MMFF 2024 REVIEW: The Kingdom - Alternative World, Same Problems

Finally, there is the concept of an alternative Philippines used as plot for a movie, though seems ambitious, is a promising way to diversify the stories we do with our films. Cinema is a great way to express these theories and make them into a good entertainment material, that is why I would say that The Kingdom starring Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual is groundbreaking and my most anticipated film for the Metro Manila Film Festival.

With the premise of having an alternative Philippines that was never colonized and continued up to the modern day really is an interesting thought. Though that there will still be some influences but not as integrated by being under the colonial powers.

The Kingdom brings me to love our rich culture which we can tell in a new light. It has the best in production value even down to the smallest details, and if you are a history and culture nerd, you will definitely geek out. One of the most interesting "what if" stories of the country yet will also face similar conflicts and struggles. The Kingdom of Kalayaan prevails but deceit and an unjust system remains.

MMFF 2024 REVIEW: And the Breadwinner Is... All Of Us

Vice Ganda is back for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival with And the Breadwinner Is... directed by Jun Lana and features an ensemble of great actors from the Kapamilya network showing their impact and importance to the Philippine entertainment industry. And it was one of the most talked about movie before the festival with the combination of Vice Ganda as the unkabogable star and groundbreaking movie direction of Jun Lana.

The first half of the film feels more of a fan service which caters to fans of Vice Ganda's comedy which I do enjoy pero it pulls away the moment to let the movie shine on its own.

Pero they have their own shining moment with the family drama especially that family confrontation scene. It was a Pinoy family reality. Masakit ang sumbatan, and at some point we all had that moment with our own families.

MMFF 2024 REVIEW: Espantaho - Old School But Not That Cool

We grew up with Chito S. Roño horror films which has defined cinematic experience and culture through the years, and for the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, he does deserve a spot for the 50th edition of the festival. Howver with this film Espantaho starring Judy Ann Santos, Lorna Tolentino and Chanda Romero, we might have expected too much because of the hype and the number of cinemas it got overall.

Espantaho translates to scarecrow which would be the mysterious entity that will haunt the characters with its mystical ways. The plot actually follows more on the tradition of the Pasiyam (nine-day novena for the dead) which what brought the characters together. The pinoy grieving and funeral culture did stand out as many traditions and customs were observed which can relate to the viewers. However, the plot got lost with the mix of the horror elements and the Pasiyam timeline. 

You can observe that Chito S. Roño signature for his horror films, which I loved and made me look for easter eggs hidden, but being too familiar will also make you bored because of the predictability of the movie. The lore of the pestilence had potential to strike fear but felt short and it was also confusing that there is a lack of sadness and grief when the characters lost her children then shifts emotions like nothing happened. The movie screams Feng Shui and The Healing which I both love but feels like a copycat of those films.

MMFF 2024 REVIEW: Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital - The best Pinoy found footage to date

MMFF Horror is either a hit or miss for me, but was pleasantly surprised with this film which I believe maybe the longest title for a MMFF horror (ever?) So lets abbreviate this into TKH for this post. 

Set in Taiwan, where a group of celebrities and content creators goes on a ghost hunting in an abandoned hospital where numerous explorers are found dead and cursed. I like they go by their real names which I find kinda meta though I hope it will not also affect them in real life.

The plot may not be new, but the direction and effects were really good. Something that I really wanted to see in a Pinoy horror flick. It may not go full all-out blood and gore but went hard with the suspense and horror quality.

This is what I would recommend if people would ask for a great Pinoy horror movie that does not feel underbugeted. As the cast are also playing themselves, they are too and their works are used as a reference in some of the scenes capitalizing on the fans and haters to build up their own characters for TKH.

MMFF 2024 REVIEW: Topakk - Solid action from start to end

I miss this kind of action where you can feel the pain of every punch, kick, and blow. And the action and tension is evenly distributed throughout the film and they don't feel like a stageplay action but solid performance that should make me feel if it was real or not. Yet I do believe that they worked hard for those scenes.

Topakk is the only 2024 MMFF entry to have two ratings of R-16 and R-18 depending on the cinema, though the one I watched was the R-18 version but if I would rate it, it can pass as R-16 because it was not too gory unlike films of the same action genre. I guess the rating might be about the mental health problems of Miguel (Arjo) which would be his PTSD.

Though the story is anchored on the Drug trade  and the usual stories, they did make an effort to build up Miguel's story now as a security guard and his encounter with the siblings Weng (Julia) and Bogs (Kokoy). The action was chaotic yet good, though a little dark because of the location and time, still works and also add some thrill for those scenes.

MMFF 2024 REVIEW: Hold Me Close - Romance In Japan

Completing my 10 entries of 2024 MMFF with HOLD ME CLOSE starring Carlo Aquino and Julia Barretto, directed by Jason Paul Laxamana. The film is one of romance entries for this year which promises to bring a different kind of love story from the usual. And it does so, but not really what I expected and felt.

