MMFF 2017 Movie Review : Ian Loreños' "Haunted Forest"

Old school horror gets a millennial twist in this MMFF entry from Regal Films.

The annual Metro Manila Film Festival promises that there's a movie for each and every one. And for those seeking thrills and chills during the Christmas season, here's one movie that you may want to check out. One of the biggest participants of the annual MMFF, Regal Films, wasn't able to get a slot in last year's festival. But now, Regal Films is proud to present their latest horror movie offering and their official entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival. Haunted Forest, directed by Ian Loreños, stars teen horror princess Jane Oineza (from this year's Bloody Crayons) paired with Cinema One Originals 2016 Best Supporting Actor  Jameson Blake. They are joined by Maris Racal, Jon Lucas with Raymart Santiago and Joey Marquez.

Screenshots from the trailer

Haunted Forest revolves Aris (Raymart Santiago) and his estranged daughter, Nica (Jane Oineza). When Aris was reassigned back to his hometown, he immediately starts on a case investigating a murder which is staged similarly to the death of a childhood friend that haunts him. While his father is away, Nica, her cousin and her local friends went for an outing where she encounters a creature of local folklore, the Sitsit. The creature becomes very fond of her and soon, weird things start happening to her. She tries to shake it off at first, but it gets worse day after day, until the creature takes a hold of her. Can Aris save his daughter from the evil hiding in the woods? Can they stop the Sitsit once and for all before it gets to claim another life?

Back in 2015, Regal Films brought us Jun Lana's shockfest Haunted Mansion which starred Janella Salvador. And because of the similar titles, I can't help but think that Haunted Forest is that film's spiritual sequel. But Haunted Forest is very different from the Jun Lana horror flick. Unlike the 2015 film fest entry which focused on non-stop shocks and jump scares here and there, Ian Loreños' film is more focused on playing with audience's emotions through the movie's characters. It doesn't rely on shocks and jump scares to send chills to it's audiences. Instead, the film puts audiences into a roller coaster ride by placing it's characters into different, horrible situations. Although the film mostly follows a typical old school horror flick, they also had surprising turns in the story that I didn't expected.

Story wise, the film is more akin to the Regal's classic horror movies of the past. It follows traditional folklore and introduces a mythical creature as it's main antagonist. It's plays out like an old school monster movie, similar to Mark Reyes' Tiyanaks (2007), Rico Ilarde's Pridyider (2012) and the successful Shake, Rattle and Roll series. The film's premise is quite simple. But because of it's simplicity, the film was able to smoothly tell the story without any hiccups. It doesn't need any major plot twists to make it interesting because the film's weirdness is what makes it unique. The film also incorporates a bit of humor into the story, making it more fun all throughout.

The film's main antagonist, the Sitsit, is also one of the creepiest things I've seen in a local film this year, alongside the demon in the library in Katski Flores' Ang Pagsanib kay Leah Dela Cruz. Although it is obvious that the monster is just a man wearing a costume and prosthetic, it sure does  look pretty terrifying. The spirits of the creature's victims also looked so creepy with their make-up. The film's setting also looks good and suited the story, particularly the location of the woods where the gigantic banyan-like tree is found in the story. The only problem I had was the computer generated effects they used in the film. For the most part, they were okay. But there were a lot of moments when the CGI effects are pretty clunky and looked so fake. This is very evident during the film's final act. I wished they just stick with using practical effects instead of CGI because it kind of distracting.

The film's cast also deserve some praise in making the film work. Raymart Santiago was believable as Aris, Nica's father. Dido Dela Paz was an unexpected but nice surprise. Joey Marquez and Beverly Sarmiento were both fun additions to the movie. Jon Lucas and Maris Racal looked so great together as Andre and Mich respectively, although they weren't given enough screen time together. I wished their characters were explored a bit more. Jameson Blake is adorable in his role here as RJ. His charm is filling up the screen every time he's in it. With those dimples, he always makes the girls in the audience swoon over him. He is perfectly paired with Jane Oineza. She truly deserves some praise for her committed performance as Nica. After her head-turning performance in the recent horror thriller Bloody Crayons, it's really good to see her again in the big screen. Honestly, she is one of the most underrated actresses of this generation and I believe that she can do more. I am grateful that Regal Films gave her this chance to star in this movie. She was really able to display her acting prowess with this role, and for me, she deserves some nomination for Best Actress in this year's MMFF awards.

