Cinema One Originals 2017 Movie Review: Kip Oebanda's "Nay"

Ms. Sylvia Sanchez is "Nay"

After his critically-acclaimed youth oriented film Bar Boys which debuted at the first Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, director Kip Oebanda is back. This time, he takes on a classic Filipino folklore and gives it a new, millennial spin. Tagged as a gore film, this horror drama mixes shocks with political messages and underlying themes. “Nay”, written and directed by Kip Oebanda, stars a pretty interesting cast, led by Enchong Dee, Jameson Blake and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, together with Harvey Bautista and Carla Humphries and is one of the official entries to the Cinema One Originals 2017.

Martin's (Enchong Dee) sheltered life is turned around when he gets terminally ill. To save his life, his beloved yaya, Nay Luisa (Sylvia Sanchez) turns him into something truly horrifying. He must choose between dying or becoming a monster that preys on the poor and the weak in city where dehumanization has become the norm.

Screenshots from the trailer

The film is perfect for the theme of this year’s Cinema One Originals film festival: Walang Takot (fearless).The film’s story is not just about the plight of Martin’s character after being turned into an aswang. It also tackles very important and relevant issues today, particularly on extra-judicial killings. Though technically a horror film, Nay hides a lot of political and social overtones underneath it’s bloody and violent skin. It offers a very timely commentary on our society’s morality nowadays, particularly how we are slowly being desensitized to violence around us. At one point of the film, Nay Luisa asks Martin who is he to judge who should die and who should live. This pretty much mirrors how the people responsible for those extra-judicial killings are deciding whether it’s better if one man should just die instead of giving him a chance to change.

The film’s boasts a very powerful cast. Enchong Dee was really good in portraying the young yuppie Martin. He was able to convey a lot of emotions for his character, particularly during the time he was suffering from his illness. Jameson Blake has improved a lot since his past stint in 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten and Nabubulok. He has grown into the craft he is passionate about. I think he should get more challenging roles because for sure, he’s going to nail them. I was impressed with Carla Humhries and Harvey Baustista in this movie. And of course, who can forget Ms. Sylvia Sanchez’ tour de force performance as the title role Nay. She surprised us with her bravura take on her character. She was magnetic and captivating. She quickly shifts from being funny to scary. It was a performance that deserves recognition, perhaps a Best Actress award.

And yes, the film succeeds in it’s promises of gore. Nay is definitely one of the bloodiest Pinoy horror films I’ve seen, with it’s shocking and brutal visuals. It doesn’t care about jump scares an instead, it’s focused on shocking the audience with it’s unapologetic blood shedding. Though it’s not as gory as other foreign gore films I’ve seen, it has enough to satisfy my cravings as a gorehound. The pacing of the film was slow, but it was okay. It wasn’t really boring because of the witty script, combining shocks and humor. So far, this is one of the best Aswang movies I’ve seen in local cinema. Also, some of the scenes of the film reminds me of the Spanish horror film REC . And that ending has some Hannibal feels in it.

Watching Nay was a great way to start my Cinema One Originals experience this year. It’s shocking, brutal and bloody. But it’s also funny and entertaining, plus it’s timely commentary on our society’s issues today is very relevant. A millennial Aswang film? What more can you ask for?

Rating: ✰✰✰✰1/2  of 5

"Nay" (2017) directed by Kip Oebanda, Enchong Dee, Jameson Blake and Ms. Sylvia Sanchez

An official entry to the 2017 Cinema One Originals Film Festival

Movie Review: Chito S. Rono's "The Ghost Bride" (2017)

Kim Chui is "The Ghost Bride"

Back in 2004, when Philippine cinema was said to be already dying, director Chito S. Rono (then known for his remake of Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara) gave Filipinos a horror film that brought back audiences to cinemas. Feng Shui (2004) broke box-office records and gave it’s star, Kris Aquino, the title box-office horror queen. The film revolves around a curse brought upon by a mysterious Chinese home ornament, a bagua. After this, Chito Rono followed this up with yet another box-office smash hit, Sukob (2006) which revolves around a curse from a Filipino wedding superstition. These films were two of my favorite al-time Pinoy movies, and they’re the reason why I first fell in love with the horror genre. That’s why I have been looking forward to Chito Rono’s return to form after a three year break from his last horror hit, Feng Shui 2 (2014). This time, he tackles yet another Chinese belief, an old tradition that is almost non-exist already in "The Ghost Bride".

To save her family from being homeless and her father (Robert Sena) suffering from a heart condition, Mayen (Kim Chiu) desperately agrees to take the offer of a Chinese matchmaker (Alice Dixson) for a huge amount of money. In exchange, Mayen must submit herself as a Ghost Bride to a wealthy but dead Chinese man. This deal, however, happens to be a deadly curse when the deceased groom's ghost becomes jealous and possessive of Mayen. It begins to take a toll on her and the people close to her heart. Ultimately, Mayen must make a choice on how to save herself, and most especially her family.