The story is about Woody who traveled around the world searching for the perfect home. His latest move was in Japan, where he met Lynlyn and her siblings who are making a living by selling squid. Lynlyn is revealed to have an ability to know if that person could bring joy or pain just by touching them. This ability would also lead to some trouble but will also bring Woody into their lives. At first, there was no reading if it was positive or negative however it will eventually change, as they get to know more about each other. 

Set in my favorite country of Japan, her story and ability are linked with the culture and supernatural entities of the country. Though it can also be adapted to any place with that situation, yet the Japanese aesthetic just made it better but not the story. The actors are great with the performances however it suffers from the lack of establishing connection and emotion. 

MMFF 2024 REVIEW: Uninvited - Thrilling Gatecrashing

Among the entries of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, UNINVITED is the one that the most of my attention with the interesting plot and star-studded cast. Especially when you bring in Nadine Lustre, Aga Muhlach, and the star for all seasons, Vilma Santos into a movie that brings out a different side of them is really something to watch out for.

Uninvited is Mentorque Productions entry to the 2024 MMFF from their successful film last year 'Mallari'. Now taking things further, they wanted to make a statement with something lavish and outrageous with this movie. From the trailers, we already saw a very feisty Nadine, a ruthless Aga, and a vengeful Vilma. From those characters, I was already sold to watch the film.

Aga plays Guilly Vega, a wealthy billionaire who throws an extravagant birthday party with his wife and daughter Nicole (Nadine) along with his partners who were part of underground illegal activities, Vilma is Lilia Capistrano / Eva Candelaria, a mother seeking revenge for the death of her daughter caused by Gully. 

MMFF 2024 REVIEW: My Future You - Past or Future, It's Time for Kilig

For the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, it would not be complete without an entry from Regal Entertainment, which is a key institution with Pinoy entertainment. This year was also a sad year for them with the passing of their Matriarch, Mother Lily Monteverde. Though her legacy continues with their entry for this year, MY FUTURE YOU.

This was one of the last project Mother Lily greenlit before she passed, giving tremendous faith and opportunity to the two lead stars Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz. This dramatic comedy brings two strangers Lex (Seth) and Karen (Francine) meeting online during a comet event. As the two become closer, they soon realized that they live in two different periods. This opens up opportunities for them to change their past and futures which brings them to affect their lives in good and bad ways.

When the teaser and trailer was introduced months ago, many have pointed out the similarities with the Japanese anime film Kimi No Nawa (Your Name) given that it also has the two-time period romantic plot plus the shooting star (or Comet) is seen as the key visual for their marketing materials. However, after watching, I did see the differences yet found it has more similarities with the anime Steins; Gate because of the time period interventions leading to changes in the future.

MMFF 2024 REVIEW: Green Bones - How Do We Measure Goodness?

In anticipation for the celebration of the Metro Manila Film Festival, we got to see the special advanced screening of Green Bones by GMA Pictures. From the success of their last year's entry Firefly, this probably gave them the inspiration to submit a new entry for this year's MMFF which is now on its golden anniversary.

Written by National Artist Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, and directed by Zig Dulay, Green Bones is a suspenseful drama which stars Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid.

It tells the story of Dom (Trillo) who is convicted with the murder of his sister and niece living in a penal colony where Xavier (Madrid) enters as a new prison officer driven with hatred to criminals, especially murderers like Dom. Dom is known in the island for being helpful and has a good track record that can lead to his parole. However, this does not sit well with Xavier and keeps a watchful eye on what are Dom's true intentions.

New on Netflix: More Award-Winning Filipino Films Will Be Available on Netflix Starting This Month

More Filipino content has found its home on the streaming platform!

Keep your eyes peeled for March, April, and June, as seven Filipino gems grace your Netflix screens! These movies stand as a testament to the captivating storytelling prowess of Filipino filmmakers, with narratives spanning from the mundane to the truly bizarre and horrific.

If you’ve missed their theatrical run, don’t worry—these films are coming together on one platform starting this month, with the highest grossing Filipino film of all time, Rewind, leading the charge! Here’s a guide and the movies’ Netflix launch dates before you schedule your next binge-watch session!

Three 2020 MMFF movies extend screening worldwide via KTx, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV

The holidays may be over, but we are not yet done giving you treats as ABS-CBN TFC extends your chance to catch three 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries: “Fan Girl,” “The Boy Foretold by the Stars,” and “Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim,” which can be seen outside the Philippines via iWantTFC, Ktx.ph, and TFC IPTV. 

Given the current health risk posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, MMFF was held differently compared to the previous years. Instead of people lining up at the cinemas, they were able to watch the official entries at the comfort of their homes through streaming. 

