Just got out of the cinemas after watching "And the Breadwinner Is...", the MMFF 2024 entry of Star Cinema and IdeaFirst Company. This stars the one and only Unkabogable Vice Ganda and an ensemble cast that includes Eugene Domingo, Joel Torre, Malou De Guzman, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kokoy de Santos, Jhong Hilario, Gladys Reyes, and more.
While this movie is expected to be funny (it is in the first half mostly), it has concentrated a lot on family and its intricacies. It would make folks learn more about how flawed we all are, how we need to spend MORE time with each other, and how we need LOVE.
Vice in this movie, in a way, is not just a source of laughter, but one who'd initiate real talk in the film. As the namesake means, Vice plays the breadwinner, one who's trying to manage and survive the challenges it entails. The hardships, like any person, would practically reach its boiling point and you'll see where Vice's character is coming from especially if she's done a LOT to make sure her family lives comfortably, and survive life in general. It's one of the most touching films I've seen this MMFF, I think it's why people have been crying the cinemas because it pulls heartstrings with the most important people in your life.
Kudos to Vice's great performance, that remarkable monologue with the other characters about their struggles really hit home. I felt several lines would hit you especially if you have OFW experiences. I almost lost it when she asked where a breadwinner would get rest because she felt, almost all the time, she had no right to.
Her scenes with her Mom Malou de Guzman also showed how one needed love (despite conditions), you should definitely see that.
Don't be swayed by opinions of non MMFF 2024 movie watchers because at the end of the day, this movie made sense for me. Congratulations Vice, Direk Jun and everyone who made the film. I'd give this a strong 4 out of 5 cows 🐮🐮🐮🐮.
Green Bones unfurled a few surprise wins in the recent Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 Gabi ng Parangal (Awards Night) which happened last December 27th hosted by the folks from the Metro Manila Development Authority. They won the festival's coveted BEST PICTURE Award amongst 10 entries including the Best Actor award for Dennis Trillo, Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid, Best Child Performer for Sienna Stevens, Best Screenplay for National Artist Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, Best Cinematography by Neil Daza and the nod of critics. The night's award ceremony was witnessed by GMA Network's Senior Vice President and GMA Films President Ms. Anette Gozon-Valdes. She describes the win as a great show of their efforts, risks, to ultimately tell the story in hopes of people loving the story, in its wonderful and outstanding depiction.
This is the vision of GMA Picture's Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon. They wanted to make sure that the movie would become a vessel to showcase the amount of talent their artists have, and no doubt Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid gave their all. Critics likewise saw how production took risks, and lauded how Director Zig Dulay made sure it be at par or even better than last year's successful entry "Firefly" which got rave reviews and top awards too. Dennis' portrayal of Dom Zamora had complexity, Ruru on the other hand did Xavier Gonzaga - who's a very colorful character, who wouldn't want to fall or have a change of heart with criminals like Dom in the film. MMFF also took notice of Sienna Stevens, got her the Best Child Performer trophy, and nominations for talented actors Royce Cabrera and our guy Mikoy Morales who had their moments in the film. If you haven't watched it yet, just be warned I've seen fully grown men who had a bout of crying in the cinema, a handy work of Ricky Lee and his excellent screenwriting no doubt. Go watch this touching, but now, well decorated film that's been lauded by movie goers during the festival. You'll be surprised how emotional it will get in the end, and see why Green Bones took accolades this year.
Going inside the Gateway Mall theater this afternoon, I had super high expectations for this particular movie... not just because of the caliber of actresses in it, but how production and distribution has been done internationally with Mentorque Productions, Project 8 Projects and released via Warner Brothers (which you probably don't get on an ordinary day). There must be certain standards met, and from the looks of it, they've done it quite well. The film has excellent cinematography, camera angles, and story line that's very efficient. They didnt' get too comfortable adding unnecessary scenes (which is a plus on my books). Add to that the excellent music score and sound effects too.
UNINVITED has Ms. Vilma Santos, Aga Mulach and our generation's President Nadine Lustre. Obviously I'm a huge fan of their previous work and since they are presenting this in MMFF 2024, I want a different flavor from them because when they discussed this during the Mediacon a few weeks ago, they promised a worthy story (with them in it) that would keep us glued on the screen for a few hours (which they did). For starters, Ms. Vilma actually pitched this whole concept. Aside from directly being involved behind the cam, she's pronounced how this was actually a dream role for her. It was hard not to spoil a few things, but she shared that you could start by imagining all of these happening in one day.
