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: Isang Himala - Miraculous Cast Brings Iconic Film To Life

Himala has made itself an icon in Philippine cinema as a masterpiece by Ishmael Bernal, written by National Artist Ricky Lee, and is one of the most notable films of Nora Aunor. The story has transcended into different forms of media and one of them is the musical adaptation in 2003 with music by Vincent De Jesus. The most recent version of the musical was in 2018 which the movie and songs are based. Which brings us to ISANG HIMALA, one of the entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.

It seems like a full circle moment for the film, which was also part of the 1982 MMFF and won 9 awards for that year. For Isang Himala, it brought some of the people who were part of the original movie to be integrated with the new generation of actor and singers mostly coming from the musical that can bank on nostalgia and the amazing songs and performances of the cast.

Himala tells the tale of Elsa, a young woman who proclaims that the virgin Mary has made an apparition to her in the forsaken town of Cupang. The town quickly became a healing mecca due to Elsa's healing powers which also benefited the town in many ways with the influx of tourists. However, many do doubt this and causes tension between the people of Cupang as well as the friendship of Elsa's best friends Chayong and Nimia. Many things will unfold as things get dark and complicated leading to the climax.

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!

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. 

Jose Mari Chan, The Manilas String Machine to join AEGIS for The Christmas Bonus concert

The OPM icon will be performing some of their Greatest Hits, as well as beloved holiday classics

Filipino music icon AEGIS is set to conquer the big stage with a Christmas-themed concert happening at the Theatre at Solaire in Paranaque City, Metro Manila, on December 20, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. onwards.

Dubbed AEGIS: The Christmas Bonus Concert, the year-end celebration aims to showcase the career-spanning legacy of the powerhouse band and its signature anthems that touched many people’s lives on a personal level.

Christmas Tradition of MMFF Continues in 2020 Online Via Upstream

The film industry is one who suffered the most when this pandemic hit. And with the normal movie viewing still limited or even unavailable for many, film festivals were greatly affected as well. But for the annual Metro Manila Film Festival which is the most anticipated movie tradition in the Philippines, it endures and adjusts to the new normal by going online.

This year would have been the 46th season  and is celebrated with fan meets, mall tours, and grand parade which are all halted this year as part of health safety protocols. Despite this huge change, the MMFF 2020 will now focus on reaching to viewers via online streaming which is now the way movies of this year are released.

Why ‘Fan Girl’ is the MMFF Film Everyone’s Talking About

Fresh from glowing reviews from its Japan and Estonia premieres, the latest film from Antoinette Jadaone is about the fan girl in all of us- with brilliant performances from newcomer Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino, who’s playing as himself.

If you had one night with your idol, are you ready for the most memorable day in your life?

The story follows Jane (Charlie Dizon), Paulo Avelino’s biggest fan girl. Her obsession with Paulo Avelino (Paulo Avelino plays as himself) leads her to hide at the back of his pick-up truck Described by Asian Movie Pulse as “An intriguing piece of cinematic work” and “A bold and follow him “home”. She ends up in an unfamiliar house in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar Paulo Avelino, the idol she thought she knew from head to foot, heart and soul.

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.

TFC at the Movies brings Philippine Festival films to the world

Start the year celebrating the Philippine cinema by catching some of the 2018 MMFF entries

The celebration of the Philippine Cinema continues as TFC at the Movies brings five of the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival entries to the world.

Kicking off the celebration were the screenings last December of the films “Fantastica” and “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles” which will also soon screen in other regions worldwide.

The comedy-fantasy film “Fantastica” which stars Vice Ganda is about the life of Belat (Vice Ganda) who hopes to bring back the life in their carnival for her mother Fec (Jaclyn Jose). She will then meet Prince (Richard Gutierrez) who asks for her help to save the world of Fantastica, and in return will help her restore the life of their carnival that is at the verge of being in possession of the family of her former best friend Dong Nam (Dingdong Dantes).

'Surrender' to the comedy-packed film “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles”

Get caught laughing hard during an action scene while watching this family film

If you are into action films but would also love to have a good laugh, then the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles” is just the right film for you, which will start screening internationally on December 27 via TFC at the Movies.

The film produced by APT Entertainment, CCM Productions, and M-Zet Productions stars Coco Martin, Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza who together give the right mix of action and comedy.

The story of “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles” revolves around police officers Jack (Martin), Popoy (Sotto) and Emily (Mendoza). Their paths will cross after Jack and Popoy become partners, and Emily finds herself falling for Jack who she once hated.

Kick off your 2018 with a top-rate experience of the best of Filipino cinema!

“A lavish, absorbing family drama… an elaborate feast of the eyes… Rolando Tinio’s elegantly written lyrics…

Ryan Cayabyab’s affecting soaring score has found its heartbeat” – Oliver Oliveros, Broadway World

“If you’re a fan of #PauloAvelino, I urge you to watch his stellar #AngLarawan.  He doesn’t sing as well as the others, but his acting!

He will be one of the greatest as he continues to grow!” – Lea Salonga, Twitter

“Joanna Ampil, in her first film, has delivered the strongest performance… Her performance at the end of Act 1 alone is heart-rending,

Ang Larawan gets a unanimous “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board

“Ang Larawan,” the lone musical entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, has gotten a grade of “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

The musical written by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio and composed by Ryan Cayabyab is the only film this year wherein all CEB eleven members who previewed gave the highest grade. The CEB summation stated, “It is seldom and rare that the members of the Board give a unanimous A to a film.“