ABS-CBN TFC extends this experience to the movie enthusiasts overseas by letting them enjoy “Fan Girl,” “The Boy Foretold by the Stars,” and “Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim” wherever they may be in the world.

REVIEW: CULION - Ensemble Of Emotions From The Colony

As one of the entries for the MMFF 2019, Culion banks on the rich history, stories, and the people which made it a worthy film to be shared this Christmas season. Written by Ricky Lee and directed by Alvin Yapan , Culion goes back to the days where the cure for leprosy is still being discovered and seclusion of lepers remains its only treatment.

The island colony has completely eradicated the disease and now wants the world to know that people can now visit them and get to know their history. There is even a museum about the town and also beautiful mountains and sea views as it is part of the province of Palawan.

The story of Culion in The Commonwealth era are already an ensemble of stories from the patients, government officials, clergy, and Sano (unaffected residents). Being a national institution it also brought in people from different regions in the Philippines, which makes it colorful linguistically.

REEL DEAL: Kimmy Dora Ang Kiyemeng Prequel REVIEW

Kimmy Dora has finally reached its final film, it both sad (knowing that everyone love these twins) and happy (for "upgrading" Pinoy Comedy Films to interesting and quality movies) for the franchise which concludes the trilogy with Kimmy Dora Ang Kiyemeng Prequel. Euegene Domingo proved her versatility and charm with the chaotic yet lovable twins Kimmy and Dora Godonghae.

I have to say that the trilogy is composed of different styles of comedy with slapstick, horror-comedy, black comedy, etc. found in a scene in the movie which would cater to all audiences. It would be fitting that it ends its franchise at the MMFF, which is the biggest movie festival in the country (well, movie lovers are either compelled to or authentically love the movie). As I belong to the one who loved the first (but not have seen the second), I made it part of the limited films I'll see for MMFF.

  

Now back to the Godonghae twins, which have won the hearts of the viewers and the first Pinoy film that was successful in doing promotion on social media, they kept the same strategy and finds new ways to keep viewers entertained. Production value is probably the most "bongga" among entries as it made cool effects and production design. And of course it would not be complete without the suprise cameos of stars which also includes the producer Piolo Pascual.

REEL DEAL MMFF 2013: Boy Golden REVIEW

Action movies are making a comeback to the Philippine movie industry, and they are making waves and revolutionizing Pinoy action films are made. With the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) being the most anticipated movie extravaganza in the Philippines, it is also a great time to showcase this genre to compete among comedy and horror films. For this year 2013, one of the action films included here is Boy Golden: The Arturo Porcuna Story.

Directed by Chito Rono, and led by Manila Kingpin, El Presidente star and Laguna Governor Jorge "ER"  Ejercito and KC Concepcion, it narrates the life of the infamous gangster Arturo "Boy Golden" Porcuna during the 1960's (which is similar to ER's last film about Asiong Salonga). 

Being a period film makes it more complicated and detail-oriented, they managed to pull this off make an impression. And that was the struggle back in their previous films, however they learn from their past mistakes and made a lot of improvements for this film. There is also a odd style of lighting technique used for the film which I can describe as "psychedelic" but makes its distinction as not the average type of film.

Fight and gang scenes are the most interesting part of the movie with practically everyone involved in one way or another. Who would thought that gangland Manila was this brutal and chaotic. So far, the only recommendation for improvement would be the special effects, it is decent but might need to be more refined.

Another interesting thing in Boy Golden is the "loveteam" of KC and ER. It may be an unlikely pair for some, but it can be seen as more of "partners in crime" than a romantic tandem. well it is a gangster movie anyway and not a chick flick.

Boy Golden Cast Raid Glorietta For Their Mall Tour

One of the to-watch films for the Metro Manila Film Festival is "Boy Golden: The Arturo Pocurna Story" makes their mall tour before the opening of the MMFF in theaters. The cast led by KC Concepcion, John Estrada, and Buboy Villar takes the spotlight in one of busiest malls in the metro to meet and greet fans and mall goers to watch Boy Golden.

Though ER Ejercito may not be at the mall show, it got a lot of attention with its trailer and some singing acts made by Buboy Villar and KC. Buboy shares that his role is a gay teenager, a huge change from being a child sidekick in his previous projects. John Estrada is also a crowd favorite as he emerges and throws posters and shirts to the crowd. John plays the antagonist  in the movie and also can be considered as his "comeback" as he is very seldom seen doing movies  especially action films.

REEL DEAL MMFF 2013: My Little Bossings

I hues its high time for Ryza Mae Dizon and James "Bimby" Aquino-Yap to have their share of the limelight to star as the main character in a movie. This 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival made this happen with "My Little Bossings" featuring Bimby and Ryza, Vic Sotto and Kris Aquino.

Since this year, Enteng, Agimat, and SRR are shelved fo this year, a fresh story would be a great way to launch the rising career of "Aleng Maliit" and Baby James (Well definitely not a baby anymore). 

