REVIEW: Mallari - Let Loose the Serial Killer!

I feel that Pinoy horror and thrillers are making a comeback in Philippine cinema, and for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 we actually have two, one is Kampon and the other one is MALLARI which stars Piolo Pascual. This movie is made by  Mentorque Productions, and for a first in a very long time will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

From the title Mallari, it is a different take about the notorious first recorded Filipino serial killer who is also a parish priest, Severino Mallari. Though it does not take place exclusively on the original time period. For this movie Piolo Pascual will take on three characters in different time periods all leading to the same family and the secrets that they hold.

Along with the serial killings made by Padre Severino Mallari, there is also an element of the Pinoy mystic creatures and witchcraft which also adds to the complexities of his character. Actually the mystic elements to the film overtook the grim reality of the serial killings which the story is primarily about. Though if you would look at the accounts of the killings of Mallari, the motivations for the killings were more of getting rid of the scums of the earth or which is like acting like a vigilante in the night. 

Mallari Brings History and Horror For MMFF 2023

For this edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival, Mentorque Productions introduces a unique film that deals with horrific history with MALLARI. Based on the real-life story of the first documented serial-killer in the Philippines, Fr. Juan Severino Mallari, which also has been talked about on the internet due to its very complicated situation.

Piolo Pascual will play three characters in the film from different timelines but linked to the same Mallari giving the story more complexity and also people who also revolves around the gruesome murders. Writer Enrico Santos shared that the project started in 2018 and took years in research and production started in 2022. 

Babae At Baril - The Power Of The Gun

Not everyone are able to get their hands on a firearm. But when one does, what can it do to the person wielding it? This is what QCinema participating film BABAE AT BARIL wants to showcase. Starring Janine Gutierrez, Felix Roco, Elijah Canlas, JC Santos, and Sky Teotico, the film is also the director Rea Red's solo directorial debut.

It tells the story of a young saleslady which endures a very hard life, harassment at work and on the streets, stressful commutes, and even a unreliable roommate. Though hope is lost for her situation, she stumbles on a gun near where she lives and decided to take it and eventually use it. With a deadly weapon on her hands, she immediately  feel the power and change in her personality to use it to her advantage.

Being part of QCinema for this year, they also got production grant worth P1.5 Million. They are also competing along with Grenn Brarit's The Cleaners and Arnel Kaaway Sa Sulod, and against entries from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and China.

The Day After Valentine's - JC-Bella Magic Once Again?

From the success of last year's PPP entry "100 Tula Para Kay Stella", comes another JC Santos and Bella Padilla movie team up directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, The Day After Valentine's is an encore movie that hopes to be another blockbuster hit from the two.

Though with a new set of characters and story, many are rooting for the chemistry of JC and Bella which has a charm with their unconventional love stories. This one starts with the common serendipity meet up which eventually leads to friendship. Kai (JC) is still emotionally attached to his last relationship which also drives him to hurt himself. Lani (Bella) discovers his secret and offers to help him on the road to healing.

Though they do make a good pair, the story comes a little flat with not enough factors to build up the character connection. Despite many people does not like the damatic angst characters of Lani and Kai.