To be honest, the film isn't that scary especially for someone who have seen dozens of horror movies in the past like me (as I'm already immune to feeling scared), BUT I really had a good time watching it. I must say that this is one of the most fun local horror movies that came out this year. I particularly loved the final act of the film as the main characters try to fight the Sitsit. It was so exciting and thrilling, even the audience inside the theater where I watched it were screaming and cheering. It kind of reminds me of the final act of Hollywood horror film It that came out earlier this year.

Haunted Forest is one weird, but fun horror movie that is best enjoyed with family or friends. It has it's moments of creepiness, and is a highly entertaining ride from start to finish and promises audiences a good time in the cinema this holiday season.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

Haunted Forest (2017) directed by Ian Loreños, starring Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal, Jon Lucas with Raymart Santiago and Joey Marquez, produced by Regal Films. An official entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.

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.

Bloody Crayons (2017) movie review

Source: Star Cinema website

I've always loved watching/ reading a good murder mystery story ever since I've read Agatha Christie's classic novel "And Then There Were None". There's a certain thrill and excitement in watching and reading these types of stories because you feel like a detective, trying to discover who the real culprit is. Plus, these kinds of stories always have the best payoffs once the killer is revealed in the end. Unfortunately, there aren't any Filipino made murder mystery movies that has been released in the past years as I recall. So it was such a delight when Star Cinema has announced way back in April 2015 that they have picked up the rights to the movie adaptation of a hit Wattpad novel by Josh Argonza, entitled Bloody Crayons, to be topbilled by Jane Oineza. The said novel was a murder mystery published as a two-part book. I've read the books myself and fell in love with it, so that added to my excitement of seeing it come to life in the big screen.

It's been more than two years since Star Cinema has produced a thriller film with Emmanuel Palo's Halik sa Hangin (2015) which starred Julia Montes, Gerald Anderson and JC de Vera, although that film has a more YA fiction feels, combining the mystery/ thriller genre with romance. The result was a gothic love story which was somehow entertaining. Unfortunately with Bloody Crayons, the project had gone through a lot of changes, from change of casts and directors to revisions of the script, taking it two years to finish (the film was supposed to be released last year). But I guess the final result was worth the wait because it turns out that Bloody Crayons (2017) is the best thriller film that Star Cinema has released in years.

In this exciting new film from Star Cinema and under the direction of Topel Lee, Janella Salvador, Elmo Magalona, Sofia Andres, Diego Loyzaga, Jane Oineza, Maris Racal, Yves Flores Empoy, and Ronnie Alonte make up a barkada who troop to an island for their film project. What begins as a fun trip turns deadly when they played the game Bloody Crayons. After one of them dies mysteriously after their game, tension arise as they get killed one by one. Soon, everyone is suspicious of one another as to who the real killer is. Will they find the real culprit and make out of the island alive before all of them get killed?

Being a fan of the books from which the movie was adapted from, of course I had high expectations for this movie. Honestly speaking, whenever there is a movie adaptation of a Wattpad novel by a big film production in the country, the final product isn't always as good as it's source material. Too much changes from the novel's story makes you question if they actually just wants to use the novel's title and not the actual story (She's Dating The Gangster, 2014). On the other hand, stuffing too much of the novel's original storyline makes the film a non-sense miss mash of epic proportions (Talk Back And You're Dead, 2014). Luckily, director Topel Lee and his team of writers took time and making sure that the changes in the novel's original storyline is enough that the viewers will still recognize it's source material, but also adding some original ideas to it to make it distinguishable on it's own.

To start with, the film tries to follow the typical slasher tropes that we have seen so many times in various slasher movies. It starts with a group of friends spending their vacation in a secluded island to complete a school project. Of course, there's always the virgin (the good girl in the group which obviously is destined to be the final girl), the jock, the joker, and so forth. In addition to that, one of the main characters was even shown reading a copy of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, a nod to this classic novel that became the inspiration for many murder mysteries that followed it. This nod put a smile to my face as it is evident that the minds behind this film wants to make it as self-referential as it can be. The film takes tries to build up as much of it's characters as it can during the first act. It reveals some love triangles between the group, trying to give the characters motives to hate one another. The film becomes a bit melodramatic here, but at least it's successful in giving enough background to some, if not all of the characters.

