Movie Review: Jose Javier Reyes's "Spirit of the Glass 2: The Haunted" (2017)

A scene from "Spirit of the Glass 2: The Haunted" featuring it's cast.
Source: Spirit of the Glass 2 Facebook page

Spirit of the Glass is a 2004 Filipino horror movie directed by Jose Javier Reyes and starred Rica Peralejo. The film was released on October 13, 2004 and follows a group of young adults who are being haunted by ghosts after playing the Ouija board and opening a portal to the spirit world. Thirteen years later, Jose Javier Reyes returns for a sequel, entitled Spirit of the Glass 2: The Haunted. The movie, produced under Octoarts Films in association with T-Rex Entertainment, stars Cristine Reyes, Janine Gutierrez, Daniel Matsunaga, Benjamine Alves, Ashley Ortega, Enrico Cuenca, Maxine Medina with Teri Malvar, Janine Gutierrez, Dominic Roque, and Aaron Villaflor.

The movie follows the same story line of it's predecessor, featuring new characters and a different twist. Bea (Cristine Reyes), a lifestyle editor of a popular magazine, inherits some boxes containing old family stuff, one of which contains an antique Ouija board. Out of boredom, she and her friends, Lisette (Maxine Medina) an up-and-coming young actress, and Chelsea (Ashley Ortega) a sought-after model, and their respective boyfriends, Enzo, Jag, and Andre, played the game and unwittingly opened a portal to the spirit world. The spirits that they have summoned start harassing the three girls which forces them to connect with a blind medium (Teri Malvar) to help them in unraveling the mystery of a crime committed 50 years ago to end the haunting (hence, the title The Haunted, obviously).

To be honest, this film would have worked thirteen year ago when Filipino audiences weren't that picky when it comes to horror flicks. But watching this film this 2017, I can't help thinking that this sequel came a bit too late. I mean, as a sequel, they should have thought about making the film bigger and better (or at least, scarier) than the first movie. Sequels always comes with the responsibility of topping over or at the very least, meeting the expectations of viewers who have seen the original. Unfortunately, this film doesn't try anything new. The first problem I had was the story itself. A group of friends playing the ouija board unwittingly summoning spirits that soon stats haunting them? Sounds familiar? Because it is. There are dozens of horror movies that have used the same story line for the past couple of years. Some of them are far better than others. But this movie did not really stand out among them. When you recycle a used story line, you need to at least come up with something to make the film memorable. Sadly, this film doesn't even try. It's not even campy nor fun to make it entertaining. Then, there's that bad editing. And don't even let me start with all those fade-to-black transitions that anyone with a Windows Moviemaker in their computer can do with their home made videos. 

Screenshots from the trailer

There's also a big problem with the spirits haunting the characters in the story. They are not just scary at all. They look like people in dress-up and don't even look so ghostly at all. I'm not sure why the characters in the movie feel scared and always scream on top of their lungs whenever these ghosts pop up. The people in Halloween costumes during the film's special screening that I attended were way more creepier than the ghosts in this film. I don't really see any effort in making them scary.

Which leads to the next problem of the movie. There's no actual danger here. Because the ghosts doesn't even look scary, you don't feel like they are any threat at all to the characters. I thought these ghosts were angry and vengeful. But while watching the movie, I didn't even felt like there is any danger at all in the story. There is no turning point, no tension, no dread. The so-called climax of the film doesn't feel so climactic at all. I was even surprised that the film has already ended because I didn't noticed that it already reached it's conclusion. Sorry to say but I got bored during the climactic part of the film. I have great respect for director Jose Javier Reyes and the casts, but this horror film was supposed to be scary. But it wasn't.

The only good thing about the movie that got my attention was the brilliant performances of Teri Malvar as the blind psychic that helped the group and Janine Gutierrez who plays one of the vengeful ghosts in the story. They're the only reason why I'm giving this movie a star. I love the flashback scenes featuring Janine as they were the most interesting ones to watch. Teri is always a delight to watch on screen. The scene where they played the ouija board for the very first time was a bit fun and deserves a star too. Seeing Benjamin Alves getting dragged into a room by an unseen force put a smile on my face. But aside from all of this, there's nothing else that made an impact to me as a viewer and as a horror fan.





Again, this review is just based on my own opinion. So maybe, just maybe, other people would find the film scary or fun to watch. As for me, sorry but it's not just scary enough.
Rating: ✰✰ of 5






Spirit of the Glass 2: The Haunted (2017)
Directed by Jose Javier Reyes, starring Cristine Reyes, Janine Gutierrez, Daniel Matsunaga, Benjamine Alves, Ashley Ortega, Enrico Cuenca, Maxine Medina with Teri Malvar, Janine Gutierrez, Dominic Roque, and Aaron Villaflor.

