Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles (2012) Movie Review

Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles is a 2012 Filipino horror-comedy film produced by GMA Films, Reality Entertainment, and Agosto Dos, under the direction of Erik Matti starring Dingdong Dantes, Lovi Poe, Joey Marquez, Janice De Belen, Ramon Bautista, Roi Vinzon, LJ Reyes, Mike Gayoso, and Rina Reyes. Does this horror film shot entirely in green screen meet the hype that it established? Check out our spoiler-free Pinoy Movie Blogger's review on Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles.

Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles
Synopsis

Makoy (Dingdong Dantes) will do whatever it takes to get back his girlfriend Sonia (Lovi Poe), who's pregnant with their child. Macoy made the long trip to Sonia's hometown in the province but got immediately rejected by Sonia's mother Fely (Janice De Belen). Makoy has never been one to give up. With the help of Sonia's father Nestor (Joey Marquez) and his ever-dependable helper Bart (Ramon Bautista), Makoy stays in town to surprise Sonia on her birthday. Unfortunately, Makoy gets into trouble with a group of weird townsfolk who to little did they know are the dreaded Philippine folkloric monster the "tiktik"(s). As soon as they overhear that Macoy's wife is pregnant these weird townsfolk got literally hungry for revenge. Will Makoy finally get his act together, protect Sonia and their baby, and once and for all prove himself worthy of their love? Not only that but can they all survive the ruthless attack of these man eating monsters?

Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles Movie Review
Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles (2012) Film Review

The "aswang" is one of the most used horror icon in Philippine cinema. As someone who grew up and favoring horror films, I can say that I've mostly seen them all. So what is left for there to do with the aswangs? The answer a modern take on the traditional Aswangs.

Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles has so much hyped built into it. I can say that this horror film from GMA Films is successful in generating buzz in both online and traditional scene which transcended to actual ticket or box office sales. Filipino produced films specially under the horror genre are not specifically known for quality when it comes to computer generated special effects, so I can't be blamed for initially being skeptical about this film. I have this vision... a feeling if you must say that "Filipino films can still do it!" or "they can pull off the same effect that most quality Hollywood films has done" is what kicked in and the reason why I succumbed to the hype created by Tiktik: the Aswang Chronicles. I said to myself "I will watch this second Aswang film. It must not be as bad as Corazon. I hope I am not wrong this time". So did it lived up to its hype?

Right from the start, I think I know I was expecting but still gave it a try. Tiktik has that same old usual storyline and a below to average CG effects. There were times when the aswangs both on their human and monstrous forms looks somehow real, but mostly they look really amateur seen only from television fantasy-themed soaps. The fact that it also throws logic out of the window by making these monsters instantly combust ala "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" vampires turn to dust at the mere exposure or when attacked by the items that they are weak to is another reason why I stopped taking the film seriously. The fact that the whole film was shot mostly in green screen could be also be the reason why it mostly took me out of the scenes in the film. It activated that "spot the lame special effects" reflex I have when watching films. It was probably my film critic instincts but I eventually set it aside once I started accepting these known factors. Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles was not a straight on horror film, well not what I was expecting anyways. Tiktik was more of a comedy than a horror. Tiktik used a mixed of some atmospheric background music and modern rock music.

While the film was not the finest example of what a Filipino special effects studio can do, Tiktik made up for the performance and witty script it used. The performance of the actors were decent and entertaining. Joey Marquez and Ramon Bautista took the theater by storm with their hilarious moments in the film. I usually have this deductive reflex when watching movies and if they follow that personal deduction down to a tooth, then the film receives an automatic deduction for being "that" predictable. There was this one scene foreshadowing Ramon Bautista's character Bart which made me think of what he was, but as the film went on the film proved me wrong. Thus, one point for Slitherin, I mean Tiktik! The exposition as to why Bart was like (or looks like) that brought a smile to my face. Also most of the scenes with Ramon, Joey and Dingdong were mostly entertaining. The end didn't also make much sense. The final confrontation might have ended faster only if they utilized what they had at that moment, but NOOOooo they have to proceed with that "epic" finish where I also spot the green on the film's green screen. Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles decided to go over the top with logic that blurred logic and made it entertaining amidst ethe flaws of the visual effects technology it used that ranged from a subpar to a decent level.

Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles (2012) Official Theatrical Movie Trailer


The Verdict for Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles (2012) Film

Tiktik: the Aswang Chronicles is not a straight on horror film that a horror film fan is looking for, but a good mix of comedy and suspense. One of the criteria for a horror film to be good is the believability and it being grounded to reality that Tiktik disregard in some ways to give way to a more entertaining take on a theme that has been used over and over in Philippine horror cinema. Tiktik has more laughs than creep out moments. It pays tribute to the classic Filipino horror films which originally have way more sinister plot and believable gorey practical effects than what Tiktik had with its green screen special effects. Do yourself a favor and watch Tiktik: the Aswang Chronicles while it is still in theaters or if you missed it out, then grab the film with various special features that goes with it when it gets release on home video format in the near future.

Pinoy Movie Blogger gives Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles (2012) a 7 out of 10 (7/10) film review rating.

The Healing (2012) Movie Review

The Healing is a 2012 supernatural horror film from ABS-CBN Productions, Inc. (Star Cinema) directed by Chito Roño starring Vilma Santos, Vilma Santos, Kim Chiu, Janice de Belen, Pokwang, Robert Arevalo, and Martin del Rosario. Check out Pinoy Movie Blogger's spoiler-free movie review of The Healing

The Healing
Synopsis

A news about the miraculous works of a faith healer spread like wildfire attracting the attention of people suffering from various illnesses coming from all walks of life. All of a sudden, the faith healer stopped her "healing" sessions, but was forced by a group of patients. But at the same time, disturbing and mysterious incidents start to unleash. Will the secret behind the faith healing's deadly curse finally be revealed or will it finally consume each victim?

The Healing Movie Review
The Healing (2012) Film Review

Being a fan of anything horror, once saw that The Healing was now in theaters I didn't have second thoughts and immediately bought a ticket. Thanks to The Healing film trailer, I can say the film piqued my interest. So did the film met my expectation? Will it meet yours?

I gave my initial impressions and predicted what The Healing's story might possibly be, but sadly it wasn't that close enough. The curse that befell each of the unfortunate patients who insisted of still being healed amidst the healer's "unstable" condition is not related to her recharging of her powers as I mentionded in my trailer impressions but something a lot more sinister... and I will end it at that. This is a spoiler-free movie review of the Healing anyways. When this plot point is revealed however, it is only a matter of time before you start patching up the pieces. You might have a glimpse of the ending already. Luckily The Healing movie trailer didn't spoil this opportunity to discover this plot point which have been some of my complaints in most Filipino film trailers and synopsis as of the recent.

The cast delivers a believable performance in The Healing. For a horror film, it sure has some good humor on it. The humor usually comes from Seth's (Vilma Santos) father Mang Odong (Robert Arevalo). But never forget that this is a horror film, you when you least expect it the film delivers this sucker punch jump scare. The Healing has a good number of jump scares which you can either love or hate. I personally prefer the more psychological and creeping form of scare when it comes to horror films. Don't get me wrong, The Healing has these creepy elements as well. The scares in the Healing are okay which have been generally enhanced by CG-effects. The effects of these malignant entities that haunts the patients are pretty impressive which is quite surprising actually. It made me remember how much I like other Asian horror films. It is far from perfection though. There are still some moments when the CGI-effects fail. This ranges from the unbelievable to the laughable. I believe that amidst having supernatural elements, a horror film should still be grounded to some basic logic and rules of reality. For those who are planning to see it, try to watch out for scenes that primarily focus on Alma (Pokwang) and Kakay (Abby Bautista). This maybe because they are working with a child, but I believe the visual effects department is at fault for not being able to portray a more realistic gore and special effects, and then there is that moment with Pokwang which think is a flaw in logic. Normal people don't just go that way. The film also has some weird thing about colors. Can you spot them all?

