As If It is True (2023) Movie Trailer Impressions: A Cinemalaya 2023 Film Festival Entry About Two People Using Each Other for Clout and Eventually Falling in Love?

As If It is True is romantic drama film under the direction of John Rogers, story by John Rogers and Dolly Dulu, starring Ashley Ortega, Khalil Ramos, Adrianna So, John Silverio, Angellie Sanoy, Rachel Coates and Marnie Lapus. As If It is True is an official entry to the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and slated for limited release from August 4 to 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Let's check out what this 2023 Cinemalaya film entry about two people who started out parasitically benefitting on each other's reputation and if their love will truly blossom here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.


As If It is True
Plot / Synopsis


An exhausted online content creator and a struggling musician start a romantic relationship with the shared goal of benefiting from each other. However, they find it difficult to distinguish between taking advantage of each other and experiencing genuine love.

Watch As If It is True Official trailer here:


As If It is True Official Trailer Impression
As If It is True Cinemalaya Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the As If It is True (2023) official movie trailer? I think it's a typical romantic Filipino film with a contemporary twist, with two struggling "celebrities" who benefitted in starting a not-so-fake relationship for clout. From what we see from the performance of the lead pair on this trailer, I think there is good chemistry between them and can pull the more dramatic moments on the film. That to me is critical for a romantic film be remembered fondly... chemistry and performance. Let's just hope that the next trailers won't spoil anything significant that will make one roll their eyes as to how predictable it can possibly get and might lose interest in the film.

While not revolutionary, using the struggling musician and burnt-out content creator is what makes this generic romantic film feels fresh. On a mostly online age where people gravitate towards music and online personalities more than ever, this combo makes it feel relevant. There has been a number of online personalities who later came out to reveal that their relationship was fake in order to get attention and clout. This makes you question how cold and calculated people can be in order to become successful in the cut-throat world of online content creation. Maybe that is the secondary goal of the As If It is True film; to put a spotlight to that parasitic setups and shallow mindset of these individuals and maybe add a pinch of positivity that may result to your typical happy ending. Reflecting on this reality, it might just pique some Cinemalaya movie-going public's interest on how Ashley Ortega and Khalil Ramos' characters will end up in the film.

How about you guys? What do you think about this 2023 romantic drama film featuring Khalil Ramos and Ashley Ortega? Does this film feel fresh to you with a contemporary spin featuring an online creator and struggling musician starting a relationship for online clout? Will you be seeing this 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival entry during its screening week from August 4 to 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center? Share your thoughts and opinion about As If It is True (2023) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.

ANi (2019) Cinemalaya Movie Trailer Impressions: A Filipino Sci-Fi Coming-of-Age Film About a Journey of a Boy and His Robot

ANi is a 2019 a coming-of-age science fiction film and an official Cinemalaya 2019 finalist with a screenplay by Toni Zuñiga, Kim Zuñiga, and Sandro Del Rosario; under the direction of Kim Zuñiga and Sandro Del Rosario starring Ricky Davao, Zyren Dela Cruz, Miguel Valdes, and Anna Luna; and is slated for a limited Philippine theatrical release from August 2-13, 2019 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Let's check out what this 2019 Cinemalaya film festival entry about a Filipino sci-fi film about a boy with his malfunctioning robot here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.


ANi (The Harvest)
Plot / Synopsis

When his grandfather falls ill, an orphaned boy and his malfunctioning robot embark on a quest to look for magical grains that he believes will save the old man’s life.

Source: Cinemalaya

Watch the ANi Official trailer here:





ANi (The Harvest) Official Trailer Impression
ANi (The Harvest) Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the ANi (2019) official movie trailer for Cinemalaya 2019? Well, Ani feels fresh to me; not in the context of what we've seen so far in mainstream Filipino films. We just don't get something done seriously and competently. The technology is already there but companies just don't want to invest in something outside horror and romantic films. And even if they do, it isn't a guarantee that the visual effects are going to be visually appealing amidst the many months of preparation and post-production. Well, luckily Ani seems to break this mold. There are some good studios backing up the film, so that helps boost it up a notch. Of course, all will be for naught, if the narrative and performance will fall behind. The ANi trailer is good so far and intriguing at best. ANi isn't categorized as a straight-up horror but more of a coming-of-age science fiction film, but we can sense a looming dread in this film from its trailer; of a dystopian society run by warbots (war robots).