When Nadine
Lustre walked into the picture, she presented herself as a feisty, gutsy daughter of a very evil man. Partly fed up, she's a no holds barred, unapologetic lady, forced to please folks. She also takes comfort and refuge with other people. Aga Mulach which we often see as a goody two shoes guy on screen will join the dark side and make you squirm. Think of all the evil things a person could do and he's probably done it, making you hate him the moment he walks up on stage on his birthday. Ms. Vilma on the other hand plays Eva Candelaria, let's keep it a bit mysterious on what she's doing at the mansion. Slowly, her presence exudes power, purpose, commanding at times, but what danger lurks behind this persona? What caused her to be this way?
I could say right after I watched the film, Vilma Santos might just have tipped the scale for the Best Actress trophy with this
entry. You could feel how vulnerable and deeply caring she is at times, ultimately, being a mother to her only
daughter Lily. But remember, Ms. Vilma mentioned how she's never done something like this before... so if you expect a twist of some sort in the story, please, believe her. This is exactly this movie's biggest selling point, worthy of the amount you'll spend in the movies this Christmas season. This excellently made film certainly had people in the cinema rooting for her, literally screaming for her to go forward at times which I find cute since most of the folks in the front seat were seniors, and they were not holding back, getting involved in UNINVITED's story.
Mentorque Production's very own Bryan Dy went on to greet those who watched the film right after the screening. He didn't want the opportunity to pass to personally thank folks who supported them from day 1.
What do I think about the film? UNINVITED definitely needs to be seen by you, me and everybody else. This is just one of the few projects that Ms. Vilma Santos would make (she seldom does because of her public service work). She's iconic, no question, and did a great job despite the challenges of making this film. This is also a treat to the Vilmanians out there, you'll surely love every bit of it. This has a few flaws, but pretty cosmetic (just some which would have been done differently, creative decisions). If you're a fan of President Nadine Lustre, you would also be glad to see her here. It's not normal to see her do the dialogues she's done in UNINVITED, plus the interaction with the Star for All Seasons was also quite satisfying. Though you'll actually be loving Aga Mulach and his face, you'll hate him because of how you're going to be severely affected by his deeds. I'd give this a great 4/5 cows 🐮🐮🐮🐮.
Make sure you watch UNINVITED on theaters today, and also the other entries that are part of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 as they celebrate their 50th year!
PS. Stay for the credits! This is also R13 which I think is a very lax decision (so go watch it if you can teens!).
Watching TOPAKK on the silver screen was the best decision I've ever made this Metro Manila Film Fest 2024 season.
Why you'd ask? Simple, it wouldn't feel the same if I'd watch this simply on digital or streaming platforms. It gives a different vibe, of almost 2 hours of intense, violent, brutal, savage, rough and aggressive scenes all put together by Director Richard Somes, same guy who brought you OTJ, Ekis, and more eccentric action films in Philippine cinema. You've got that a bit expected yeah, but the topic, intimacy of describing PTSD in a structured military environment and how people suffer all throughout their life is something else to think and talk about... this was a venue to know more about it and they've managed to put that in the story.
Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero in one film concept wise is quite crazy (and is not the sole reason why this is called TOPAKK). Their stellar performances in different projects alone is something that would inspire an "actors actor". While Arjo carries good looks, this movie gives him major rawness. The closeups filled with his small freckles on screen was noticed, and absolutely lovely to see aesthetically since this is a bit dark, dingy and gloomy especially on the last scenes at the steel warehouse. I would gladly compare his role to John Wick, but again, very raw and local. You could see how he showcases his struggles, which I'd bet be better with a dog (for maybe a sequel). His acting chops are unquestionable, being Best Lead Actor at ContentAsia Awards was evident. He evolves wherever he gets into a role, and you'll admire his tenacity to live, not just for himself but for others.
Julia Montes is an action star. Gone are the crying drama princess roles she's been in the past years, because she is as intense as anybody on that set. Her knack for conversations complemented each and every single time she'd want to take revenge, throw a punch, smash someone's f4ce on the metal platforms just to make sure people felt her intensity to love them dearly. She definitely did not shortchange with the physical requirements that this role entailed or required, and you'll root for her. She's got a cause (that involves Kokoy De Santos) and it makes her hunger for changing her life inevitable. With the help of Arjo's character, their once not so connected lives begin to complement each other. You'll know why when you watch TOPAKK.
Here's what happened at the red carpet premiere!
