Flick Review: Lakbay2Love

1/30/2016 5:40:04 PM

Of all the stories of the romance-driven (at at times, oligarchs) movie industry, Lakbay2Love tells a formula involving stories about searching for answers on self, romance, and for the changing times in our environment. Raising bars on consolidating multiple subplots and conflicts in the process.

Despite the stocks formed in between, the picture had a very light approach, with multiple breath-taking scenery serving as their backdrops, and a very interesting storlyline.

Lianne is a videographer whose dilemmas in the past, especially on her romance affair, has yet to be resolved with mounting paychecks also haunting her daily life. A new project made her fall in love with another world -- biking; but her trail never stops as she, along with Jay-R, explored other sides of the world; from the harsh, dying reality of our environment, to the fun times of using bicycles and even getting back.

Somehow, the cinematography become a primary factor on how Lakbay2Love find found its balance. I mean let's face it: the aesthetic appeal set the flick's tone for most of the time; plus the soundtrack complimented them all, with Kai Honasan's Liwanag serving a fitting pace. Plus, Solenn's Kilig and a cover of The Eraserhead's Overdrive joining the mix -- and even became the background music of its trailer.

Though most people would think the love story became a standout, I still don’t think the advocacy was far left behind. It stood alongside the triangular affair which shied away from the typical resolution; considering where love triangle stories usually conclude.

Besides, the issue of biking and climate change was so evident despite its absence in the news circulation. This film exhibited awareness about the said topics; something that was rarely seen. 

Not totally perfect, but definitely a worth the watch, especially if you’re into biking; and looking for solutions to the never-ending traffic and even pollution cases.

Verdict: 7.2

Author: slickmaster | (c) 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Playback: CHEATS (ALBUM)

1/10/2016 2:02:06 PM

Long before I get acquainted into their music. All I then-knew was CHEATS was one of the reasons why the Philippine music here in the country was very much alive. And I’m not talking about how wild their usual sets are. Also, forget the stereotyping of mainstream and underground thingamajigs.

Last July, they formally launched their self-titled album at SaGuijo. And fair enough, nearly half of their released singles became part of the record. 

The price (Php 400) comes with that unconventional package a la pizza box. But the specialty -- which are the ten tracks in the album -- proved them moreover. It’s not just another Locked Down Entertainment product (known for having a very different set-up products such as their albums).

So that perhaps was the reason why this band, comprised of seven including Candy Gamos (FRILLS), Saab Magalona and her husband Jim Bacarro, were the real deal in the scene. No wonder they are headlining Laneway Festival at Singapore later this year!

Their album already said it best. Their lyrical artform (which may sound shorter on their auditory craft but compliments so well), the mixture (much cleaner than their earlier released singles version), perhaps Ely Buendia was a huge help in producing this record at all. There are times I would wonder if this a resemblance of his guitarwork at Pupil or something.

But no. Quite different. And their rock signature can be more popular without the aid of being pop. That alone may be enough basis to own CHEATS and tag them as the best (if not one of the best) albums of OPM for the past year.

LISTEN:

Verdict: 9

Author: slickmaster | © 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: Beauty and the Bestie

1/5/2016 6:34:00 PM

Photo credits: Manila Bulletin

Okay, another Vice Ganda movie. Obviously, another sure-fire hit in the box office; but moreover, another garbage in the eyes of movie geeks and critics.

However, one thing is for sure: it fared way better than My Bebe Love, another heavyweight shit at the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival. Setting aside the popular comedian’s slapstick styles, the flick seemed to neutralize what has been a serious acting on the action scene by an effective Coco Martin. Seems this guy has been do-it-all from drama to action and now... the comedy. And to think that comic plus heavy action is somewhat a good (if not perfect) equation for a balanced type of movie. 

Though there’s still romantic element, with the twist of those friendzone and same-sex infatuation materials as part of the formula. And somehow, the combination proved too good to be true at all. 

Perhaps, Vice Ganda was just more than a comedian; he has some good acting chops lying somewhere in the movie. But it’s still unrealistic to fare well in the other movies. Okay, I get it: they want to entertain the movie-viewing public, right?

But why create such flick at the supposedly the grandest exhibition of films at the Philippines? It certainly loses the essence of making comedy films on a regular basis. 

Oh, wait, the difference is that they create a superb cast of characters, right? Still ain’t convincing. Looks like horror films are more believable then the storyline of this one.

But as I said before, if you want to be entertained, this one’s a better choice. Yes, much better than the other comical chic-flick entry here in MMFF 2015.

Verdict: 4.2

Author: slickmaster | © 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: Buy Now, Die Later

1/5/2016 6:47:14 PM

Photo credit: mymovieworld-coolman0304.blogspot.com

Horror and comedy converged once again as the same prods who brought you Walang Forever came up with their second entry at the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival titled Buy Now, Die Later.