Movie Review: Toto Natividad's "Riding In Tandem" (2017)

Khalil Ramos plays Jonard in "Riding In Tandem"

Helmed by veteran action director Toto Natividad, Riding in Tandem is a film that attempts to depict one of the most prevalent criminal acts in the country. The act, as we all know, is called "riding in tandem," and it involves two people who work in tandem to ambush their targets while riding in a motorcycle. The backbone of the storyline is the life of criminals, but it also gives the viewers the realistic and driving elements such as family and love. The film is headlined by two of the country's most talented actors, 2008 Young Critics Circle Best Performer Jason Abalos and 2017 Gawad Urian Best Actor nominee Khalil Ramos. The film is one of the two indie films of Khalil Ramos yet to be released. The other one is entitled Kasunduan, a thriller  drama where he co-starred with Joey Marquez, Joem Bascon and Ejay Falcon.

The film follows the story of two people: Miguel (Abalos), an ex-convict and former hired killer who is looking for his wife, and Jonard (Ramos), a young man who sets out to avenge the death of his sister. Together, they team-up and embark on a dangerous path through the gritty and cutthroat world of hired killers known as riding in tandem.  The film also stars Mara Lopez, Sue Prado, Nina Dolino, Joem Bascon, and Victor Neri. It is distributed by Star Cinema, and is now showing in Cine Lokal's 8 SM Cinema: Mall of Asia, Megamall, North Edsa, Fairview, Southmall, Bacoor, Iloilo and Cebu (Ticket price at Php150).

Screenshot from the trailer

To be honest, I had no idea what to expect from this action drama when we watched it during it's special screening in SM Megamall last October 15, 2017. The screening was graced by the cast themselves, led by Jason Abalos, Khalil Ramos and Mara Lopez. I have little background about the film and only got a bit of an idea on what it is all about through it's trailer. I'm also not a big fan of action films and I rarely watch them in cinemas. But I was so surprised when I actually enjoyed watching Toto Natividad's Riding In Tandem.

The story itself isn't something new. The film's drama can be compared to the Primetime series Ang Probinsyano or a late-afternoon soap opera. It's a bit predictable, but there were some nice twists along the way. The film is threading between complete seriousness and outright camp. At times, when the film's campiness works, it works. It makes the film more enjoyable to watch, but not all the time. There's a particular scene featuring a montage of memories of one character that felt a bit out-of-place. There are moments where you would feel like you're watching an overdramatic teleserye, but at least, there were also parts where you can really feel the tension between the characters.

Also, the film's extensive use of slow motion sequences doesn't quite work for the most part. Most especially since it's CGI effects aren't that good. But to it's credit, the film has some of the best opening credits in a local film in recent memory. It also puts a lot of great use to it's drone shots, featuring some dizzying shots of the city. There's also some pretty impressive action scenes and chase sequences featuring Abalos and Ramos that reminds me of those old local action flicks from the bygone days.

The film also boasts an amazing cast. Mara Lopez was really fun to watch as Jonard's girlfriend Ganda. I love Sue Prado in her role as Jonard's sister. It was really nice to see Dido Dela Paz again after his work in Respeto and Birdshot. Nina Dolino was also quite impressive. Joem Bascon's role was a bit short so there weren't a lot of moments for his character to grow. But it was Jason Abalos and Khalil Ramos who really owned the spotlight in this movie. Abalos did an impressive job in his portrayal of Miguel. Ramos was a revelation in his incredible performance of Jonard. Both actors really carried the film from start to finish.




All in all, I pretty much enjoyed it. Though it has some flaws, Riding In Tandem is still an entertaining throwback to our country's action movie heydays.



Rating: ✰✰✰✰ of 5
"Riding In Tandem" directed by Toto Natividad, starring Jason abalos, Khalil Ramos,  Mara Lopez, Sue Prado, Nina Dolino, Joem Bascon, and Victor Neri.

Upcoming Local Horror Movies to Watch Out This 2017!

Halloween is fast approaching. Everyone is already excited not only for the season, but for these upcoming horror movies that are proudly Pinoy.