My Little Bossings brings together the powerhouse productions behind The Enteng Kabisote Series and Sisterakas now together in support of the kids that have become the darling of the crowd. Ryza who won Little Miss Philippines in 2012, and Bimby hails from prominent families has been crowd favorites.

REAL DEAL MMFF 2013: Boy Golden

Another MMFF entry we love to see this season is Boy Golden : The Arturo Porcuna Story by Screema Concept and Viva Films. Led by ER Ejercito (from Asiong Salonga and El Presidente), and KC Concepcion, the movie is set in the 60's gangland Manila. Drected by Chito Rono.

ER will play the gangster Arturo “Boy Golden” Porcuna whle KC plays Marla Dee. This action-packed movie brings the feel of the old city and the gang wars which happened back then. John Estrada, Baron Giesler, Eddie Garcia, Leo Martinez, John Hillaro, Joem Bascon, John Lapuz, Gloria Sevilla, Roi Vinzon, Dick Israel, Buboy Villar, Dexter Doria and Mon Confiado are also casted for this film where most of them also worked with the past 2 films of ER Ejercito.

A movie of many first for many of the stars, like the partnership of KC and ER, KC's action film leading role. The success of Manila Kingpin and El Presidente paved the way for the anticipation for another action-filled ER movie.

REEL DEAL MMFF 2013: Kmmy Dora (Ang Kiyemeng Prequel)

Kimmy and Dora Go Dong Hae are set to take us back to where it all started.

In 2009, the eloquent and adamant Kimmy and the very naive yet sweet Dora delighted everyone with a very hilarious and family-oriented blockbuster flick Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme. The exciting dual roles were portrayed by award-winning versatile actress, also tagged as “The Global Actess” and “Darling Of Asian Cinema” Eugene Domingo. Written by Chris Martinez and directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal under Spring Films.

The movie revolved around Kimmy and Dora’s battle for their business tycoon-father Luisito Go Dong Hae’s (Ariel Ureta) attention. Aside from the much coveted attention, Kimmy and Dora also battled it out to capture Johnson’s (Dingdong

Dantes) heart. Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme earned a whopping P100 million in just few weeks and currently owns a spot as one of the highest grossing films in the country. One of the cited factors for Kimmy Dora’s record-breaking success was its independent promotion and marketing efforts without any strong push from large mediums like TV. The movie took advantage of promoting on other platforms such as social media. Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme was the successful sequel of the blockbuster giant in 2012. The sequel tackled twin’s horror-comedy quest for life and love. In this installment, Kimmy and Dora married Barry (Zanjoe Marudo) and Johnson (Dingdong Dantes) - their respective partners from part one. Most part of the movie was filmed in South Korea. The sequel also boosted enormous blockbuster returns and marked as one of the biggest players that year.

“Sosy Problems" a must-see movie this Christmas

Heart, Solenn, Bianca, Rhian topbill GMA Films’ 2012 MMFF entry “Sosy Problems”

This Christmas, GMA Films will bring summer-level heat to the supposedly cool season as it ushers four lovely and gorgeous “sosy” ladies on to the big screen with “Sosy Problems,” its official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The light comedy movie stars Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heussaff, Bianca King and Rhian Ramos with Kapuso hunk Aljur Abrenica.  

“Sosy Problems,” which opened in nationwide theatres today, December 25, is about four rich and famous ladies and their seemingly trivial, but nevertheless, hilarious sources of stress.

Their main problem, however, is that their favorite hangout place, The Polo Club, which reminds them of all the memories of their “firsts” in life – including their first kisses and love affairs – is in danger of being torn down and replaced with a mall that is not so much for the rich and famous: in other words, not a “sosy” mall.

The “sosy” ladies will do everything they can in order to stop the Polo Club owners from pursuing their plans, and they will risk everything -- even their poise and glamour – to achieve their goal.  In the end, out of desperation, they make a fool out of themselves -- and that’s the joke.

“Sosy Problems" a must-see movie this Christmas

GMA Films’ official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival, “Sosy Problems,” opened in nationwide theatres (December 25) along with the rest of the entries in the annual festival. 

Directed by Andoy Ranay, the comedy film stars Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heussaff, Bianca King and Rhian Ramos with Aljur Abrenica.

Also starring in the movie are Mikael Daez as Santi, Alden Richards as Iñigo, classy character actress Cherie Gil as Martina, Mylene Dizon as Bernice, Mikey Bustos as Denmark, Tim Yap as Jamie Yap, Agot Isidro as Glory, Maritoni Fernandez as Dada, Johnny Revilla as Gabriel, Ricky Davao as Sebastian, Nova Villa as Lola Patria, Barbie Forteza as Becca, Kristoffer Martin as Israel with the special participation of Ruffa Gutierrez as Luca.