The thing is: four mini-stories mixed up in a formula that seemed a bit different from what Shake, Rattle, and Roll has been offering us ever since. Four tales telling four different people buying four various “needed’ products in one store ran by a devil-inside Santi. That somehow, fills the connect-the-dots issue right there. All of them wanted fame, betterment, but with a painful price: their respective lives.

While I admire Vhong Navarro’s serious (and a bit of comic) role here, so was John Lapus. This comedian may not do serious horror, but his effort in lightening up the movie was somehow good; perhaps shying away from being a half-half type of film. 

TJ Trinidad always looks best when he does antagonistic roles like Santi, though it may not be totally evil (as it lacks that prowess), but give him the effort to be one of the primest supporting actor in his generation.

While I admire the formula and the cats of actors and actresses here, I felt Buy Now, Die Later lacked a but of something. Or maybe it’s because they turned out to be not-so-totally serious horrific tales.

But you know what? This picture still fared up so well with the others. While a serious drama, a thriller, and a rom-dramedy racked up the top three entries in terms of quality, BNDL tells a lesson applicable even if not on a fearable, matter-of-life-and-death situation: You want some greed? There’s a price to pay, and it’s a damn hell-like one.

Verdict: 7.2

Author: slickmaster | © 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: All You Need is Pag-Ibig

1/10/2016 12:57:03 PM

Photo credits: starcinema.abs-cbn.com

Seems the Star Cinema-Antonette Jadaone experiment turned out so well for the romcom scene, eh? Perhaps, it was since her project with then-Cinema One Original That Thing Called Tadhana days.

And All You Need is Pag-ibig may sound like too cliche or something with Kris Aquino being on “tackless-and-dealing-with-other’s-lovelife” self; but certainly it fared so well that it focused more on stories about the romances of both young and old. It’s like Aquino played a not-so-minimal role yet remained not-so-dull-yet-not-so-very-significant either. And the same goes with Derek Ramsay.

But you know? That is how you do a love story, Jadanone style. With animations and realizations as part of the formula, All You Ned is Pag-ibig clearly stated two things: first, romance is not just for the teeny-boppy (and sometimes, bitchy) ages. It applies to all. 

And second, love is not all about romance. While we enjoyed those sweet nothings between the roles of Mel and Eric (Jodi Sta. Maria and Ian Veneracion), it also showcased several tales of family relationships.

Those perhaps, are the lessons we should bear about love.

And if there’s another best supporting actress award, it should be given to Nova Villa. Sure, we may all know her by being Azon, Manay Dita, or Freddie Webb’s wife on Chicks-to-Chiks and Chika Chika Chicks; but apart from doing comedy, the veteran proved that her acing prowess can still stand the test of time as always-romantic Loisa, especially with Ronaldo Valdez as her partner Jaime.

It simply broke away from the stereotypes about love stories done on film without even the need of a clear degree of separation of one account to another and connecting them somewhere along the way.

Again, that is how a romantic comedy should be done. 

Verdict: 6.7

Author: slickmaster | © 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: Walang Forever

1/2/2016 10:14:54 AM

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Walang Forever may appear to be another hellish romance movie with comedy and dramatic portions lying somewhere in between. But with the advent of the popular term called #hugot (or angst)in the emotional Filipinos, it’s quite more easy to stereotype Walang Forever; considering a lot of people arguing whether the F word really exists or not, especially at the context of romantic relationships.

Dan Villegas was a successful guy in adding the hugot flavor to English Only, Please. He, along with Anj Pessumal and Antonette Jadaone were the new breed of key players in doing such programs right now. No wonder why emotional angst and intellectual wits were the trending combo factors when it comes to making drama or romcoms right now.

And it's quite impressive too that Fernando Ortigas and EA Rocha invested a quality picture on romcoms, too!

It’s kinda effective to put Jericho Rosales and Jennylyn Mercado in the mix, with the latter obviously being the standout for the Best Actress accolade once again at the awards night of the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival. The two had built a good chemistry on-screen. 

However, I had a problem on how he got a terminal disease along the way? Because it shows no symptoms that’s why all of a sudden, his slowly demise appeared like an RKO outtanowhere? Perhaps, or maybe.

But nevertheless, this movie will make you think about the existence of forever. Perhaps on a deeper aspect, like how winning an improbable task of getting back, or how to deal with the stacking odds.

And in the process, make you believe on it.

I only had another problem: if Honor Thy Father wasn’t disqualified for the Best Picture, either WF will lose or at least give HTF a very good fight.

