aw, so sad (laughs).

Q: Okay, so last question. Tell me, why are you too cool to be forgotten?

Ethan:  Because I am chasing my dreams like everyone else, and that everyone can chase their dreams. So, yeah.

Ethan Salvador during the Q&A
after the Cine Europa screening

Everyone is excited
to meet Magnus Snyder

Me, with Ethan Salvador after the Cine Europa screening.

Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten page

To Ethan Salvador, we wish you more success and we look forward to your next story to tell. You are truly 2 cool 2 be 4gotten.

2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten wins the Lovers Film Festival Audience Choice Award

Petersen Vargas' highly acclaimed coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten bags the Audience Choice Award at the  LGBTQI Film Festival. The film had it's international premiere last June 17 & 18, 2017 at Multisala Cinema Massimo in Turin, Italy as part of the Torino LGBTQI Film Festival. It is the ONLY Asian Film in competition this year, programmed alongside titles like Andrew Ahn's Sundance-winning Spa Night and 2017 Berlinale's The Wound, among others.

Source : Alemberg Ang

After it's debut, the film garnered critical acclaim from critics. QuotidianoPiemontese.it says "It works perfectly and gives us feelings and fears of the protagonists, surrounded by the new experience it is rolled slowly on their souls and involves their bodies." GayPost.it calls it "One of the most interesting, visually seductive and stylistically impeccable proposals, in competition at the Lovers Film Festival, is without a doubt "2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten". 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is one of the official entries in the 2016 Cinema One Originals film festival, where it won 3 awards, Best Supporting Actor for Jameson Blake, Best Cinematography and the highly coveted Best Film award.

To director Petersen Vargas, the cast, the crew and everyone behind 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, congratulations for this wonderful achievement. You guys are really too cool to be forgotten, no pun intended.

"2 COOL 2 BE 4GOTTEN wins the Audience Award at the 32nd Lovers Film Festival - Torino lgbtqi Visions! For a film that has been restricted to be shown to its ideal audience in the Philippines, it has found an enthusiastic, loving audience somewhere far away from home. Bittersweet." Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Facebook page

2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten gets International Acclaim

Source: Star Cinema

After it's successful theatrical release in the Philippines last March 2017, Petersen Vargas' critically acclaimed film finally gets it's international debut. His coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is among the films in the Main Competition of the 32nd Torino LBTQI Film Festival (Lovers Film Festival-Torino LGBTQI Visions). Starring Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador and Jameson Blake, the highly-acclaimed film, set in the late 90s in Angeles, Pampanga, follows Felix Salonga, a friendless achiever, who is bent on topping his class to elevate his status from a resettlement area. Magnus & Maxim Snyder, half-American brothers, want nothing but to escape life from the Philippines with their prostitute mother and live with their American GI father in the US. The Snyder brothers each have their own way of reaching this dream. One struggles to finish high school with the promise of America after graduation while the mischievous one has a dark, sinister plan. As Felix develops a relationship with the brothers, he unearths desires within him he never confronted before. He slowly learns that behind the manicured lawns of “Little America,” each of his actions can lead to fatal consequences. [Star Cinema]

The film is one of the most controversial Filipino movies of 2017 after the film was slammed with an R-18 rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The film was originally given a much lower R-16 rating by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) during it's limited theatrical run as part of the Cinema One Originals Film Festival. The R-18 rating surprised many, and was met with negative response from critics and audiences alike. Nevertheless, the film was met warmly by the Filipino audience, receiving positive response from viewers.

Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Facebook page

And last June 17 & 18, 2017, the film had it's international premiere at Multisala Cinema Massimo in Turin, Italy as part of the Torino LGBTQI Film Festival. It is the ONLY Asian Film in competition this year, programmed alongside titles like Andrew Ahn's Sundance-winning Spa Night and 2017 Berlinale's The Wound, among others. Also included in the festival is Jared Joven and Kaj Palanca’s short film, Contestant #4, an entry in last year’s QCinema fest. The Torino LGBTQI Film Festival is an important Italian cinematographic event, also well known in the international circuit. It is co-organized together with the Turin National Museum of Cinema and it is supported by public institutions, cultural ones and private sponsors. The festival, initially conceived simply as a programme of films focusing on LGBT themes, the event became a Festival in 1989 and was recognized as such by the Italian Ministry of Culture and Entertainment in 1990. Now, the festival attracts over 45 thousand people and is now the most important LGBTQ film festival in Italy and one of the oldest ones worldwide. [LoversFF website, 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Facebook Page].

