MMFF 2018 Movie Review : "The Girl In The Orange Dress" is Slick, Sweet and Seriously Good

Anna, a conservative girl wakes up in bed in a 5-star hotel room with Rye, the biggest celebrity actor of the country and has no memory of how she got there. Now she has to avoid and escape the media and fans swarming outside the hotel, along with Cacai, her best friend who has given her whole life to loving Rye. 

The Girl in the Orange Dress ventures into a reverse-courtship -- getting to know and falling in love after a night of intoxication, into stereotypes and perceptions that break down walls, into friendships that know no bounds, and into love that withstands the price and baggage of fame. (Quantum Films)

This slick romcom from director Jay Abello boasts some believable performances from it's two leads, Jessy Mendiola and Jericho Rosales. Jericho plays Rye in a cool, calm and classy manner that perfectly matches Jessy's frantic and worrisome Anna. In addition to their great portrayal of their characters, the two leads are also oozing with chemistry on screen. Ria Atayde, Sheena Halili and  Hannah Ledesma did a good job of portraying Anna's close friends. Their subplot added more emotion to the story. I also enjoyed watching Juan Miguel Severo, Kai Cortez and Nico Antonio playing some media reporters hungry of  getting some scoop out of the two.

Director Jay Abello manages to create some really cute and romantic moments for the two that will make audiences giddy and delighted. The way that the story unfolded was really genius, with the main plot happening in a matter of the whole day. But what really surprised me was the fact that he was also able to turn this romance tale into an exciting and heart-pounding cat and mouse chase as Rye and Anna try to evade fans and reporters who are trying to catch up on them inside the hotel.

This MMFF entry has the complete formula for the perfect romcom. No wonder it's my favorite entry from this festival so far this year. It's slick, sweet and seriously good. Someone's catching up for the category of the best local romcom of 2018.

Rating: 10/ 10 • Verdict: Must Watch

Verdict: Must Watch • Highly Recommended • Entertaining • Tolerable • Boring • 

Like us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MoviesForMillennials/

Follow us on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/moviesformillennialsph

Follow me on my personal account:

https://instagram.com/ace_antipolo

MMFF 2017 Movie Review : Loy Arcenas' "Ang Larawan"

"Life, like art, is intricate." So is this beautiful big screen adaptation of one of the most celebrated plays by Nick Joaquin.

It's the time of the year again for the country's biggest and most anticipated film event, the Metro Manila Film Festival. And even though I am very disappointed with the MMFF focusing again on commercial viability for it's criteria this year and turning this festival into nothing but a money-making scheme, I am still excited to see some of the festival's entries, particularly this one. I used to have a tradition of watching only comedy films on Christmas Day. But this year, I decided to break away from that tradition to see this one.

Ang Larawan is the film adaptation of Larawan, The Musical which is based on National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin’s three-act English play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. First published in 1952, Joaquin’s work has been depicted numerous times on stage on screen and in English and Filipino—making it one of the most pedigreed literary works of the Philippines. In 1997, Musical Theater Philippines (now Culturtain Musicat Productions Inc. ) headed by singer Celeste Legaspi and talent manager/producer Girlie Rodis staged Larawan, the first musical rendition of Joaquin’s great play, at the CCP. The elegaic play was transformed into a musical with a libretto written by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio and music created by iconic original Filipino music composer Ryan Cayabyab. This year, Culturtain with the help of supervising producer Alemberg Ang, shares Ang Larawan, The Movie with the global audience. Loy Arcenas, a multi-awarded Broadway theatrical set designer and director, was at the helm of the much-awaited film. The film had it's premiere last October 30, 2017 in Japan as part of the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival. Set in a mansion in Manila in 1941 just before the Pacific War, Ang Larawan is a romantic family-themed musical with brilliant singing by world-renowned musical stars.