You'll see some of the roles may have been brief, but don't be mistaken, all of these are essential. Congratulations also to stars Enchong Dee, Kokoy De Santos, and the ensemble cast (especially the bad guys) who performed well. You'll love this so much for the cast, the story line and it's cause.
This has had lots of rave reviews abroad, bringing this home was serendipitous, had a lot of promise, and they'll give you what you asked for. This is super apt for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival, it gives us viewers the OPTIONS we deserve. The R18 rating I think is because of the violence and gore, but the R16 version won't feel like it ain't enough. This also stars Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Bernard Palanca, Ms. Maureen Mauricio, so there's more to the story.
If you miss action movies, want to see your favorite actors do different things from the usual, you need to see TOPAKK. This and other entries in the MMFF 2024 are so good, but you definitely should have this on your list because you'll have your action thirst be extinguished, you get to feel you're part of it and feel tired because you've been in the middle of the scenes all along. Congratulations to Nathan Studios, Sir Art, Ms. Sylvia, Gela, Ria, and Arjo for such an amazing piece. Here's hoping they get a nod come awards night because from the looks of it, they do deserve it!
Though there might be some flaws in effects and story, forgivable. They still got the message across and sustained it's intensity all throughout the film. For Arjo, Julia Montes, and the sheer brutality this presents, it made me still choose this film to have 4 out of 5 Cows. 🐮🐮🐮🐮
PS. That float you had during the parade was amazing!
Just got off the cinemas after watching Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin's film My Future You, the official entry of Regal Films for the 50th Anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival.
They are two star-crossed lovers, literally connected with some mumbo jumbo social media site that happened in different timelines. One lives in the past, while the other lives in the not so distant present.
It's a fun setting, but certainly has its flaws. Karen and Alexander felt a connection from day 1, and it all started from that. They're both kind, brought up by great parents (even if it's complicated). Their getting to know stage gets fast tracked because of their affinity to their families, about their hunger for finding happiness, and the thirst to seek why things in life happen for a reason.
The romance part gets injected quite later, but Francine and Seth's chemistry isn't forced, it just came quite naturally. The talk is matured, but relatable in so many levels. I guess love encompasses time, generations, but does the story feel impossible? Not at all, if there's something to say about their acting chops, Francine's great acting is expected, but if you think Seth Fedelin would be just there to complement what Francine is doing, I think you'll be mistaken.. because he did "BRING" it and I could even say over delivered (a good thing).
That's what you should find out. This is a non structured story, but I said that because this takes on a few ethical things in perspective. If you were in their shoes, would you change things in your past?
This movie is actually nice, really great in concept and can entertain kids, teens and a whole lot of people in between This is also for General Patronage, and if you're a FranSeth fan, you will love every bit of it. I felt a few of their supporters in the theater couldn't hold back with the kilig and began shouting their desires for the two publicly.
This film is produced by Regal Films, and is their entry to the 50th Anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival. Go watch it on December 25th, and also the other entries in the fest. This has its own merits and deserves your movie watching money for MMFF. Mother Lily would have been so happy to see how this was received last night.
Don't be surprised if this gets nominated and maybe, win awards. It could well be this year's dark horse at the 50th Anniversary of MMFF!
When we heard Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo was participating in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival, we were really excited about particular film she's doing; they call it "ESPANTAHO". The term actually means a "scarecrow", a thing that's pretty common in farmlands, especially in agricultural countries like ours.
It's been a while since she's done something like this, but it was promised to her by Director Chito Roño who called her for the project. Judy Ann says "It's
been a while since I've worked with Direk Chito Roño. Before I was a
young lady, but now I already have a daughter. I'm happy because when
he called me for a horror film, I didn't say anything, just "let's do it!".
This is a dream, I wanted to experience it, he's calmer now, but still
has a mic when he does sarcastic lines. I'm not the one he's getting mad at these days, but when you do it with him, it is fulfilling!"
This
film was prepped for a year before they got to make the script. When
the writer Christ Martinez presented it, he got "good" feedback from Direk Chito, and things started rolling
from that. Atty Joji remarks how this has been a collaborative
experience for them, and since Direk Chito is a master Director, they
wanted to make a great film with them during their 20th Anniversary. The only issues they encountered were mostly because of
the weather, but they adjusted with the season to fit the story.
JC Santos likened Direk Chito to his former theater mentors, because once he asks for one more shot, it means you would need to do better on the scene. If he says "next scene", that means you're good. Most of them nodded in agreement, and Direk Chito felt he was getting roasted during the press conference (they had a laugh about it).