As for the ending (don't worry spoiler-free remember?) it is relatively okay. It doesn't have that stupid and irritating twist ending ala Segunda Mano. The Healing gave a good ending for a supernatural horror film. I just don't think that the last part was necessary.

The Verdict for The Healing (2012) Film

Star Cinema's The Healing is a good horror film which has some pretty suspenseful and creepy moments. The incorporation of CG-effects has mostly done wonders to enhance the creepy moments in this 2012 horror film, with a some few missed ones in some of its CGI-heavy moments.

The Healing is worth the time, money, and effort. The film is more of a suspense than a horror in the latter part of the film which is not bad which doesn't diminish how the story progressed. Pinoy Movie Blogger gives The Healing (2012) an 8 out of 10 (4/10) film review rating.

Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang (2012) Movie Review

Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang is a 2012 Filipino horror-drama film produced by Star Cinema, Reality Entertainment and Skylight Films, under the direction of Richard Somes. Does this first horror film from Star Cinema meet the hype that it established? Check out the spoiler-free Pinoy Movie Blogger's review on Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang.

The Importance of Movie Reviews Online: The Reason Why We are Here

The internet has been the home of opinion and expression ever since it emerged, thus we have blogs. Pinoy Movie Blogger is probably one of the hundreds (if not thousands) of review blogs dedicated to Filipino movies (film), and so what does that make it? Well it makes it just one voice among the hundreds of blogs, but it still matters. Why are movie review blogs like Pinoy Movie Blogger relevant, important?

Movie Reviews gives you an idea of what other people or movie goers think of movies, and believe me not everyone has the same preference and taste. Thus we have negative film reviews. The question is do movie reviews matter? Well in a way, yes. But if you are dead certain and serious to watch a specific film, then no negative movie review can dissuade you from watching a movie in question.

In a way, movie reviews opens up one's mind. One can be so excited and entertained on one film, that he or she may fail to recognize the film in question's various shortcomings. It may not be easy to accept other people's opinion at first, but keep an open mind and try to think if their argument is valid. Thus. movie reviews in a way helps movie enthusiasts become more objective on how their opinion on movies and appreciate films better. One can also say that movie reviews increase your taste in the movies.

Movie reviews gathers people together, both in a good and bad way. If the film review reflects what most online people think towards a film, then they will find the movie review site a place to relate to; if they don't then it is a perfect place to have an argument and point out what the review fails to appreciate. Whether a movie review site gathers or isolates people, one thing is certain that a community is formed. It also educates the movie going public on what film to get excited for and what to avoid.

Movie review sites like the Pinoy Movie Bloggers hopes to change how the Philippine movie industry work and how the Philippine movie going public think. There is a reason why we have the same formulaic films done year after year, it is because we, the Filipino movie going public allows them to. How many times have you seen a rich girl falls in love with a poor boy (or vice versa) but circumstances like their parents not approving of it, a third party created conflict, etc? How about a rehash after rehash of films, a perfect example of these are the Okay Ka Fairy Ko's Enteng and Shake Rattle and Roll film franchise. Movie review websites or channels, once proven to be a reliable source of opinions and reviews may actually influenced the movie going public to think and Philippine film producers to consider where they put their money into. If that ever happens then that would be a winning scenario for everyone.

Not every movie review will fit to everyone's liking, and this is alright. Movie reviewers or film critics come from various backgrounds; not to mention have varying taste and preference when it comes to films, so conflict of interest is inevitable.But what should one do? Let's be just. Don't be a perfect example of a bad internet troll, well not too much. One's review on a film doesn't make your review or opinion about a movie wrong, it is just another person's perspective of it. You can take it or leave it. But try to appreciate the effort and understand his perspective, if by then you still feel passionate to react, then do so in a civilized, educated and entertaining way, thus we have a healthy exchange of opinions and reviews.