Rachel Alejandro as Paula and Joanna Ampil as Candida
Source: Ang Larawan official website

Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro with Sandino Martin as Bitoy

The film follows the Marasigan sisters, Candida (Joanna Ampil) and Paulo (Rachel Alejandro) as they struggle living in poverty in their ancestral home with their reclusive artist father Don Lorenzo. Their siblings Manolo (Nonie Buencamino) and Pepang (Menchu Lauchengco) who both live luxuriously kept on convincing them to sell the house, but they always reject the idea. The last painting that their father finished before he got into his "accident" can save them from poverty, but the sisters don't want to give up their father's final masterpiece. They try to find ways of earning money, like renting out a room to a piano player at a local vaudeville, Tony Javier (Paulo Avelino) who also tries to convince them to sell the painting. The sisters struggle to resist all the temptations around them, hoping to keep their father's final masterpiece, maintaining their family legacy and tradition.

To start off, this is probably the most stunning local film production this year. From the sets to the costumes that they've utilized in the film, everything is top notch. They really took the time and effort in maintaining the period setting of the story, even to the most minute detail. Despite being situated in a single location, the house of the Marasigans, the setting never looked boring or tiring. The costumes are gorgeous, especially when the scene involves other characters. The overall look of the film is a visual feast to the eyes.

Menchu Lauchengco as Pepang and Nonie Buencamino as Manolo

Paulo Avelino as Tony Javier

Another thing that I liked about the film is it's beautiful soundtrack. I loved all the songs that they performed in the film, which were all composed by maestro Ryan Cayabyab and were rendered by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. I loved the fact that unlike most musicals, the songs are not treated as musical numbers or set pieces. Instead, the dialogues were integrated/ blended with the music so that the introduction of the songs have a smooth flow, similar to Tom Hooper's 2012 adaptation of Les Misérables. I particularly loved the song number of the vivacious senator's wife Doña Loleng (Celeste Legaspi) upon her arrival at the house of the sisters, together with Conga Queen Elsa Montes (Zsa Zsa Padilla). It was one of the most fun and energetic performances in the film. 

Cara Manglapis as Patsy, Robert Arevalo as Don Perico, Celeste Legaspi as Donya Loleng

Aicelle Santos as Violet and Cris Villonco as Susan

The cast itself is enough reason to see the film. This is one of the best movie ensemble in a local production this year. With the likes of Cris Villonco as Susan, Aicelle Santos as Violet, Nonie Buencamino as Manolo, Menchu Lauchengco as Pepang, Robert Arevalo as Don Perico and Celeste Legaspi as Doña Loleng, the supporting cast is already packed with so much talent that fills up the screen. I especially loved Celeste Legaspi's fun portrayal of Doña Loleng. She lights up every scene whenever she's part of it. We also get to see Zsa Zsa Padilla and Ogie Alcasid in small yet fun roles in the film. I must say that I was really impressed seeing Sandino Martin and Paulo Avelino singing. It was my first time to see them sing and they were really good. Martin was really adorable in his portrayal of the Marasigan's family friend Bitoy Camacho. On the other hand, Avelino is perfect for the role of the charming but naughty Tony Javier. I don't know why but Paulo just look so good in every scene of the film, even during those moments when he's already beaten up. I guess that is one of his greatest assets: the camera loves just him.

Of course, the film belongs to Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro. Their portrayal of Candida and Paula Marasigan were both amazing. One can really see their commitment to their roles. Each one of them were given their own moments to shine. For me, Joanna Ampil stood out during the part when her character was confessing something about her sister during the film's third act. On the other hand, Rachel Alejandro was able to showcase her talent during the scene when her character had a fight with Candida, leading to a sexy seduction scene with Tony Javier.

I have to admit. There were moments when I felt like the film could be a bit more than what it is now. There were production numbers that I think could have been bigger and more explosive in regards to the presentation. Something that can take the whole film into a much higher point. But given it's single location setting, the events are all contained in a smaller scale. It doesn't mean that the film isn't good though, because it sure is amazing as hell. But as a fan of musicals, I can't help but feel as if the movie needed something to push it into a more bombastic and extravagant. But then, we have to take the film as is. And no doubt that this is one of the best films of this year's film festival and is already running for the Best Picture award.