A scene from "Haunted Forest"

The Filipino horror genre has been very lively this 2017. After the success of last year's MMFF where Erik Matti's critically acclaimed horror pic Seklusyon scared audiences and became a box-office hit, other titles soon followed. Dan Villegas, known for his romance films, tried the genre with Ilawod, starring  Iza Calzado, Ian Veneracion, Xyriel Manabat, Harvey Bautista, and Therese Malvar. Pedring A. Lopez gave us Darkroom, a found-footage film about a group of teenagers who tried to document their ghost hunting adventure and starred Ella Cruz, Bret Jackson and AJ Muhlach. Jerrold Tarog unleashed his award-winning (and highly controversial) pyscho-sexual thriller Bliss which starred  Iza Calzado, Ian Veneracion, TJ Trinidad, Michael de Mesa, and Adrienne Vergara. The said film earned Calzado the Yakushi Pearl Award for Best Performer at the 12th Osaka Asian Film Festival. After two years in development hell, the slasher horror Bloody Crayons, adapted from a hit Wattpad novel by Josh Argonza and directed by Topel Lee, was finally released. It featured an ensemble cast led by  Jane Oineza, Janella Salvador, Elmo Magalona, Maris Racal, Sofia Andres, Diego Loyzaga, Yves Flores,Empoy Marquez, and Ronnie Alonte. During the first edition of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino which ran from August 16 to 22, 2017, we were able to catch Prime Cruz' romance gore film Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B which starred Ryza Cenon, and Martin del Rosario together with Sherad Anthony Sanchez' found-footage horror film Salvage, featuring Jessy Mendiola and JC de Vera. And just recently, Prime Cruz gave us a taste of his color horror flick, The Debutantes featuring Sue Ramirez and Mile Ocampo in the lead roles.

Now that we are already on the fourth and final quarter of the year, it looks like the Filipino horror genre isn't stopping any time soon. Here are the four upcoming local horror films to watch out for before 2017 ends. 

Spirit of the Glass 2 : The Haunted. A sequel to the 2004 horror film that starred Rica Peralejo, it's written and directed by Jose Javier Reyes and produced by OctoArts Films and T-Rex Entertainment. It features an ensemble cast led by Cristine Reyes, Daniel Matsunaga, Maxine Medina, Benjamin Alves, Ashley Ortega, Enrico Cuenca, Janine Gutierrez, Dominic Roque, and Aaron Villaflor. It follows a group of friends who unwittingly opened a door to the spirit world after playing a Ouija board. It is slated for a November 1 release.

Screenshots from the trailer

The Ghost Bride. Chito S. Rono (Feng Shui, Sukod, The Healing) is back with another Star Cinema horror pic. This time, it features Kim Chui in the title role as Mayen, a girl who is offered to become a ghost bride. The film, which plays with the Chinese tradition of Ghost marriage, is her third film with director Rono. The film also stars Matteo Guidicelli, Alice Dixson and Christian Bables, and is also scheduled to be released this November 1.

Nay. After his successful coming-of-age barkada film Bar Boys, Kip Oebanda gives us the gore film Nay. Starring Enchong Dee, Sylvia Sanchez and Jameson Blake, it is an official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals this November. Nay follows Martin, a rich, sheltered youth who gets transformed into an aswang by his yaya, Nay Luisa. She teaches him how to hunt the poor and the weak for food, in Manila, a city that consistently dehumanizes and neglects the marginalized.

Haunted Forest. Jane Oineza stars in this teen horror flick from Regal Films as a young girl being targeted by a malevolent entity from the woods. The film, helmed by Ian Lorenos, also stars Jameson Blake, Maris Racal and Jon Lucas with Joey Marquez and Raymart Santiago, and is rumored to be Regal Film's entry to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Which one are you most excited about? Share us your thoughts and leave your comments down below!

Movie Review: Prime Cruz' "The Debutantes" (2017)

Sue Ramirez, Miles Ocampo, Chanel Morales, Michelle Vito and Jane De Leon
star in Prime Cruz' "The Debutantes"

Director Prime Cruz is ready to take a new challenge. This time, he's taking the responsibility of giving audiences frights and chills as he gives us The Debutantes (2017), his first straight-forward horror movie to date. Prime Cruz has been known for his award-winning and critically acclaimed romance stories, from Sleepless (2015), Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B (2016) and Can We Still Be Friends (2017). Although he had experience in the horror genre before after directing the web series The Complex and the romance-gore film Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B, this will be his first full-length horror movie. Tagged as a teen color horror film, it stars Sue Ramirez, Miles Ocampo, Chanel Morales, Michelle Vito and Jane De Leon and is produced by Regal Films.

