CineFilipino 2016 Movie Review

CineFilipino 2016 features two genre films this year

Earlier this week, I was very fortunate because I was finally able to watch some of the entries for this year's CineFilipino Film Festival, organized and led by Unitel Productions, Inc., and aims to support and develop new cinematic, audience-friendly works of artistic merit by up-and-coming and established filmmakers to help define the human experience through a Filipino perspective. The festival features a competition for feature-length movies, shorts section (mobile, online content, and short features), documentary, and TV series in digital format.

This year, nine entries made it to the final list. and two of them are genre films which was a first in the film festival since it's creation in 2015. 
I was able to catch these two films earlier this week, which I will be reviewing for this edition of Certified Ace.

Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian. A psychological horror film that weaves different urban legends and superstitions into a single story, it stars Joem Bascon and Sandino Martin and is helmed by director Alvin Yapan (ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa) in his first attempt into the genre.

An ambulance driver, Bong (Joem Bascon) and a nurse, Francis (Sandino Martin) soon realizes that the ghost stories and urban legends that they've been telling to each other are all coming to life as they are trapped and are stuck in a loop, driving along the same bridge over and over again on that fateful night of a Good Friday.

Director Alvin Yapan tries to weave off different urban legends and ghost stories and pack it into a single movie. The result is a partly effective psychological thriller that starts out really strong but ends up falling a bit short. One of it's biggest merits is the way director Yapan builds up a sense of dread and uneasiness during the first half of the film. It plays mostly with the two main lead's minds, with Bong narrating a classic urban legend that slowly comes to life right at their face without them realizing it. It successfully creates an intense and creepy atmosphere that really sets the whole movie up. Those clips showing the side of the road and the bridge as their ambulance pass by the very dark location was really unsettling to watch. It was as if something would jump out of the dark to grab you.

Sandino Martin and Joem Bascon

The two leads, Joem Bascon and Sandino Martin, does a great job of headlining the film. Even if the first few minutes of the film were a bit dull, they managed to keep the attention of the viewers with their chemistry. The way they talk to each other, scaring one another with urban legends might look a bit weird and corny. But it managed to keep the film going.

Then, the film transcends to an anthology style format, showing one urban legend after another. This is the part that is mostly hit or miss. Some of the segments/ stories work. Some don't. 

The part where the two leads are haunted by a white lady and a ghostly procession featuring a floating coffin that runs after them turned out fine. It was eerily creepy yet fun to watch. But as it further delves into other urban legends coming to life,  it's weakness starts to emerge. It started out with some poorly created CGI image of a demon (which resembles the sacred heart of Jesus image). But then, a much more badly created CGI of a tiyanak (infant monster) appears which brought laughter than scares to the audience. I guess this is mostly because this is an independent film which doesn't have enough budget.

Despite that, the film manages to be mostly fun. 

The bad CGI actually added to it's charm which makes it still enjoyable to watch.

Rating: ✰✰✰

Buhay Habangbuhay. A supernatural dark comedy drama based on a best-selling comic book from Meganon Comics. In a freak accident, dutiful housewife, Sandy, accidentally kIlls herself. Deciding she doesn’t want to move on alone, she waits for her philandering husband, Joel, to die so they can move on together. But when his time comes and cannot be found, Sandy realizes there is more to life in the afterlife. It stars Iza Calsado in the lead role, together with Jake Macapagal and Meryl Soriano. Directed by Paolo Herras, based on his own graphic novel that he wrote, the film takes a unique take on life after death.

The film starts out with a normal morning routine for Sandy, cooking breakfast for her husband, cleaning the house, etc. but then, she realizes what really happened that day to her. She she's her dead body in a pool of blood in the kitchen floor after she slipped, and she watches as her husband stats to panic. She watches him as he mourns her death for days, weeks and months. She's just there, watching in silence. This gives the film that melancholic tone that really sets out the right mood for this kind of topic: death and loss of a loved one. But as the story progresses, the tone shifts from a sad atmosphere, to a bit colorful one with the arrival of her husband's second wife and their child. This is were the dark comedy part of the film is evident as the story infuses some humor into the proceedings, without losing it's original tone.

Iza Calsado stars as Sandy.

The story of the comic book is translated very well into the film. One of the most notable scenes that I've seen in the original comic book was the long moments of silence in the story boards. The characters just show their emotions through their eyes and other facial expressions. This was perfectly translated into the film, with it's lead star Iza Calsado graciously maneuvering the whole scene without the aid of any dialogues. Her expressive eyes and body language was enough to explain everything happening on these scenes.

Another factor that made this film really compelling is it's amazing visuals. I know that these films have a very low budget for it's production given that these are independently produced films. Yet, the crew was able to make the film visually beautiful as possible. Beautiful cinematography, amazing angles, and gorgeous color palettes fills up every scene. The CGI effects might come a bit low grade, but it doesn't really decrease the film's visual impact. It actually makes it more artistically appealing because these scenes that feature some of the film's CGI and visual effects looks like the illustrations from the comic book coming to life.