From it's rich visuals, outstanding music and bravura performances, Ang Larawan is a must-watch spectacle this Christmas. Pinoy musicals have never been this gloriously stunning and entrancing.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"Ang Larawan" (2017) Directed by Loy Arcenas, based on A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by Nick Joaquin, starring Joanna Ampil Rachel Alejandro Paulo Avelino and Sandino Martin, with Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco, Cris Villonco, Aicelle Santos, Robert Arevalo, and Celeste Legaspi.

MMFF 2017 Movie Review : Chris Martinez' "Meant To Beh"

For the first time in forever, here's a Vic Sotto movie that I actually like.

It's that time of the year again for the biggest film festival in the country, the Metro Manila Film Festival. This year, the organizers of the festival reintroduced the controversial "commercial appeal/viability" in it's criteria for the selection of entries which was criticized because it was alleged that the reintroduction of these old rules was made to prioritize box-office success over quality films and to accommodate the big mainstream studios that were mostly left out last year. And so obviously, the past MMFF's box-office royalties that did not make it to last year's festival are also back on the scene, including Vic Sotto. To be honest, I don't really watch a lot of his films. I don't find anything funny about his endless Enteng sequels. I don't really have anything bad against him. It's just that his brand of comedy is not my type. So I had low expectations when I went to see his movie, Meant To Beh during it's Premiere night last December 20, 2017 at SM Megamall. But to my surprise, it turns out that his latest film is his best movie to date.

Screenshots from the trailer

Meant To Beh, directed by Chris Martinez, is Vic Sotto's latest entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. Distributed and produced by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions and APT Entertainment, the film stars Vic Sotto, Dawn Zulueta, JC Santos, Daniel Matsunaga, Sue Ramirez, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid, Andrea Torres and Baby Baste. Meant To Beh follows the lives of a married couple, Ron (Vic Sotto) and Andrea (Dawn Zulueta), who lives with their three children: Christian (JC Santos), Alex (Gabbi Garcia) and Rylie (Baeby Baste). Unbeknownst to their children, the couple's relationship has been on the rocks for a long time now, and they have been trying their best to keep their family together by staying as a couple. That is until they both decided to finally call it quits and get divorced. As Ron and Andrea try to move on with their separate lives (and separate love interests), their three children decided to take matters into their own hands to bring them back together again. Will they succeed in making their parents realize that the two of them were really meant to be?

The premise of the film isn't really something new anymore. I'm pretty sure there have been quite a few films that have already tackled a similar story. But to the film's credit, their approach to the story made it feel fresh and inspired. The good thing about this film is that it took it's time in introducing us to the Balatbat family. The film did not rushed the story to accommodate product placements and unnecessary cameos. Instead, it focused on giving audiences background to each of the characters, from Ron's view as a husband being the head of the household and being the main source of income of the family, Andrea trying to have a career despite being a mother of three, Christian who is head over heels with a girl (Sue Ramirez) in his campus but can't find the courage to tell his true feelings for her and Alex who is trying to deny the fact that she actually likes this guy (Ruru Madrid) but pretends not to. Unlike most comedy films we get to see during the festival before, this one stands out because it sticks to it's story and builds up to ensure that audiences will root for all of it's main characters. It actually took quite some time before the actual conflict of the films starts, which I felt was the part that got rushed.

Director Chris Martinez is one of the biggest reasons why this movie was a breathe of fresh air from Vic Sotto's past films. Known for his movies like Here Comes the Bride (2010), Temptation Island (2011) and The Gifted (2014), Chris Martinez' brand of comedy is far different from the slapstick comedy that people usually see in Vic Sotto's past films. I don't watch Vic Sotto's movies because I know how he does his films. Therefore, the change of director was a really good decision (Tony Y. Reyes who previously directed the past Enteng Kabisote films was the original director attached to the project, before being replaced by Martinez). Unlike his past films, this movie doesn't feel like another Vic Sotto movie. It removed everything that audiences hated in his past films, most especially those annoying product placements that haunted every scene of his Sotto's films. This movie actually felt like a serious movie, and not an extended commercial ad. Regarding the film's humor, Chris Martinez tried a lot of things to keep the audiences laughing from start until the end of the film. Some worked, some did not. But when the jokes work, they are really funny. Like laugh out loud funny that made everyone cheered inside the theater where we had the screening.