Here's the press conference on video, of course! I got you!
They let us in on a secret, that painting on the left side of the stage will play a significant part in the film so if you see this in any theaters they'll be showing ESPANTAHO, go take a photo with it!
Ms. Lorna Tolentino took time to talk about love, family and a few more things about the movie after the press conference, listen in to the conversation:
In a nutshell, you would need to watch this film because of the caliber of actors that are in it. Not to mention how big of a horror director Chito Roño is, and how he's come to embrace new technology, special effects, and face a new crowd of movie goers eager to see something new, as you introduce a brand new entity to fear because they don't know what lurks behind that painting that you base the story on.
Hope this forms a cult following, perhaps a sequel too! The film will show on December 25 together with other MMFF 2024 entries, but consider watching this first especially if you're a Judy Ann Santos Agoncillo fan. This is produced by Cineko Productions, Purple Bunny Productions and Quantum Films. They promise that this will be the scariest film you're about to see on MMFF 2024.
It was hot, humid, but everyone was in a celebratory mood over at the TOPAKK press conference in Quezon City. Greeted by a different sounding Basti Artadi performing on stage, I was like "Wow!" because of how b4d 4$$ it was, it felt like a dream for me. Then they started the presscon.
We had the pleasure of actually being on location when they shot TOPAKK in Rizal for the finale scenes. Just looking at it back then, I knew this was going to be something special because it will bring back a genre that was sorely missed, plus we get to see multi awarded actors on screen like Cong Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee and Kokoy de Santos.
They also had Levy Ignacio, Bernard Palanca, Paolo Paraiso, Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Julio De Leon, Ivan Carapiet, Jeffrey Tam, Gerard Acao, Michael Roy, veteran character actress Ms. Maureen Mauricio, Elora Espano, Claire Ruiz, Anne Feo, Bong Cabrera, Manu Respall, Rosh Barman, Victor Medina, Ivan Rivera, Ian Lee, Nico Dans, Yian Gabriel, Raquel Pareno, Precious Laingo, Kayley Carrigan and Geli Bulaong to complete the ensemble cast for this film. Mind you, this has been showcased and raved about in different film festivals internationally. This year, it's going HOME to the Philippines and will be shown on the 50th Anniversary of Metro Manila Film Festival. This feels like fate to say it frankly.
Direk Richard Somes is one heck of an action film director. The quality is certainly for international consumption, and he didn't shortchange with regards to set design and hard knocking scenes. What's a bit of a let down though is the rating because this is R18 outside SM Cinemas while those who want to see it in SM can do it on an R16 rating. This has heavy fight scenes and very bl00dy encounters so we kinda understand why it's rated that way. Though I would suggest you do the R18 version so you could get the full experience of the movie. Don't worry though for the R16 because you will still learn and get the story.
Nathan Studios producer Ms. Sylvia Sanchez isn't worried about it though because they're giving movie goers real good options. Aside from Nathan Studios, they are working with Fusee and Strawdogs as producers for this project. Hopefully to make more of these (a sequel no?). Some of the people who saw the movie that evening told me this is a material where Julia Montes really excelled, though she's been doing action stuff on Coco Martin's TV series, she is more hands on in the scenes. She's going to be in really physical fight scenes which she's never done before. This is more raw, and Julia with Arjo means it's got emotional scenes will be there. They also had the army spokesperson at the press conference praising them about how they portrayed the Filipino soldiers, TOPAKK will certainly be a good thing to watch if you're thirsty for action films this year.
This is the opportune time for you to watch TOPAKK, it's international release name is Triggered. You've got to see why critics have been raving about it. Hopefully, this picks up awards in this festival too!
We just got off the press conference of My Future You, the new Regal Films entry for the 50th year of the Metro Manila Film Festival. This stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, the couple known as FranSeth has this as their first ever movie together.
Seth says "I'm at a point where I could protect her, I can fight for her, I think that is what I feel about her now. I can stand on my own two feet and I'll be in front of her. We want to thank everyone who are supporting us, especially for the movie and Regal Films. We know how much you are doing block screenings, it's hard because most of you are not earning much yet, as young as us, and we are happy about your feedback, we feel we're doing something right. We are just starting with My Future You and we still have a lot to prove. That's why we are hungry to do this, we dedicate our work for all of you. I wish I could make my siblings finish their studies, build my own home, have another installment of My Future You, finish my studies, have a person to love me, understand me, and I think that will happen very soon. I wanted to be a seaman, because that's how I saw my Uncle, and ended up doing PBB. Now I want to be a pilot, but know how expensive that is, and the time to spend for that course. I hope I could have time to do that, or just graduate. I feel good when I was the one watching movies during MMFF, being rated G means everyone in the family could go inside theaters and watch films."