Screenshots from the trailer

The story is actually pretty interesting. It amps up the film’s weirdness as the story delves further into old and unusual Chinese beliefs. The film takes it’s time before the actual conflict starts. Instead, it focused on introducing it’s characters, particularly it’s protagonist, Mayen (Kim Chui). The film takes it’s time in building her character and making us understand her current situation so that we can empathize with her and accept the actions she will be taking. Unlike most of Chito Rono’s previous horror films (Feng Shui, Sukob, The Healing), this movie doesn’t follow the typical slasher format. It doesn’t focus on raising the body count and instead, focusing on terrorizing it’s main character. Yes, there are some characters that gets killed along the way but they’re not that many as compared to the other films by Chito Rono. This is not another Feng Shui movie. Here, Chito Rono is focused on scaring the audience through Mayen and not through contant death sequences.

One thing that I also liked about this movie is that it’s characters were people you can sympathize. Mayen is your regular daughter who is willing to do anything for her family. Any breadwinner in the audience can relate to her actions. I liked that the characters in the story weren’t all introduced just to be killed off and to increase the body count. Instead, they all have a purpose, with the exception of Jerome Ponce which I did not really understand if his character has any use in the story. I mean, I love Jerome Ponce and he’s a good actor. But I think his character should have been given something to do at least, because honestly, the story could still move forward without his character. Aside from this, I love the rest of the characters of the story, especially Mayen’s auntie Akoh (Beverly Sarmiento) and her brother, Ahia (Victor Silayan).

This movie proves that no one can still top director Chito Rono when it comes to horror. He sure knows how to scare his audiences. Although his last horror film, Feng Shui 2, wasn’t that good (the movie starts out really fun and scary but the other half up being dragging and scare-free), he was able to redeem himself with The Ghost Bride. He was able to set up some pretty creepy moments, but the best part were those nicely doen ump scares that will get you when you least expect them. Not a lot of Filipino horror movies nowadays can do that to me but this movie was successful in giving me the scares. Also, the film’s weird concept really gives out a lot of creepiness to the film making it unique and unsettling.

The film also boast a powerful cast. Alice Dixson was magnetic as the matchmaker Angie Lao. Her portrayal was admittedly over-the-top, but she definitely nailed the part. Despite a lot of people stating that her stereotypical Chinoy accent sounded awkward, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I actually loved it. I think her weird portrayal adds some weirdness to her character and I would love to see more of Angie Lao in the future, maybe a sequel to the film or who knows, a spin-off about her character. Beverly Sarmiento also deserves some praise for her bravura performance as Mayen’s Akoh. She was one of my favorite characters from the movie and her psychic visions were really cool. Isay Alvarez was unrecognizable as the monk Suan Ming. I’ve never imagined her in a role like that and she reminded me so much of Tilda Swinton from the Marvel movie Doctor Strange. Christian Bables was also commendable in his short role. Of course, I have to admit, Kim Chui was the perfect choice for Mayen. I don’t think the film could have worked if some other actress were playing the lead role. She was Mayen and she definitely owned it.

The film also deserves some praise for it’s extravagant production values. From the sets to the look of the ghosts, everything was really good. I especially loved the part when Mayen’s character went to Nepal. The temple that they’ve used as a backdrop was stunning, and the view of the mountains in the finale was mesmerizing. I also enjoyed the film’s representation of hell. Though a lot of people hated that part, I loved it. It reminded me of the works of the Pang Brothers, particularly their horror flicks The Child’s Eye and Re-cycle.

The only other thing that I didn’t liked about the film is that there were some moments when there’s to much dialogue. I mean, you and your family’s life is already about to get endangered, yet you still have to bother having a small chit-chat with them? Too much talk instead of action. But aside from that, the whole movie was fantastic. This is a movie that is definitely worth your money. It promises a good time in the cinema and it delivers. It is the best example of a Chito Rono horror movie experience.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

"The Ghost Bride" directed by Chito S. Rono, starring Kim Chiu, Matteo Guidicelli, Alice Dixson and Christian Bables

REELive The Classics presents "Don't Give Up On Us" (Digitally Restored & Remastered) Red Carpet Premiere

The ABS-CBN Film Restoration, the digital film restoration project of ABS-CBN Corporation in partnership with Central Digital Lab, has successfully digitized, restored, and remastered more than a hundred Filipino films in the past couple of years. And last Sunday, November 5, 2017, they have unveiled their latest addition to their long list of classic Filipino movies restored in high definition.

Piolo Pascual gracing the red carpet premiere

Thank you ABS-CBN Film Restoration for the invites!

Last Sunday, 7 PM at Power Plant Mall, Makati, they unveiled the digitally restored and remastered version of Bb. Joyce Bernal's 2006 blockbuster hit Dont Give Up On Us, starring Piolo Pascual and Judy ann Santos. The film was their fourth movie together, and has grossed PHP 135 Million at the box-office. They also revealed that three other films starring Piolo and Juday will be screened as part of their REELive The Classics line-up, namely Kahit Isang Saglit (2000), Bakit di Totohanin (2001) and Till There Was You (2003). The red carpet premiere was graced by director Bernal herself, and the film's lead actor Piolo Pascual. (More photos from the premiere below)

Piolo Pascual presenting the film.

Piolo Pascual, together with director Bb. Joyce Bernal.

Piolo Pascual sharing his thoughts
about the film restoration project of ABS-CBN.

We look forward to seeing more restored Filipino classic movies in the future.

All of this thanks to the ABS-CBN Film Restoration project.

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!