After it's debut, the film garnered critical acclaim from critics. QuotidianoPiemontese.it says "It works perfectly and gives us feelings and fears of the protagonists, surrounded by the new experience it is rolled slowly on their souls and involves their bodies." GayPost.it calls it "One of the most interesting, visually seductive and stylistically impeccable proposals, in competition at the Lovers Film Festival, is without a doubt "2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten". 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is one of the official entries in the 2016 Cinema One Originals film festival, where it won 3 awards, Best Supporting Actor for Jameson Blake, Best Cinematography and the highly coveted Best Film award.

Source: 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Facebook page

Coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Hits Theaters, Gets R-18 Rating

The teen coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten from director Petersen Vargas (Lisyun Qng Geografia, Hanging Out) starring Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador and Jameson Blake hits theater this Wednesday, March 15, 2017. The film is one of last year's critically acclaimed Filipino films and has won numerous awards in the 2016 Cinema One Originals, from Best Picture, Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actor for Jameson Blake. The movie is the second Cinema One Originals film entry that Star Cinema has picked up for nationwide distribution after Samantha Lee's Baka Bukas. But on March 14, a day before the film's release, the film was given an R-18 rating by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The film was originally given a much lower R-16 rating by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) during it's limited theatrical run as part of the Cinema One Originals Film Festival. The R-18 rating surprised many, and was met with negative response from critics and audiences alike. It can be noted that the recent Hollywood release, Beauty and the Beast (2017) was rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for some action violence, peril and frightening images, but was rated G (General Audiences) by the MTRCB, meaning viewers of all ages are admitted even without a parent or supervising adult.

"No redeeming social value. Uhm... so coming out and discovering one's self has no value at all?

Wow. MTRCB.

#2Cool2Be4GottenNowShowing 

 - @theFelixSalonga"

The youth-oriented film is set in the late 90s in Angeles, Pampanga, almost a decade after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Felix Salonga, a friendless achiever, is bent on topping his class to elevate his status from a resettlement area. Magnus & Maxim Snyder, half-American brothers, want nothing but to escape life from the Philippines with their prostitute mother and live with their American GI father in the US. The Snyder brothers each have their own way of reaching this dream. One struggles to finish high school with the promise of America after graduation while the mischievous one has a dark, sinister plan. As Felix develops a relationship with the brothers, he unearths desires within him he never confronted before. He slowly learns that behind the manicured lawns of “Little America,” each of his actions can lead to fatal consequences.

Francis Joseph Cruz of Rappler describes it as "intelligent as it is emotionally potent" while PEP.ph calls it a "roller coaster of emotions". So make sure that you don't miss one of 2016's best films that's definitely "not to be missed... an experience that's too cool to be forgotten". 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is now showing in select theaters nationwide.

2 COOL 2 BE 4GOTTEN Hits Theaters This 2017

"You will never forget your first..."

2016 is probably one of the most unforgettable years in Philippine Cinema as there have been a resurgence of Filipino films of great content and quality within this year. We received great pride and recognition from films like Ang Babaeng Humayo (The Woman Who Left) winning the highly coveted Golden Lion award at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival and  Jaclyn Jose winning the award for Best Actress award from the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for the film Ma 'Rosa. The 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival also made headlines as it choose to screen films with quality content than box-office appeals, unlike the previous years.

This year, one of the most-critically acclaimed films of 2016 will finally hit theaters nationwide. Star Cinema has officially announced that last year's Cinema One Originals Best Picture 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten will be released in cinemas nationwide this March 15, 2017. The coming-of-age dark comedy film written by Jason Paul Laxamana (Magkakabaung, Babagwa, Mercury is Mine) and directed by Petersen Vargas in his full length feature debut follows Felix (Khalil Ramos), a friendless, eccentric high school topnotcher who's life turns upside down after he meets the new transferees to their school, the mysterious Film-Am Snyder Brothers. As he becomes increasingly closer to the elder Snyder, Magnus (Ethan Salvador), he is also pushed into darker territory by the younger brother, Maxim (Jameson Blake) entangling him in his dark ambitions. Aside from grabbing the Best Picture award of the 2016 Cinema One Originals, the film also won Best Cinematography for Carlos Mauricio and Best Supporting Actor for Jameson Blake.