Verdict: 9

Author: slickmaster | © 2016 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore

12/29/2015 11:41:46 PM

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Perhaps of all the movies who made noise for 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival, it was the current most popular fanbase who stood out the most. And who else can forget about Eat Bulaga’s prized kalyeserye duo of AlDub when GMA Films along with M-ZET Productions, APT Entertainment, Octo Arts Films and MEDA Productions teamed up to produce My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore through the direction of Jose Javier Reyes?

Somehow, it turned out to be very unusual as a lot of people bashed the movie for being too superficial and trashy for the country’s premier movie festival.

And one certain blog made a hint about doing a movie review about My Bebe Love: lower your expectations as this film was made solely for entertaining purposes.

Turns out she’s right. Aside from a breakout acting role for Maine Mendoza, it really sucked. Yes, big time (or let’s say 2016 times). The plot was quite ill-planned, perhaps due to time constraints. Here’s a bigger problem: it appeared the picture was made because of the popularity of AlDub. In short, joining the bandwagon that’s more evident on the trending list of Twitter.

I get it: sure the commercial films have a lot of ad placements somewhere in the movie. And the more popular the actor/s, the more endorsement they will be placed. The downside was barely evident when the commercials were seen on almost every scene of the movie.

And perhaps another bad blow when you see the technicality was the scene at the convenient store where Maine and Alden had met. If you noticed, the clip was inverted. And that’s not aesthetically appealing at all.

Well, give Mendoza a credit for doing so good in doing her roe as Anna. Though if you asked me, other actresses deserved the Best Supporting Actress than her. But nevertheless, I think it’s still a good one. She deserved to act more in comedy programs soon.

And in all fairness, Ai-ai delas Alas and Vic Sotto proved they can have he chemistry on-screen. Well, for some of their scenes they aren’t off-tangent.

Overall, My Bebe Love was a feel-good movie though we wish it wasn’t shown at the festivals like MMFF. I get it, it’s all business for the past years, but again MMFF needs to straighten up their priorities in life -- that is to uplift quality movies here. This shouldn’t have been a cartel market in the first place.

If you want to be entertained, go ahead. But if you’re a movie goer who thinks deeper a lot, the better spend your money somewhere else.

Verdict: 3.5

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: Nilalang

12/29/2015 10:19:10 AM

Photo credits: cityonfire.com

Second stop in doing a review in all movies of the Metro Manila Film Festival is Nilalang, an action-suspense-horror flick starring Cesar Montano, Meg Imperial, Cholo Barretto and Maria Ozawa. 

Perhaps the latter seemed very familiar to the masculine race as the Japanese actress had done a crossover from doing adult films in Japan to a thriller here in the Philippines. All that despite a buzz somewhere before the production stage.

And somewhat, Nilalang delivered that craving for everyone who’s been looking for one; and we’re not just talking about quality alone, but bringing back the glory of doing more action movies, too. From the plot itself to technicalities, they had done it. The first minutes of the program was so impressive you would even think “Hey, is this one foreign?” especially Ozawa is at the picture?

It’s quite interesting Pedring Lopez combined two combustible elements: the contrasting world of fantasy and reality, and the antique Japanese and modern Manila setting--in just a one plot that should have been reserved for most of the superhero movies. To think he’s the writer, director and editor at all. 

It may sound like he belonged to the people whose similar to the work ethics of Jerrold Tarog (Heneral Luna) but that just shows he knows his craft very well and exerts his very best effort on it. And I mean very best because the quality of the product showed they paid dearly for it.

And it may have at least two major subplot but it’s not even that complicated to comprehend.

Frankly, Nilalang showed that along with other MMFF 2015 movies like Honor Thy Father and Walang Forever, the Philippine movie industry can do a lot better. They can make more movies which aren’t just aesthetically appealing, but also tells more sensible stories.

And mind you: even rocking music.

Verdict: 8.8

Author: slickmaster | © 2015 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: Honor Thy Father

12/27/2015 11:30:27 PM

Photo credit: Reality Entertainment

With the sudden rise of biopics at the recent Metro Manila Film Festival editions, some filmmakers are taking a different-but-similar approach: that is to bring back the pictures depicting reality in our lives regardless if it make everyone feel heavy about it.

Enter Honor Thy Father into the picture. A product by the same production that gave you On The Job, the current Reality Entertainment offering stars John Lloyd Cruz in another challenging role. Perhaps, topping the one he did on Star Cinema’s The Trial in 2014.

With the supporting cast such as Meryll Soriano, Lander Vera Perez, William Martinez, and Tirso Cruz III, Cruz portrayed Edgar, a family man who will do drastic decisions and desperate actions for the love of his family. And it doesn’t matter if there will be a divine intervention along the way. ‘Cause it’s quite obvious the firm is building stories which mirrors what has been real to us; and that’s not a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s very compelling. Very convincing that even in our tiniest cell of consciousness, things like that happen a lot. All that despite having several lacking scenes if we talked about continuity.