Francine says "We're best of friends and it's nice to know that I have someone to protect me. It's huge, we owe the existence of FranSeth with our fans. We have young followers, we're not perfect but we do our best to make sure they are happy too, and the things we can give them as an example. I want to give my family's needs before mine, create my own path, and come home to my future. I just want that to happen, that's enough for me. This is the first time we are together, it's a sign that what we have been working for all these months can be loved by folks who would watch it. You can just get everyone at home to see it."
Direk felt so good about the movie being G rated by MTRCB. This means that even the kids can see the movie. This is under Regal Films and they've had a tradition of making projects like this film every Christmas. If you want to support the two fine actors, make sure you watch "My Future You" in cinemas from December 25 onwards!
If there's something to tell about this movie aside the stars, it's the sheer scale of it. This is HUGE, and I couldn't wrap my head around why they've done it this way, but with Nadine Lustre, Ms. Vilma Santos and Aga Mulach in the cast, this kind of welcome is needed for their movie UNINVITED.
It was grand, it was fitting, because the story involved a Filipino billionaire. The story is also very dark as depicted on the trailer they released. This is going to be an acting piece for the three lead actors and honestly, I wouldn't want to be a juror for MMFF 2024 because from the looks of it, they'll be having a headache with first, having actresses with phenomenal awards battle it out for Best Actress. Two, seeing Aga do evil roles, something unlike his very sunny personality. That's just the tip of the iceberg though.
They revealed the official poster at the start of the event!
This is the huge stage, have I used huge a lot in this article? Yes I know.
Ms. Vilma Santos told the media "There's nobody else, no other name to play his role, it was only Aga Mulach. When he called me, he only asked if I'd accept the project, asked if it was true, and I immediately told him to accept it because otherwise, I'd be returning the candles for being Ninang to him and Charlene Gonzales. I wanted him to accept it so I could beat him up (she kids). When I head also that Nadine agreed with the project, I was already asking for shooting dates, with all honesty, I was mostly excited about it. Then I learned the huge cast that will also be with us, even if I felt bad in several shooting days, I knew I had to go through with it because I was with them all. I am inspired and in love with them."
Aga quipped "People were asking me why I'd be calling her, and they didn't know we often talk like that because we're really that close. The only question I asked was if she was game to do it, she didn't even had to talk more because I've been waiting for it the whole time. I'm just so happy this happened. It comes in threes, and out of the stuff we did, I'm very proud of this one! I'm quite excited too. When I heard Nadine was in the cast, I thought she was going to be a love interest, but production told me she will be my daughter (he kids), I was relieved!"
Nadine divulged a few things about her character and said "About similarities, I think we're polar opposites. Nicole is kind of extreme, she's rich, she does all the bad things, she's a foul mouth, she's got lots of hatred towards her father and the situation. I on the other hand am a more chill person, and the relationship I have with my father isn't the same either. The only thing I think that is similar is that we're both feisty. Our scenes are very heavy, but Kuya Aga does these adlibs that are not on script and we laugh about it after the scenes. But it feels different when you are working with a person of his caliber. Our scenes are going to be triggering, his personality is totally different in real life."
Here's the rest of the press conference on video:
Producer Bryan Dy responded to my question about being so passionate doing HUGE projects like these and he said "I'm actually very fortunate to be in this position. This is the part that you would never have to hold back, because with this kind of cast and story, if we let go of the chance, we probably wouldn't have something like this happen in our lifetime. One reason is, going to cinemas actually is expensive, so you want to really make sure that every peso cinema goers spend is worth it. With this cast, with the people working behind the camera, we think they're the best and we believe the Filipinos deserve it. And, we're not yet done, we're just starting! It is a dream project, and I've seen Ms. Vilma Santos in different roles when I was growing up, she didn't act on this film, she was more of a collaborator. She is very important for the entire film because she was assisting all the actors, they don't even go home anymore even if their scenes were done because they stayed to make sure this film has something to give. This is important and fulfilling for me. All our earnings from past projects, we rolled over here and even gave more. We're sure that we won't disappoint you with this film."
If the stars won't be the sole reason to see this film, you've got the story, the production value, and the anticipation of how great actors do it on screen should.