The film set in Pampanga sometime in the late 1990's, bravely tackles themes about growing-up, friendship, love, homosexuality, sexual awakening and teenage angst mixed with social satire. Francis Joseph Cruz of Rappler describes it as "intelligent as it is emotionally potent" while PEP.ph calls it a "roller coaster of emotions". So make sure that you don't miss one of 2016's best films that's definitely "not to be missed... an experience that's too cool to be forgotten". 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten hits theaters nationwide this March 15, 2017.

For updates, check out the film's official Facebook page here.

2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten review

Sometimes, movies become something more than what it usually is. This happens when a movie tells a story that really strikes something inside the audience, which in turn, reminds them of a memory, a feeling, a person, or a moment from their lives. The audience then starts to live the story being projected on screen, seeing themselves in the protagonist's shoes. They see, hear, smell, taste, and feel every single thing that the main character encounters. They live in the moment, in the thrills, and in the excitement of what unfolds next. But this instance come so very rare. But then, at one point in your life, you get that once in a lifetime chance to experience one, that you just have to grab every opportunity to feel that same feeling again.

I've always had a penchant for watching independent Filipino films ever since, but after seeing Ice Idanan's Sakaling hindi Makarating last year at UP Cine Adarna, my craving for indie films grew more and more. Ever since then, I frequently watched indie films every once in a while or when I get the chance. Honestly, I think most of the time, indie films are better than mainstream movies. This is mostly because indie films tend to have better quality than the ones produced by big film companies. There is freedom with what the director can do with his/ her film without the worry of being controlled by the studio producer. But I have never imagined that an indie film can actually have the power to affect me this much and change my entire life. I know that sounds too much but it is true. That is what happened to me after I experienced the emotional roller coaster of Petersen Vargas' 2 Cool 2 Be 4Gotten. I honestly have no idea what the whole film was all about not until I actually watched it during it's gala premiere at Cinema 1 of Trinoma last year, November 17, 2016. It was my first time watching a Cinema One Originals entry during the festival run itself. It was also one of my most memorable movie experience ever. This prompted me to watch the film multiple times. Let me tell you why.

2 Cool 2 Be 4Gotten follows Felix Salonga (in an unforgettable performance by Khalil Ramos) a friendless, overachieving top notcher in a typical public high school in the province of Pampanga during the late 1990s. The whole film is told from his point of view, and is usually narrated through passages from his daily journal (which was supposed to be a project for their English class). He looks over his classmates as inferior to him because he is intellectually inclined, unlike the rest of them who usually spends their dull time playing sipa, basketball or hanging out with their barkadas in the vicinity of the campus. "I am in a conundrum... It's not my fault that I'm stuck with these unremarkable individuals in this forlorn school," he writes in his journal. He even calls them "little brown monkeys", forgetting the fact that this term used by Spanish and American colonists to call Filipinos like him during the era of their occupation. His daily routine is all about coming to school, getting the top spot in class, and nothing more. But Felix' life is then turned upside down after the Film-Am brothers Magnus (Ethan Salvador) and Maxim Snyder (in an award-winning performance by Jameson Blake) transfers to his his school. Felix becomes curious at the two mestizos, particularly with elder Magnus, after his first glance of the boys. Later on, after failing the test from one of his subjects, the elder Snyder boy decides to ask for help from Felix. Although he was a bit adamant at first, he eventually gives in and agrees. Magnus then brings him to his home, where he meets their mother (Ana Capri) and the other Snyder brother. They start off a bit awkward, with Magnus calling him a weirdo after seeing him checking out his Omegaboy TShirt (or his chest, maybe?). But as days passed, he soon develops a strong, unusual friendship with the brothers. He gets to know more of their background, particularly their family. As things get more complicated, this relationship with the Snyder brothers ultimately leads him to be entangled in a dark path involving a plan for murder, his sexual awakening and his first heartbreak.