While I commend Michiko Yamamoto and Erik Matti for a great pull-off on the trick, sadly Honor Thy Father was pulled out from several movie houses after the Christmas Day showing. Rubbing salt to the cut was the MMFF committee decision to pull HTF out of contention for the Best Picture. Ouch. After being part of the Cinema One Originals opening ceremonies, MMFF ruled a DQ finish.

I hope these crappy peeps regret their decision soon. Even if Honor Thy Father couldn’t do what Heneral Luna once did of “demand via word of mouth,” hopefully it could still make an impact to everyone who watched that. Definitely there’s still hope for the Philippines to do more qualitative films.

The verdict: 9.3

Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions 

Playback: Autotelic – We Are Autotelic (album)

10/08/15 11:37:38 AM

Photo credits: Pinoytuner

There are times where all I wanna do is to shut up and listen to a variety of music. And in case I liked them, I do put my several takes on it.

And rarely—if not none—I made some words of appreciation on albums. But for now, since Autotelic is celebrating its success for over three years in the independent music scene, might as well have do a review on their album.

Just over a year ago, Josh Villena and company released their 8-tracked album at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub in Makati City. Though it was only past April when I grabbed a copy of their record (their second, after an EP that was launched in 2013/early 2014).

So, first things first. I am a huge fan of 'track number 1.' Meaning, the very first song that will play on my disk—in chronological order—should better be attractive to my ears as fuck. It's like a simple sales transaction where you have to grab the prospect customer's attention by presenting the part of your product that has awesomeness. Parang pag una mong napakinggan, “Shet! Love ko na 'to!”

And that is something Kung Sa Bagay had been good for. From that introductory mix of synth, guitars, and the sudden drubbing of drums, to the rest of the way.

This time though, the album version of Misteryoso sounded a bit differently. Perhaps more polished. I admit, I'd prefer the old one (yes, the extended length). This one, though running for only five and a half minutes, was still not a bad thing to deal with. The difference is quite obvious, Kai's vocals were injected. Plus the keyboard-mix was more hearable that before.

Unstable is quite a melodical-paced one. Setting aside the music video Ballet Philippines had done, the rhythm shows the story in accompaniment to the lyrical forms. It never went to the fast lane; but still danceable, especially when heard live.

Balik, as I said on my song review, talks about nostalgia. This one, though, was a mere polished version (just like Misteryoso). But hearing this version—on a personal note—gave me goosebumps. Quite strange. I quite thought they have the same pace as Unstable.

The difference is that Balik—another Filipino language-written track—was more related to the goers. Could it be the lyrics? Perhaps. Plus the fact it changes power from slow to much-a-bit-faster-than-medium. Gep's drumming prowess during the instrumental struck me the most; along with the guitar effects from Villena, Neil Tin, and the bass from Timothy Vargas. But hearing the last chorus gave me that total lookback vibe. It's like you wanna see some rundown-travel clips and that part on your audio accompaniment.

Dalhin is something I considered one of the under-rated tracks for the album (three, in fact). Strong message in a simpler-sounding blend—and short lyrics. But the message was so strong that I had my hand picked on this as my personal favorite.

Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot was another. Talk about waiting for “answers,” eh? More dramatic than Unstable; and more melodic either.

Dahilan was still definitely (and still) an instant attraction to the music lovers. You try to hear them on canned recording (either by the album or just on that lyric video on YouTube alone), and it will give you total satisfaction on how Villena's song-writing prowess works; especially at chorus where he and Honasan's vocals blend well. Plus, EJ Edralin's exposure on synth was more evident here.

It's like one of the tracks where you will realized this should have been a sad song; and yet it's still danceable as fuck. Yes it is even if it's not as fast paced as whatever you may have think.

All Night. Where things went from a deeper-bass level. I heard more of Pab's stuff right there. And the powerful strum of the guitarists and drubbing of Macadaeg's as well. Also, the longest recording in this album.

The closure was so dimmed-sounding as fuck; it's telling a story like there's more in this band that will come out soon, as the night goes cooler (as if a gig reached its end and chill-down vibe is peaking).

Perhaps I should not be surprised anymore why Autotelic's self-titled album was an instant gem in the recent era. To think of it, even mainstream news portals had their own share of raves for this record, and the music magazine blog Vandals on the Wall even tagged them as part of its 20 Essential Albums of 2014. 

Well, I guess blame it on the process. These tracks were presented in various forms, crafted in different ways, and telling wordplay in whatever means possible. And even on the down-tempo like beat, there's no way you can never dance to any of their tunes.

And that is the main reason why Autotelic was one of the present standouts of the Philippine independent music scene—and perhaps the future of the Filipino pop music too!

The Verdict: 9.5/10

 Author: slickmaster | ©2015 september twenty-eight productions