Regal Entertainment's scary movie offering "UNTOLD" was just given an advanced screening and scream party at the SM City North Edsa's THE BLOCK. It was witnessed by Regal Entertainment head honchos Keith Monteverde and Roselle Monteverde. While Jodi Sta. Maria is out of the country filming an international project, actresses Sarah Edwards and Kaori Oinuma attended the screening to say hi to lucky students, fans and media covering the event.
Jodi plays Vivian Vera, a reporter/anchor for a TV station. The film was easy to absorb at first, but it is a psycho thriller, full of jump scares and g0re. It was also very claustrophobic because much of the entities come from different directions. This is also about PTSD, mental health, and family.
Keith and Roselle Monteverde, Regal Entertainment Inc. is personally working on this film
This seems like a huge experiment for Jodi, and the film is full of things that would make you question realities. You get scared for a while then end up being in a flashback, or immerse in a supposed alter reality then see it being true. You also won't be able to invest too much on characters because one minute they're goody two shoes, the next day they're going to the underworld. Her involvement with all of them is consistent though, which again, made this story line cerebral, it makes you think and question every time what is true, what is happening now, and what's not.
The entertainment value certainly is enough for a Jodi Sta Maria film, and if you doubt her capability to scare, I've seen several people in my row screaming at times. Much of the content is psychologically heavy, and you'll feel the struggle on why the characters are doing what they are doing, even after the "afterlife". The narrative is stressful, so make sure you are ready for this horror film because by any standards, Jodi did justice with hear character. You'll also love some not so serious things that JK brings, which gives relief despite the heavy plot.
Director Derrick Cabrido may have had a field day doing this with an actress that is capable of playing complex personalities. She did phenomenal, and the script certainly has been researched well. If you are practicing witchcraft (not that I'm insinuating you are), you'll also be seeing a lot of clues why we say that. This is another layer that you should discover when you watch it on theaters on April 30.
If you want a really good thriller and scare this month, you should take your family and friends to the cinemas and watch THE CARETAKERS.
This is a film masterfully crafted for the silver screen by Director Shugo Praico. After watching it in SM North Edsa - The Block last night, I would agree with the R13 rating because for starters, it's pretty intense, has quite a few twists as expected, and would require a more mature audience because of scenes apt for that age. I'd reckon comparing it with Regal Entertainment's Shake Rattle and Roll series but with a fresher, grander pov, but still does those scare and revenge plots quite good.
It also gives a lot of importance to musical scoring, something this film has definitely done remarkably well because the surprises in the story would require that, and make you feel a bit invested with Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana's characters. Which reminds me, this certainly screams masterclass because 2 of the most formidable actresses in the country are doing these interesting characters. It's like 2 geniuses working on one project, and to do something extreme like this would show their range, unquestionable, done like pros. The cinematography is also something to be lauded. It felt like a Hollywood film inside the cinemas. The color grading is amazing and you can feel how they took time editing this film to make sure you're seeing something good in theaters.
Ms. Iza says "This is horror of course, but in hindsight, it's a story of mothers who would want to fight for their rights in owning the lot. Horror was used as a tool to tell that story. Though this has a huge back story, of the one who owns the lot on paper, or the ones that took care of the property for years. Are they really after the home, or are they just making sure the next generations would still see it. Working with her, it was super easy. Our co stars, the production, it was light and easy on set because I love learning from people. As a mother, as a business woman, I admire her on so many levels because she's smart. On set, you won't have to think about it, our energy levels are the same, I can depend on her and that makes part of the work done. She's not there to overshadow other artists, it was a very good dance. Production was also A+, we were spoiled and made everything easy. We even had coffee, fruits, food handy. I've always loved that concept where you go to work and just relax in the same way. The shoot was efficient, you have producers and staff that does their job fast. There was no lack of preparation, we finished it in 8 days. We even had delays but did it super fast. It's also a zero waste production, it was a great experience. The ecological aspect of the film is also seen in the way they made it. We hope this would also translate in what people would learn from the movie."
Dimples added "After watching the film, being in the real estate industry gave me somewhat an advantage to do this character. My husband and I invest heavily in that industry and when this story was presented to me, it wasn't far from what I think of land and its use. It could nurture, or destroy you. It made me think about how owning a title doesn't necessarily mean you are the rightful one to own a property. It makes you think in a bigger picture, and how we are all just property managers in one way or form. Over time, you get to think a lot about ownership even if you lease or sell the property to another person. This is not just horror but has so many underlying stories in it. Philippine cinema is evolving, and stories won't seem to be what it is on paper. This is the first movie I'm doing with Iza and I hope people see how special it is. We don't usually have projects because we often get the same character, but she guested in one project. Working with her is bliss, I know it would be fun but didn't realize it would be THIS FUN. When we are working on set, we usually see it as relief, but we're both moms and we see how we get to do a lot on set rather than just the things we do at home. She's one of the reasons why I see motherhood as a noble profession, I was doing teleseryes left and right, but working with her was intentional, but super easy because of her. She's like family. It was a very good experience, so many firsts, and hope you will see that in the film."
We also got to talk to the other cast members particularly Marco Masa, Jake and Jessica Taylor about their experience being in the film. Jake and Jessica are famous on YouTube and on Facebook, and this was a first for them. Marco on the other hand is quite seasoned despite his age and shared how he was so glad to be included in this project (he's been in a few on his own, and super thankful for the numerous projects he's in). Other stars like Inka Magnaye, Ashley Sarmiento, Althea Ruedas, Erika Clemente, Erin Rose Espiritu completes the cast. Listen in!
This is a movie that's entertaining, will teach you about the value of family, love, having responsibilities and taking ownership. This will be out on theaters tomorrow so if you have time to go to cinemas, this should be on your list. It will be on over 100 theaters and is under Regal Entertainment and Rein Entertainment.
This is one scary place... and makes you ask who the rightful owner is!
Just got out of the cinemas after watching the Marvin-Jolina reunion movie called Ex Ex Lovers. It certainly brings back memories of the 90's couple we've seen on TV and the movies.
Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal Escueta play parents to soon to be wed characters of JK Labajo and Loisa Andalio. It felt like we were in a time space warp because the loveteam still works. Before the screening, we talked to Marvin and Jolina in the sidelines and they said that it was easy to make this film because once the film rolls, Jolina just turns into a worm squirming and giddy like they used to. She also adds how they never even have to talk about the scenes because it was like they never even had to lift a finger, effortless in fact. They're both so glad about how the new generation of folks get to be fans of what they are doing on screen, something they have been trying to do for years. They even read feedback on Reddit about how those who didn't quite adore them in the past are now fans of the tandem.
The movie is cute, has little spots of laughter, and some serious drama scenes that involves family. They also have filmed most of this film in Malta, which makes some of the scenes so picturesque. The quality of the cinematography is impeccable, and the story is quite nice. I bet Marvin Jolina fans would LOVE this not just because they are here, but it has its own merits.
Go watch EX EX LOVERS in cinemas nationwide. It will also be shown in selected countries as distribution was confirmed by them earlier. I heard US, North America and the Middle East is included. Go see it and expect the kilig! This is produced by Project 8, Cornerstone Studios, and distributed by Warner Brothers.