Two brilliant minds combining their forces is what lies behind this little indie gem.The clever script which was originally titled Dos Mestizos, was written by Jason Paul Laxamana (director of the savagely entertaining dark comedy Mercury is Mine, 2016). Laxamana's script mixes social satire with nostalgic yet humorous references from the 1990s era something that a lot us can really relate to. From references to Noli de Castro's Magandang Gabi, Bayan, The Flor Contemplacion movie, and the Backstreet Boys. Felix, a teenage boy that symbolizes the common Filipino, is mystified and attracted to the mysterious Fil-Am Synder brothers- a stab on the Filipino mindset that Americans and other Western nations are superior to us. We Filipinos look up to them. We worship them. We want to look like them. We are obsessed with them. Every Filipino's American Dream. This theme is the same recurring theme of his previous work, Mercury. The setting of the story, the province of Pampanga, also reflects our view on the Americans. The Clark Airbase, a modernized community that has been improved by the US. "Our little America with picturesque houses and fascinating individiuals, like Magnus Snyder," as he wrote down in Felix' journal. A reflection on how the West is controlling the country's economic aspect. The director, Petersen Vargas, in his full-length debut, breathes life to this complicated story of a teenage boy as he goes through one of the hardest phases of life, growing up. A point in every teenager's life where he/ she starts to discover who he/she really is. Vargas, who have been making short films and music videos before, has been using this theme in some of his works. His short film, Lisyun Qng Geografia, which I am yet to watch (hopefully), has been making rounds with different film festivals and has entered competition at Cinemalaya before. The film, which is also about love and friendship between two high school boys, shares a similar theme with 2 Cool. In this movie, as Felix starts to get to know the Snyder brothers more, he also discovers a lot of things about himself. As director Petersen explained in one of his interview, here we have Felix, a blank person. He doesn't have any friends, even though he keeps on telling himself that he's not disconsolate, as he haven't met anyone "worth befriending." But after meeting the Snyder boys, he learns how great the feeling of having a friend. He discovers how it feels to fall in love for the first time. Yes, the film also plays themes of young love. According to it's producer, Alemberg Ang, during their Q&A sessions in UP Cine Adarna (which I was so lucky to catch), they originally envisioned the film to be a little love story between two boys, with a coming-of-age backdrop. But after further revisions, there were a lot of things that were changed. Some new scenes were added. And the themes were changed.

To be honest, I have no idea of what to expect when I first watched the film during it's premiere night in Trinoma last year. I've only seen the trailer once and thought it was a good coming-of-age film (which I'm a big sucker for), more of a barkada-type of movie. But as I watched the film and slowly realizes the underlying themes of the film, I can't help but feel nervous for the characters as things get awry for them. I felt somewhat connected to them. At one point of the film, I suddenly realized that I've been seeing myself in Felix' shoes all along. It was like I was watching selected moments from my life being projected into the screen. Yes, I admit that there were a lot of moments in my life that was exactly the same with what's happening in the story (with the exception of the sexual awakening thing and the murder plot). I guess that is one of the main reasons I got drawn into watching it over and over again, five times to be exact. (Updated 2/ 16/ 2017: I have just watched the film again after the 5th Freedom Film Festival for the sixth time already). It's because Felix' character speaks to me. I understand him and somewhat felt that he's someone that I've known for a very long time. I remember a classmate of mine telling me before that it's better to fall in love with fictional characters unlike loving a real person. Real people can hurt you, unlike these fiction characters. But I don't agree with that. To me, Felix and Magnus felt like they were real people. And their characters have induced pain and heartache to me which I never expected the first time I went to see the film. I know it sounds crazy but even though I've seen the film so many times already, somehow, deep in my heart, I'm still wishing that they would have a happy (or a better) ending for Felix. Although it's obvious that the ending will not change after repeated viewings. I guess it's just me wishing myself (as I see in Felix' shoes) to have a better ending too.