Screenshots from the trailer

The film follows a shy and weird-looking girl named Kate (played by Sue Ramirez). She's always alone at school and is distant with everyone else. Until one day, her classmate Lara (Miles Ocampo) approaches her and asks if she could her her study Math as she is failing the subject. Kate immediately agrees to help her, and she ended up being close to her. In the meantime, Lara's friends, Jenny (Jane De Leon), Candice (Michelle Vito) and Shayne (Chanel Morales) finds pleasure in bullying her. They staged a prank during Jenny's birthday party, embarrassing Kate in front of the whole student body. Soon, Kate starts having nightmares about Jenny, Candice and Shayne all meeting horrendous deaths. Can she and Lara save them before it's too late? Who (or what) is behind these deaths?

As you can notice, the film follows a typical slasher set-up with these characters meeting deaths one by one. The film also pumps up the story with classic horror movie tropes and stereotypes, from the rich and bratty It girls of the campus bullying a shy, nerdy girl. I guess it was Prime Cruz' intention to make the film as campy as it could be. The film doesn't try to make itself a genre-bending film. Instead, it's obviously aiming for the opposite. And this is what makes the film more interesting. Instead of putting numerous twists and turns in the film, the story is pretty much straight-forward to the point that it's predictable. This makes the film more fun since we already know that something is very wrong from the beginning of the film and the audience is left anticipating a final pay-off.

But since we are looking at a movie following a typical slasher format, we are of course looking forward to some pretty sick kills. Unfortunately, this is the part that the film failed to pull off completely. Although the first death was staged pretty nicely, the ones that followed weren't as grandiose nor inspired. I've seen a lot of horror movies and those deaths have been used several times in one or two of those films before. If the film was aiming for camp, it should aim for more theatrical or extravagant kills which is a rule in the horror genre. Also, I noticed that there scenes in the trailer that were not actually in the movie itself which got me a bit distracted as I was waiting for those scenes to show up in the movie while watching it. There were also some questions that kept me wondering like what happened to Kate's cousin and aunt, why the demonic being following them can control social networking sites to scare the shit out of them or where the hell are their parents?

Luckily, the film has an effective cast who helped pull off the whole movie with flying colors (the film is literally boasting with colors). Sue Ramirez who plays Kate was good in portraying the shy and aloof girl ala-Carrie. Chanel Morales, Michelle Vito and Jane De Leon who played the It girls who were responsible for bullying Kate were quite convincing. Most of their performances may come as a bit over-the-top, but since the film is aiming for camp, they worked perfectly to the film's benefit. Miles Ocampo, who played Lara, I guess is the one who really stood out in this movie. Her portrayal of the perfect good girl was really effective and believable. I was really rooting for her during the final act.

To it's credit, the film boasts some really gorgeous cinematography and lightning. This is how one will know that a film is directed by Prime Cruz. He always know how to play with lights and colors, and he played them really well in this movie. It somehow reminds me of Dario Argento's Suspiria (1977) and Chito S. Rono's Feng Shui (2004). I've never seen a local horror movie this colorful, fulfilling it's promise of a teen color horror. Also, the film's final moments was one of the most thrilling and heart-pounding finale I've seen in a local horror movie this year so far. Those final minutes of the film did put me on the edge of my seat and it deserves some additional points for that.

The film does succeed in it's aim to be a campy and fun horror film. Though it's a bit predictable (with one of it's character's big twist being way too obvious from the very first frame where she showed up), it's still undeniably entertaining. Just watch it as a straight-forward horror film and you'll definitely enjoy it.


Rating: ✰✰✰✰ of 5
"The Debutantes" (2017) directed by Prime Cruz, starring Sue Ramirez, Miles Ocampo, Chanel Morales, Michelle Vito and Jane De Leon

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.

"Love You to the Stars and Back" (2017) Movie Review

Julia Barretto & Joshua Garcia stars in "Love You To The Stars And Back"

I've been a fan of Antoinette Jadaone since 2014 after seeing her romantic coming-of-age film Relaks, It's Just Pag-ibig (twice). The independent feature, starring newcomers Inigo Pascual, Sofia Andres, and Julian Estrada, is one of the best local romance films I've seen and is still one of my favorite. I'm also a fan of That Thing Called Tadhana starring Angelica Panganiban and JM De Guzman, but Relaks will always have a special place in my heart. This year, Jadaone is back in another romantic coming-of-age story, but featuring well-known actors and with support from a major film company, Star Cinema. Fresh from the success of their critically-acclaimed box-office MMFF hit Vince and Kath and James (2016), Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia returns to the big screen in Antoinette Jadaone's Love you to the Stars and Back (2017).