Rating: ✰✰✰✰



Do you agree with my reviews? Any other genre films you want me to check out? Just leave a comment down below and I'll let you know what I think about it. Thank you for reading another edition of Certified Ace!

Batman V Superman : Dawn Of Justice (2016) Movie Review

Batman V Superman is the only superhero showdown we need

Director: Zack Snyder
Starring: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Jessie Eisenberg
Studios: DC Comics , Warner Bros., Syncopy

The Gladiator match of the century. God versus man. Day versus night. Son of Krypton versus Bat of Gotham, says Jessy Eisenberg in his portrayal of Alexander Luthor in the second film of the DC Extended Universe, which features Batman versus Superman being pitted against each other. DC's answer to Marvel's upcoming Civil War film. So is this really the showdown of the century? Was it the introduction to the DC Extended Universe that we deserve? Here's my take on on of the most talked about superhero movie of 2016 in another review from Certified Ace!

First of all, I am a big fan of DC superheroes. We'll, mostly the ones on television. I'm a die hard fan of Smallville. I'm a follower of Arrow and The Flash. I've watched some episodes of Gotham. I love Constantine. A lot. But when it comes to the ones in movies, I'm not really sure. I kinda liked Zack Snyder's dark take on the Superman mythos in 2013's Man Of Steel. I enjoyed it the first time I saw it in theatres. I guess. So when I've heard of plans of a sequel, with Batman being pitted to Superman, I wondered... would this all work? Then came all the confirmation of the film, with Zack Snyder directing. We've got some casting issues here and there with Ben Affleck, Jessy Eisenberg and Gal Gadot. But after a long wait, I guess I was proven all wrong about the film. It really worked.

I must say that to fully enjoy this movie, you've got to see Man Of Steel first. Preferably right before you watch the film itself in cinemas. What I did was I watched MOS on my way to the mall. I continued watching it while I was waiting for our screening time. I continued to watch it while I was already inside the cinema, so I was able to get a clear picture of the film's connection to MOS.
The first few minutes of the film itself was a great way to start the film. It reminded me of the opening scene for another Zack Snyder flick, Suckerpunch (2011). The film's opening montage featuring the death of Bruce Wayne's parents when he was young was masterfully orchestrated. So even though this story has been done over and over again, I think it was still fun to watch. Then comes the continuation of the epic final scene of Man Of Steel, featuring General Zod wrecking havoc along the city. This makes the film's motivations clearer. it gives sort of a reason for Batman to really hate Superman. It justifies the film itself. The title. Batman versus Superman.


The writing was good, as characters usually throw a lot of memorable lines along the way ("Do you bleed?") Although I think there was a small problem with it's pacing as there were moments that made the film slow. But the rest of the movie was totally fine. Praises also to the technical aspects of the film, particularly the visual and special effects. The film's big budget really shows with the movie's special effects. I also love the costumes of our three superheroes. From Superman and Batman's suit to Wonder Woman's piece.

Speaking of Wonder Woman, I know that she's been the talk of everyone who've seen the film. Because she is definitely the star of this movie. From her armor to her weapons (Lasso of Truth, anyone?) they've got everything right. Gal Gadot is so perfect for the role. She really looked gorgeous and beautiful. she manages to steal the whole scene whenever she's in it. all I can say is that she's a perfect good reason to see this film alone.

The rest of the cast were also good. Henry Cavill is still charming and cool as the man of Steel. Ben Affleck, on the other hand, really looks threatening whenever he's doning the Dark Knight suit. His portrayal was quite good and I think he got Bruce Wayne right.


One thing that really got me a bit polarized was Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. Well, he's not really Lex but Lex' son. His full name is Alexander "Lex" Luthor, Jr and therefore, not the Lex that we were accustomed to. And although I would have preferred the original Lex Luthor that I know of, I think he did a pretty good job. His version of Lex is more of a xenophobe. Just like what he said in one of his interviews recently, “He is the most powerful man, both nominally and financially, in Metropolis. Then comes this interloper, this alien from this other planet, and Lex feels like he’s a threat to his race.”

Now, regarding those cameos, I'm not really sure about them. I feel like some were a bit out of place and awkward, particularly the scene where Bruce Wayne saw The Flash (Ezra Miller) in a dream. I don't think that was the best way he could get a cameo. But I must say that Aquaman's (Jason Momoa) cameo was pretty amazing.

Final Verdict: Honestly, for me, I actually loved Batman V Superman than the Avengers sequel, Age Of Ultron. I think it's more action packed and more exciting. It's more of a love letter to fans of DC Comics. It tries to give out so much that it kinda feels a bit short yet longer than most superhero movies. But for me, I think this film was a good way to start and expand the DC Extended Universe.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰

      

Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara (1995) Restored and Remastered in HD : Movie Review

A Timeless Pinoy Classic

Original 1995 poste

Director: Chito S. Rono
Starring: Lorna Tolentino, Dawn Zulueta, Tonton Gutierrez, Antoinette Taus
Studio: Star Cinema

Barbara (Lorna Tolentino) returns to the Philippines from the US after her sister's death. Ruth (Dawn Zulueta) committed suicide after she learns that her husband Nick (Tonton Gutierrez) loves another woman. After her return, Barbara is soon haunted by the vengeful ghost of Ruth, who found out that it was her, Barbara, that Nick has loved all this time. Now, she must race against time to find out how to stop the malevolent spirit from becoming more powerful over them.

