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. 

Replacing Chef Chico - Stories of Food, Love, and Fire

I was surprised that Netflix has not yet have their own original Filipino series until now with the release of Replacing Chef Chico which stars Piolo Pascual, Alessandra De Rossi, and Sam Milby. This series is directed by Dan Villegas and written by Antoinette Jadaone brings food and love in 8-episode course.

We might recall several similar series or movies with the theme of the show, yet it does stand out with how it plays with the premise of romance, Filipino food, and the ensemble that contributes to the flavor of the show. 

The show shares the story of the restaurant named Hain and how the head chef Chico (Sam Milby) struggles to keep it afloat and to prove itself as one of the best restaurants in Asia. His sous chef Ella (Alessandra) tries her best to serve the best story-inspired dishes which Hain is known for. Raymond (Piolo) comes as a consultant of the restaurant to observe and help Hain to regain its glory.