Feeling out place in her own home, an eccentric and socially awkward girl, Mika (Julia Barretto), decides to go on a road trip with a very strange goal – to look for aliens. In her trip, Mika accidentally bumps into a simple and good-humored boy, Caloy (Joshua Garcia), whom she chooses to give a free ride to until he reaches his destination. Mika is surprised to know that Caloy has cancer. But despite his condition, he has learned to accept his fate and remained positive and joyful. The two embark on a roadtrip filled with adventures and misadventures, not knowing that it will lead them to experiencing their most memorable romance at such a young age. They unexpectedly teach each other an important lesson on love and life – one that takes most people a lifetime to learn. [Star Cinema]

We've seen a lot of romance films tackle disease-stricken protagonists before, from the colorful musical like Moulin Rouge! (2001), the gut-wrenching classic A Walk to Remember (2002) and the latest young adult fiction The Fault In Our Stars (2014). In her latest film, Antoinette Jadaone uses this cliched and overtly used stroyline to make one of the year's best local films, period. Though the idea of having one character having cancer is an integral part of the storyline, director/ writer Jadaone don't overuse it to the point that it's being slapped in your face. Instead, she uses this as a way to bring the story and it's characters together in an emotional journey, literally and figuratively. The film is like a re-imagining of her film Relaks, It's Just Pag-ibig and That Thing Called Tadhana. Both films focus on two characters travelling together and slowly falling for each other. But this film has more resemblance to Relaks because it's characters are both young people (below/ early their 20's). Also, both Relaks and LYSB follow it's main characters as they wander to different places, gets involved in other people's lives and learn new things.

Both Mika and Caloy are both well-developed characters. We get some background of each character's lives before they meet each other in a short span of time, giving us enough information to get to know them. Then, as the film progresses, we get to dig deeper into their personal lives and what each of them are going through. Although it does need a bit of suspension of disbelief before you can fully commit to the idea of a character trying to get taken away by aliens. But once you get past that, you are in for one hell of a roadtrip. Director Antoinette Jadaone's script is witty and humorous. On top of that, her direction of the material is also adept. She really excels in eliciting laughs from the audiences. And she's also really good when it comes to making people cry a river inside the cinemas.

Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia shines once again in this movie which serves as their reunion project, being this their second movie together. Julia Barretto is so amazing in her portrayal of Mika. Aside from being a pretty face, she proved to everyone that she can act in last year's Vince and Kath and James. And now, she's done it again. You can really feel her character's pain through her eyes, and we can't help but sympathize with her. Joshua Garcia is a total revelation in VKJ and he continues to wow us in this movie. The way he throws his lines were so raw and it felt to real to me. The camera loves him. The way he smiles will surely send shivers down your spine but once he cries, you'll be melting with pity. He has this adorable and irresistible charm similar to John Lloyd Cruz, no wonder he's being compared to him by critics and audiences alike. One of my most favorite scene was this part when he tried to reconnect to his estranged father, only to be driven away and rejected. His monologue scene at his dad's house was just so heart-wrenching and painful to watch that I couldn't stop myself from crying.

Also, Julia and Joshua has really great chemistry and director Jadaone was able to squeeze all that oozing sweetness between the two onscreen. I remember this scene (which was featured in the trailer) where Mika was holding a chicken in her hand and she tells it that it's mommy and daddy's here. That scene was one of the most sweetest and nakakakilig moments in a local film I've seen this year. I can't contain the kilig I was feeling while watching this film that there were a lot of instances that I was already shrieking with joy along with the other audiences inside the cinema.

The film's cinematography and musical design was also really beneficial to the overall look and feel of the film. The film features a lot of beautiful locations and gets a lot out of these places to make the film more appealing to travelers among the audience. Though I must take note of the shaky camera shots in the film. Some of the scenes really looked good, but there were a lot of instances that the shaking camera shots were a bit distracting. This was evident in the screening where I watched the film because I kept on hearing some of the audience member's whisper that the shakiness of the shots were nauseating. The film features the Moonstar88 2000 song Torete (in a cover by Moira Dela Torre) as it's main official soundtrack and it used the film to it's maximum effect. When the film has finally ended and the credits were already rolling, I can help but sing along to the song during the end credits.

Antoinette Jadaone's Love you to the Stars and Back (2017) is one amazing romantic coming-of-age movie that reminds us of her great skills as a director and writer, and also serves as a proof that the JoshLia (Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto) tandem is a loveteam to watch out for. It's a movie that is full of laughter and pain, oozing with kilig and tears. It's something that shouldn't be missed.




Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰ of 5

"Love You To The Stars And Back" (2017)

Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, starring Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia