MMFF 2018 Movie Review: "One Great Love" is Totally Unexpected

Enrico S. Quizon's One Great Love follows Zyra Paez played by Kim Chui, a woman who believes that love will complete her and will bring her joy. JC de Vera plays Carl Mauricio, Zyra's one great love. However, because of Carl's turbulent past, he unintentionally keeps hurting the woman he loves. Dennis Trillo is Ian Arcano, Zyra's dependable friend, who eventually falls in love with her. These three lives are intertwined in a story that reveals to us that like all human beings, we all seek for love, but everyone see it differently.

To be honest, I didn't really expected a lot from this film. And I thought this will just be like the typical romance drama film that we get in our theaters every year. The first half of the film was okay. There wasn't anything special nor intense that happened. The film seems like it's playing too safe.

But once the film reaches its second half, the film reveals a twist that I didn't see coming at all. The trailer was able to hide this twist and you'll only get to realize what kind of film you're watching once you're halfway through it. This surprise was quite shocking and effective. It's something you won't see coming from this year's festival. It manages to give the film some kick- the film suddenly became so interesting and exciting.

The film boasts incredible performances from its leads, particularly Kim Chui who surprised us with the unexpected turn of her character. JC De Vera was very effective in his role. But I rather not discuss about that part any further to avoid spoiling the film. Miles Ocampo was really fun to watch with her role. And for the first time, I admired Dennis Trillo in a movie. Though I've seen him before in many shows, this is the first time that I noticed his acting skills. The film was the perfect project for him because he was able to showcase his acting prowess here.

One Great Love manages to surpass my expectations with the unexpected outcome of its story. Kim Chui will surely surprise everyone with this film.

Rating: 8/ 10 • Verdict: Entertaining

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

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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.

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