The Road (2011) Movie Review

The Road is a 2011 Filipino psychological thriller with minor elements of supernatural horror produced by GMA Films under the creative control of internationally acclaimed film director Yam Laranas. Does GMA Film's The Road meet the hype and the positive reviews it got from international critics? Check out the spoiler-free Pinoy Movie Blogger's review on The Road.

The Road
Synopsis

The Road is about a 12 year-old cold case which is reopened when three teenagers are missing in an abandoned road. In the course of the investigation, deeper and gruesome stories of abduction and murders are discovered. After more than two decades, the secrets and mysteries of the road are finally revealed and the ghost lingering the dark and desolate pathway is out to make sure nobody leaves alive.

The Road Movie Review
The Road (2011) Film Review

Thanks to The Road's intriguing movie trailer which was shown on the Kapuso TV Station, it somehow made an impression that it is a really good horror film. Being a fan of horror movies and quality films in general, yours truly (the Pinoy Movie Blogger) did not miss out the opportunity to watch it on its first day that it hit the theaters (a while ago). As a horror cinephile, my mind and expectation was generally set high as soon as GMA Films logo faded.

Right off the bat, there is no denying that Yam Laranas' The Road has really excellent cinematography. The abysmal darkness of the road at night is balanced (if not contradicted) by the wonderful variety of shots of it during the daylight. As for the musical scoring, it is generally done well with some really complaints. One in particular is a scene where you obviously know that there is no hint of anything scary that is about to happen but the film still tried to pull it off just to try it and just because the production team can. As a veteran horror film enthusiast this somehow disappoints. As for the acting, I can say that it is generally alright. The Road is not a drama film so some lame acting on some selected parts are forgivable. Now let us now move to where the Road may possibly shine, the story.

The Road features three different segments which unfolds the mystery behind a seemingly haunted and abandoned road; and a reopened case that paved the way to answer questions from past to present. It is refreshing to see a Filipino film somehow uses creative retelling of stories through flashbacks, but I believe that there is no need to feature the word "PART" in different time interval. A mere date and changing of cinematography would do, but that is just a very small observation I had as the film flowed nicely. Since the film is currently on continuous viewing, trust me when I saw that it is best viewed from beginning to end. Entering the theater halfway or a quarter way to the film will generally ruin the film as most fun of the film is figuring out who did what and who appear when. I hinted before that it just had minor elements of horror because generally the movie could do without the spooky parts. Maybe because I was already prepared for to be scared (my defenses are up) or because I am a horror film fan, I somehow failed to appreciate the few scares that the movie tried to pull off. This might only be me as most of the movie audience had different reactions which was screaming and jumping out of their seats. I later found out that it was not really a horror film but a psychological thriller and that is when I started to appreciate The Road. There is still an element of horror to it as if you would try to makes sense of all the scares that the woods/the road showed its unfortunate passersby.

The Verdict for The Road (2011) Film

GMA Films and Yam Laranas' The Road (2011) is a psychological thriller film, and not the usual horror film that the Philippine film industry fed us through the years. Thus, it is advisable to leave your defenses down as soon as the film starts rolling. You will appreciate the scares better in The Road this way. The Road is far from perfect. It not really revolutionary overall or something that would put the Philippines in pedestal when it comes to horror and psychological film genres. What can be said about The Road is that it is a well-crafted film with a decent story line and a similar execution to other Asian horror films (specifically Japanes horror films). The Pinoy Movie Blogger recommends The Road to be best seen in theaters and a definite own when it is out on home video version. Pinoy Movie Blogger gives The Road (2011) an eight out of 10 (8/10) film review rating.