The film's young actors, led by singer-actor Khalil Ramos, is also what makes the film so raw and realistic. Ramos as Felix has the exact looks of a typical Filipino teenage boy. But don't get fooled by his young looks. His acting prowess is undeniable in his portrayal of the main character. His eyes says it all, from the very first frame after the genius opening credits of the film which features his character, as he stake a beetle with his compass and smiles after seeing his work, to the shot of him as he walks out of the Snyder household after a confrontation with one of the brothers. He captures all the emotions with his body language. Those slow, quivering movements of his lips when Magnus compliments him. Those innocent stares from his eyes that hide his true feelings. All of these things capture all the emotions of every scene. One of my favorite moments from the film involved him as he curses one of the Snyder Brothers, screaming "Putang-ina mo!" (You son of a bitch!) and punches him brutally. I really love how he acted out that scene to the point that I would whisper his same words along with him every time I watch that moment of the film. Ethan Salvador, a singer-actor who was part of the talent competition Pinoy Boyband Superstar plays Magnus Snyder. No one would usually expect an amazing performance from this young artist thinking that this film is his first acting role. But you would be amazed after seeing him in this film. He plays his role with gusto and he shows great chemistry with his co-actors. He proves that he is not just your average eye candy but is also an actor who's serious with his craft. Jameson Blake, a former Pinoy Big Brother housemate, a product endorser, an actor and a member of the dance group #Hashtags from the noontime show Showtime, portrays Maxim Snyder. Blake plays his character with an unbelievable amount of angst and wickedness, as his character soon pushes Felix into a darker path in the story. He bravely takes on the role that most young actors would refuse to accept. His controversial and most talked about masturbation scene is equally sexy and disturbing and makes the whole totally unforgettable (including the infamous line from Felix, "Make it hard"). His passion for acting is definitely outstanding, as seen in his praise-worthy and award-winning performance in the film. I met him last December 2016 and he told me that he has a new project this year, a Cinemalaya entry, if i'm not mistaken. Hopefully that will push through because he is one talented actor that has a lot to offer to the industry. Then, there's the very talented Ana Capri. Her short but very effective quips brought everyone in the theater to laughter. But aside from her humorous scenes, she also proves to everyone her acting prowess during one of the most emotional moments of the film. I can't help but shed a tear in that scene where she said to Felix how she can no longer remember her husband's face, after he left them.

Aside from the powerful acting talent, no one would also miss the technical creativity behind the film. Shot in a perfect square frame, an aspect ratio of 5:4, the film looks like an old photograph, like a Polaroid picture coming to life. This unusual framing of the film, according to what I've heard, also adds up to the multiple symbolism in the film. The square frame stands for Felix' world, a small and enclosed space of loneliness. That is until he meets the Snyder Brothers. Whenever he and Magnus gets a close-up shot together, Magnus always takes over a big portion of the frame. I also noticed this after seeing the film three times now. Magnus' image is always overlapping Felix during their close-ups, evoking a feeling of congestion. From the scene after the two of them had a short race to a lamp post, the scene where they were talking about the day that Mt. Pinatubo erupted, and the part when Magnus was lying beside Felix in the latter's bed. It signifies that Felix's growing obsession with him, and that the Snyder Brothers have taken over his space, his life and his world. The color palette used all throughout the film, a mixture of light blue tones, evoke the sense of nostalgia. A lot of items, sometimes even their wardrobe, are colored blue which were all carefully handpicked. The music that accompanies the film adds up and completes the over-all feeling and atmosphere of the whole movie. Sometimes mysterious, sometimes nostalgic of the old times.

I recall asking director Petersen about the first thing he thought about when he watched the film's final product. To my surprise, he said he was actually disappointed with his film the first time. But I beg to disagree. This is a full-length debut that it's director and actors can be proud of. This coming-of-age film is sweet, humorous, romantic, yet turns dark and disturbing as it moves along, dragging the willing audiences back into one of the hardest phases of a person's life-growing up. Despite it's period setting, any teenager or young adult  of this generation can definitely relate to this film as it bravely tackles themes of friendship, love, sexual awakening, teenage angst, death and adulthood mixed with social satire. No wonder it won the Best Picture award for the 2016 Cinema One Originals. It's an experience not to be missed.
An experience that's too cool to be forgotten. No pun intended.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰ out of 5

2 Cool 2 Be 4Gotten (2016)

Starring Khalil Ramos, Ethan Salvador, Jameson Blake, Ana Capri

Written by Jason Paul Laxamana, directed by Petersen Vargas

Winner: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Jameson Blake), Best Cinematography (Carlos Mauricio)

Official Poster