But the real fun starts one the group plays the game they called Bloody Crayons. Here, each characters' deepest and darkest secrets are revealed. As the game continues, the tension between the characters becomes more and more agitating. This is probably my most favorite moment of the film as one of the film's actresses, Jane Oineza, really stole the show from everyone else with her character's unpredictable turn. As the game ends, one of them dies (I'm not gonna reveal who it is) sending the characters to hysteria. This is where the movie turns to it's slasher mode as the characters die one by one. Being a big horror fan, I was really looking forward to how the characters will get executed. I actually loved how the first kill was done as it was presented in a simple yet tension-filled way. Some of the kills were done off screen, most likely as the studio was aiming for a lower R-13 rating from the MTRCB which was a bummer. But nevertheless, the film compensated for it's minimal violence and gore with tremendous amount of dread and suspense.

The deaths causes everyone to start doubting their friendship and starts to get suspicious of one another. In one of the film's craziest and most fun moments, the remaining characters point fingers at one another. This scene will definitely put a smile in your face and will also keep you guessing who among the survivors is the real killer. The film is also complete with scenes of intense thrills that will really put viewers on their toes for the whole duration of the film. Director Topel Lee manages to weave some of the year's best chase sequences for a local thriller film. The chase scene in the basement was really fun and exciting and is one of the best moments of the film to watch out for.

The film is also one of the most gorgeous looking local films in recent memory. The film's cinematography was so bright and crisp. One can't help but be mesmerize by the stunning shots used in the film that you would think twice if you're really watching a genre film. The sound design of the film was also really good because the team behind it really knows when to pump up the volume to bring up the scares and when to keep the scene silent to intensify the suspense.

The film features an ensemble of up-and-coming teen stars that adds up to the appeal of the film. This project was originally led by Jane Oineza, Joshua Garcia and Manolo Pedroza, all three coming fresh from their Pinoy Big Brother stint in 2014. But after all the recasting and rewrites, they were replaced by Janella Salvador, Elmo Magalona and Ronnie Alonte. I've seen Janella before in the 2015 horror film Haunted Mansion. Just like before, she's still really good in acting. Too bad her character's writing isn't as interesting as the rest. Elmo Magalona and Ronnie Alonte were okay in their respective roles, but just like the problem with Janella, their characters we're written so blandly that they were forgettable. Also, Ronnie could use a little bit more workshop because his acting hasn't changed from the way he does it in his teleserye. Sofia Andres and Diego Loyzaga we're way better than I expected. Diego really nailed the alpha jock character he's playing. Yves Flores and Empoy Marquez were really fun to watch as their characters were written way better than the three leads. But the stand-out of the film was Jane Oineza and Maris Racal. Maris added more energy to the film with her quirky antics that was reminiscent of her unforgettable performance in Vince & Kath & James (2016). On the other hand, despite losing the lead role of the film, Jane Oineza stole the show with her unparalleled performance in her role. Her character was actually the most interesting to watch among the group. It was also the hardest to pull off but Jane manages to shine in the most demanding role in the film. It was as if this movie was really meant for her, and she definitely owned it.

The film's final twist was changed from the original novel's ending. But that actually made the film more fun for me as I was guessing who the killer really is the whole time. As the credit's role, I can't help but smile after watching it. Being a fan of the original novel, I was pretty much satisfied with it. This is the best book-to-movie adaptation that Star Cinema had.

Bloody Crayons is by far the best thriller film that Star Cinema had produced in recent memory. This is the film that is best enjoyed with your barkada. It's not exactly as bloody as I hoped. But it's fun, suspenseful, thrilling, exciting, and a surprising treat that will promise you a good time in the cinema.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰ of 5

Bloody Crayons (2017)

Starring Janella Salvador, Elmo Magalona, Sofia Andres, Diego Loyzaga, Jane Oineza, Maris Racal, Yves Flores Empoy, and Ronnie Alonte 

Directed by Tople Lee