Aside from Chris Martinez' solid direction of the material, another strong aspect of the film is it's very talented cast. Ruru Madrid and Gabii Garcia had some nice moments together, though their story line weren't given enough scenes where they could shine. Daniel Matsunaga still needs to work on his Tagalog accent as it was a bit distracting but he was fine as Dawn Zulueta's lover. Andrea Torres was really fun to watch during those confrontation scenes with Dawn in the film. JC Santos and Sue Ramirez have some spark together, and even though their subplot was short, they made the best out it. Santos was just so adorable in this nerdy role (which reminds me of Fidel from 100 Tula Para Kay Stella). Vic Sotto is still the same Vic Sotto that we've seen in the past Enteng Kabisote films. His acting is still the same. But with his character here in this movie, he is far more relatable than his previous movie roles. I never thought that Dawn Zulueta could do a comedy like this. At first. I couldn't imagine the possibility of her doing comedy. But with Meant To Beh, she was able to transition from her usual drama to comedy and she did it with flying colors.  But the biggest stand-out of the film is none other than Baeby Baste who plays their youngest son. The whole audience in the screening I attended can't help but cheer whenever he cracks a joke. Also, he will definitely melt your heart whenever he tries some dramatic acting. He is oozing with charm and confidence on screen and he definitely stole the show.

To be honest, I still can't believe that the movie that I've watched was a Vic Sotto movie because it did not feel like it was. I guess he was true when he said that this is his first serious film because this was an improvement over his past movies. Though there were some short moments that felt lagging and could have been improved, the whole film itself is quite good. Meant To Beh is an entertaining, family-friendly comedy that is too good to miss.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰1/2  of 5 

"Meant To Beh" (2017) Directed by Chris Martinez, Distributed and produced by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions and APT Entertainment, the film stars Vic Sotto, Dawn Zulueta, JC Santos, Daniel Matsunaga, Sue Ramirez, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid, Andrea Torres and Baby Baste.

Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 : My Pre-Festival Thoughts on the Magic 8 entries

We're just days away from the biggest film festival of the country, the Metro Manila Film Festival. Organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the festival is now on it's 43rd year. The first four film entries of the festival were announced on June 30, 2017 by using the script submission method while the last four official entries were announced on November 17, 2017, completing the Magic 8. So before the festival kicks in, here's my pre-festival thoughts on the 8 entries of this year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

All of You (Romance, Comedy). Starring Jennylyn Mercado, Derek Ramsay; produced by Quantum Films, MJM Productions; directed by Dan Villegas. Three years after their first project together as a loveteam (English Only, Please, 2014), Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay are back to bring kilig to audiences this Christmas with their latest entry, under the helm of box-office director Dan Villegas (How to be Yours, Always be my Maybe). I loved English Only, Please and I'm a big fan of director Dan, plus I am also a follower of Jennylyn Mercado's recent romance flicks so this film is definitely on my list. The trailer of the film beings back all the EOP feels three years ago and I am looking forward to what their latest team-up movie has to offer.

Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad (Action, Comedy). Starring Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, Pia Wurtzbach; produced by Star Cinema, Viva Films; directed by Joyce Bernal. So apparently, the organizers of this year's MMFF reintroduced the controversial "commercial appeal/viability" which was previously criticized  because it was alleged that the reintroduction of these old rules was made to to prioritize box-office success over quality films and to accommodate the big mainstream studios that were mostly left out last year. And so obviously, the past MMFF's box-office winners are also back on the scene, led by Vice Ganda. I don't have anything against him. To be honest, I loved his past films with Wenn Deramas (Sisterakas in 2012 and Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy in 2013 are two of my most favorite Filipino films of all time). But his other films these past couple of years were a bit disappointing. Despite that, it's been a tradition of mine to watch his film every MMFF so I am still looking forward to this one (especially because of Pia Wurtzbach).