This is the hook of Ani. What are these "warbots" in this dystopian society? And the premise tells that the film will follow a boy and his malfunctioning robot to find a magical grain. How can a magical grain cure the life of his old man? What part do these warbots play in society and why are the ordinary people seem to both be afraid and hostile towards them? This raises more questions that hopefully will be resolved as the film unfolds. While some of the performance from the trailer is questionable (I'm looking at you scene where kids are beating what seems to the main robot or the kid protagonist), hopefully, it won't detract what seems to be an interesting premise. As a big fan of horror, fantasy and sci-fi, Ani is one of my most anticipated film for the Cinemalaya 2019.


How about you guys? What do you think about this 2019 Cinemalaya sci-fi coming-of-age film festival entry about a dystopian future possibly ruled by war robots? What are similar films like this that you have seen and liked in the past (internationally)? How do you like that it uses another local dialect instead of the safe Filipino (Tagalog) language? Will you be seeing this 2019 Cinemalaya official film festival finalist on its limited theatrical run in the Cultural Center of the Philippines from August 2 to 13, 2019? Share your thoughts and opinion about ANi (2019) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.

Always Be My Maybe Uncensored Trailer Impression: Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz Sexy Realistic Take on Modern Relationships?

Always Be My Maybe is a 2016 romantic comedy movie from Star Cinema under the screenplay/writing of Patrick Valencia and Jancy Nicolas, and direction by Dan Villegas which stars Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz slated for a February 24, 2016 theatrical release. Let's check out what this Star Cinema sexy romcom about prevalent setup nowadays has in store for movie goers here.


Always Be My Maybe
Plot / Synopsis

“Always Be My Maybe” tackles a prevalent setup in relationships these days: the no-label kind, as more and more people seem afraid to commit. They are represented by Gerald Anderson and Arci Munoz’s characters, who both came from failed relationships. Things will take an unexpected turn in their lives when they meet and help each other forget their exes. In losing the pain, will they find a love that’s for always in each other? Or will things remain just “maybe”?

Source: Star Cinema

Watch Always Be My Maybe Official trailer here:






Always Be My Maybe Official Trailer Impression
Always Be My Maybe Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the Always Be Maybe (2016) uncensored official movie trailer? Well it generally sums up what will everyone see in the entirety of the film which is an unconventional take on most modern relationships with a pinch of sexiness twinkle over its witty script. It is somewhat interesting to see that slow change is coming in mainstream media in interpreting relationship in films; to mix it up a bit. I am not saying it is revolutionary but this has its charms, although they are dredging through dangerous waters that is also prevalent in the Philippine conservative society. Everyone has an idea of how relationships should "be", but what is odd is that Philippine society listens and even considers most of this. What I am referring to opinion from a part of society consisting of mostly old men who have dedicated to a life of celibacy.


It is worth noting that this is an uncensored trailer which means that it is too "risky" or "sexy" for Philippine television as it only show barely clothed protagonists. It is not like it is a redband trailer to an R-rated movie so what was the intention here? To make cash in on its adult theme to get the usual conservative society riled up to talk about it? Bad publicity is still publicity right? I am not complaining here, just curious. Always Be My Maybe plays around with how some relationships are nowadays; that amidst how society romanticize relationships, there will always be failed relationships leaving some people broken and mostly afraid of committing into a new one. Throw in a romcom script approved by a film production company that specializes making blockbuster romcoms and you a film that makes a "taboo" subject (to most people living in a conservative dreamland) be relevant and 'worth' talking about. Character dialogue (script) looks fun and having two attractive celebrities help, so why not check it out?


How about you guys? Have you seen the film? What are your thoughts on mainstream film production company like Star Cinema finally exploring and tapping on seemingly controversial issues that the conservative Philippine society considers a taboo? Share your thoughts, opinion, and review about Always Be My Maybe in the comments section below and let's discuss.

A Second Chance Official Trailers Impressions: The Popoy - Basha 2015 Sequel and Reunion Movie from 2007's One More Chance

A Second Chance is a Star Cinema romantic film under the direction of Cathy Garcia-Molina and a sequel to 2007's "One More Chance" which stars John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo slated for a November 25, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this Popoy and Basha 2015 reunion movie has to offer for both One More Chance and romantic film fans here.


A Second Chance
Plot / Synopsis

What really happened to Popoy and Basha? Join them in their journey in "A Second Chance," the much-awaited sequel to Star Cinema's beloved classic "One More Chance," this November 25, 2015. John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo reunite with blockbuster director Cathy Garcia-Molina.