Considered as one of the classic horror films from the Philippines, this remake of the 1974 horror film is still a delight to watch more than twenty years since it was first released in theaters. I was one of the lucky people who was able to attend it's red carpet premiere courtesy of the ABS-CBN Film Restoration and UP Cineastes.


Story wise, it features the classic revenge story popular in Asian horror films. Penned by award-winning screenwriter Ricky Lee based on Celso Ad Castello's original story, this movie is well-written and evenly paced. Although there are times you'll feel a bit of cheesiness while listening to the dialogues due to the film's age, it actually adds up to the film's charm. The film's visuals are also to die for as it features special effects way ahead of it's time in Philippine cinema. These visual effects still holds up until today, from the flying home furnitures to the flying demon stop motion animation that really scared the crap out of me (one of my favorite scenes). It's cinematography is also something to commend as it utilizes different styles of framing and weird, but unique shots that adds up to it's atmosphere.

Chito Rono's direction is something to praise also, given the fact that this is his first attempt in the horror genre. He will soon direct the most successful horror films in the country in the next couple of years, making him a certified gem in Philippine cinema. And of course, the cast's brilliant performance is one of the highlights of this movie. Lorna Tolentino and Dawn Zulueta shows off their amazing acting prowess in this film. Though not really impactful, Tonton Gutierrez also manages to show off some nice acting chops. Amy Asutria adds a bit of humor into the film as their shrieking maid. But the real star of this show is the young Antoinette Taus. she was around thirteen years old when they filmed this movie and at that young age, she was able to give out such outstanding performance as Ruth's daughter, whom the vengeful ghost even possessed her body later in the film during it's climax.

As per the restoration and remastering of the film, ABS-CBN's Film Restoration project did a wonderful job in this film. It's crisp, bright colors stand out in high definition.

Final Verdict:

Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara is one of those rare classic horror films that you can still enjoy watching despite it's age. It's a beautiful example of a long gone era of Philippine cinema, and deserves to be preserved and seen by generations to come.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰ 5 out of 5 stars

      

Certified News : Experience A Filipino Horror Classic in HD

Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara (1995) : Restored and Remastered in HD

MANILA, PH.   As part of it's commitment in bringing classic Filipino films to audiences of today, the ABS-CBN Film Archives brings back one of the most unforgettable Filipino horror films of all time. Digitally restored and remastered in HD, the ABS-CBN Film Archives' newest project features the 1995 classic horror film by Chito S. Rono, Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara.

Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara (literally Kill Barbara in Shock) is a 1995 Filipino horror-drama starring award winning actress Lorna Tolentino, together with Tonton Gutierrez, Antoinette Taus, and Ms. Dawn Zulueta. It is the remake of the 1974 horror film Patayin Mo Sa Sindak Si Barbara which starred Philippine Cinema's movie queen Ms. Susan Roces. The film is director Chito S. Rono's first horror project. It is also Star Cinema's first foray into the horror genre. After it's success, Chito S. Rono and Star Cinema would team up again to bring a slew of other box-office horror hits, from Feng Shui (2004) to Sukob : The Wedding Curse (2006).

The film revolves around Barbara (Lorna Tolentino) as she is being haunted by the angry ghost of her sister, Ruth (Dawn Zulueta). Along the film, she tries to understand how her sister died and why she is haunting her.


    

I was one of the lucky ones who were able to attend the red carpet premiere of the HD version of the film last April 6, 2016 at the UP Cine Adarna, Diliman, Quezon City. The screening, courtesy of UP Cineastes in partnership with ABS-CBN Film Archive,  was packed with students from University of the Philippines, film enthusiasts, and many more who stayed late just to see the work of legendary screenwriter Ricky Lee and director Chito S. Rono come to life again in the big screen. Among the special guests of the said event were Ricky Lee and Chito Rono. Antoinette Taus who also starred in the film also graced the red carpet.
After witnessing how beautiful they have restored and remastered the 1995 classic, I was really astounded and amazed. Indeed, everyone of us deserves to watch classic films like this. I am personally looking forward to seeing other restored classic Filipino films in the future.

Admit One.

Photo Op at the Red Carpet.

Actress Antoinette Taus together with the staff of ABS-CBN Film Restoration project.

Director Chito S. Rono shares about his experience in making the film.

Antoinette Taus expressing her opinions about the restoration of classic Filipino films.

From left to right: Renowned screenwriter Ricky Lee, Antoinette Taus, and Director Chito S. Rono.