Meant to Beh (Family, Comedy) starring Vic Sotto, Dawn Zulueta with JC Santos, Daniel Matsunaga, Sue Ramirez, Gabbi Garcia, Ruru Madrid,  Andrea Torres and Baby Baste; produced by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment; directed by Chris Martinez. I'm gonna be honest with you- I'm not a fan of Vic Sotto. I guess the kind of comedy he's making is just not my type. But with very talented actors and actresses like JC Santos, Sue Ramirez and Ms. Dawn Zulueta in the cast, I am very willing to open my arms to embrace this one and give it a shot.

Ang Panday (Action, Fantasy) starring Coco Martin; produced by CCM Productions, Star Cinema, Viva Films; directed by Rodel Nacianceno. A reboot of the classic adventure featuring the late Fernando Poe Jr., this fantasy flick is helmed by Coco Martin himself, marking his directorial debut. And with his experience of working with the country's renowned directors before like Brillante Mendoza, I am curious as to how his first project as a director would be like. Plus, my mom has already made up her mind to watch this film with the whole family on Christmas Day, so it's definitely on my list.

Deadma Walking (Comedy, Drama, Musical) starring Joross Gamboa, Edgar Allan Guzman; produced by T-Rex Entertainment; directed by Julius Alfonso. Aside from the entries of Vice Ganda, Vic Sotto and Coco Martin, this musical dramedy is one of the film fest entries that has been making a hype on social media with it's out-of-this-world story. The concept of the film: a terminally ill gay man decides to fakes his own death to attend his own wake to hear his friend's views on him. Based on the acclaimed screenplay (Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature 2016 second prize winner), the film is one of my top contenders for the festival's Best Picture category. This one's actually on the top of my list of films to see this Christmas.

Haunted Forest (Horror, Thriller) starring Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal and Jon Lucas; produced by Regal Entertainment; directed by Ian Loreños. Being a big fan of horror movies, this one's definitely on my list. This year's horror movie princess Jane Oineza (of Bloody Crayons) lead the cast of this upcoming horror film from Regal films. I'm not sure if this is a sort-of thematic sequel to 2015's Haunted Mansion but based on the trailer, this movie looks very promising. Aside from Jane Oineza, we also get to see Jameson Blake in his first foray into horror. Plus, we also get to watch Maris Racal and Jon Lucas in their first movie together.

Siargao (Romance, Drama) starring Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, Jasmine Curtis-Smith; produced by Ten17 Productions; directed by Paul Soriano. A romantic drama set in the surfing island of Siargao is defintely the perfect movie to heat up everyone's Christmas. I've seen Paul Soriano's work before (Kid Kulafu) and I must say that he is pretty impressive. It's also great to see Jericho Rosales back on the big screen, plus he is joined by two of the most talented actresses of the country, Erich Gonzales and Jasmin Curtis. This movie kinda gives me the Apocalypse Child feels and I'd love to give it a try.

Ang Larawan (Musical) Starring Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino, Joanna Ampil; produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions; directed by Loy Arcenas. An adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s revered play “A Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino." One of my most anticipated films in the festival, Ang Larawan had it's debut last October in Japan as part of the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival. It has received rave reviews since then, with Variety critic Richard Kuipers calling it "a handsomely produced big-screen adaptation"... "impeccably performed and crisply photographed"... and "clearly made with the utmost love and care". This is another one of my top contenders for this year's Best Picture. From it's powerful cast (a crooning Paulo Avelino, anyone?) to it's rich technical detail and fabulous musical numbers, Ang Larawan is definitely the festival's must see.

So, which movie are you planning to watch this Christmas? What's your top pick for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival? Share your thoughts and leave a comment down below!

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.