Watch A Second Chance Official trailer here:





Watch One More Chance Sequel Teaser here:


A Second Chance Official Trailer Impression
A Second Chance Film Trailer Review


What can be said about A Second Chance official trailers? What we can make up on this trailer is it tells the once again souring relationship of this couple we've seen on One More Chance. The big question is can and will their relationship endure or this is simply the same old formulaic stuff we've seen from the first film? If One More Chance is to troubled relationship experienced by boyfriend and girlfriend, is A Second Chance to troubled relationships of married couples ala "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo" (2006) to "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo" (2007)? Hey I would take film sequels than another adultery-themed one. Well, A Second Chance is the much awaited sequel of what most deemed as the most unforgettable Filipino movie of all time, 2007's One More Chance. In the capable hands of the award-winning director Cathy Garcia-Molina (mostly related to romantic films) who also directed its predecessor, the fans of the 2007 romantic film and even the contemporary fans of the romantic and rom-coms genre will have a blast with A Second Chance. This is not the first time that a romantic film series have been created to cash in on the on-screen chemistry of the protagonists, Star Cinema has done this with the John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo "A Very Special Love" film series (trilogy) with A Very Special Love (2008), You Changed My Life (2009), and It Takes a Man and a Woman (2013) which happen to all be blockbusters and directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.


Romantic films does not require that much of a budget and with the constant rate of romantic films being produced by Star Cinema, I am a bit surprised that it took Star Cinema eight years (from 2007) to make a One More Chance sequel. Maybe its seemingly unconventional story line and open-ended ending made it down the list. But if there is anything, fans have loved its concept. That not every relationship is what romantic films make it appear to be. That people can get tired of relationships that seemingly strangles them; with too much of everything. Hopefully A Second Chance can stand up on its own merit and be as iconic as One More Chance was; a highly "meme-able" and "hugot-rich" Cathy Garcia-Molina romantic film.


How about you guys? Were you a big fan on One More Chance when it released back in 2007? What was your favorite Popoy-Basha movie lines and quotes? What are you expecting in this One More Chance 2015 sequel? Share your thoughts and opinion about A Second Chance official trailers in the comments section below:

Wang Fam Trailer Impressions: 2015 Aswang Horror Comedy from Wenn Deramas

Wang Fam is a 2015 comedy horror film from Viva Films under the direction of Wenn V. Deramas which stars Pokwang, Benjie Paras, Andre Paras, Yassi Pressman, Abby Bautista, and Alonzo Muhlach slated for a November 18, 2015 thatrical release. Let's check out another comedy film from Wenn Deramas and see what is in store for the Filipino movie going audience here:


Wang Fam
Plot / Synopsis

Before Malou Wang (Pokwang), the last virgin of the aswang clan, got sacrificed by her brother Jok-Jok (Wendell Ramos), she meets Bu Wang (Benjie Paras), a botanist. The two fell in love instantly and raised three kids: Duke Wang (Andre Paras), Cala Wang (Abby Bautista) and Vey Wang (Alonzo Muhlach), far away from Malou's aswang clan. As the Wang Family tried their hardest to fit in and look normal despite being monsters, Jok-Jok tracks them down. Can the Wang Family save themselves from the clutches of Jok-jok before it’s too late?

Buong pagdiriWANG na inihahandog ng VIVA FILMS ang pinaka-nakakataWANG horror-comedy film mula sa all-time blockbuster director na si WENN V. DERAMAS! Starring Pokwang, Benjie Paras, Andre Paras, Yassi Pressman, Abby Bautista and Alonzo Muhlach,

Watch Wang Fam Official trailer here:





Official Wang Fam Trailer Impression
Wang Fam Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the Wang Fam official movie trailer? Wang Fam is a comedy film by Wenn V. Deramas and if you have followed the films by the "all-time blockbuster director" you'll know what exactly you are getting at. Wang Fam is a film about aswangs, well the good kind of course as it probably is hard to root for evil aswangs. Wang Fam is reminiscent of the American comedy horror film "The Adams Family" but only with aswangs. Although there is a scene in the trailer where there are human body parts hanging on the wall, if these are "real" human body parts, then that sure is messed up.


Well to the trailer's credit, I did manage to make me smirk at the immaturity of its humor. That's it really, immature humor as seen in past works by Wenn Deramas which you either love it or hate. This time Wenn Deramas gathers an ensemble of highly likable comedians, a teeny-bopper love team though Andre Paras and Yassi Pressman which covers the romantic comedy side of it; and a cute child actor Alonzo Muhlach (son of also former popular child star Niño Muhlach) to amp up the cuteness factor. Wang Fam definitely uses parody (of Twilight), and the usual stereotype comedy cliches in scenes and dumb (usually self-aware) characters. When watching this movie expect for the worst and hope for the best kind of entertainment.


How about you guys? What do you think of this 2015 aswang movie from Viva Films? Do you like Wenn Deramas films? what's your favorite? Share your thoughts and opinion about the wang Fam in the comments section below: