Imagine You and Me Trailer Impressions: Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards of AlDub - MaiDen First Major Romantic Feature Film

Imagine You and Me is a 2016 romantic film from GMA Films, APT Entertainment, and M-Zet Productions under the direction of Michael Tuviera starring Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards slated for a July 13, 2016 theatrical release. Let's check out what the first AlDub or MaiDen in their first feature romantic film has to offer.


Imagine You and Me
Plot / Synopsis

Imagine You and Me follows Gara (Maine Mendoza) and Andrew (Alden Richards) as they cross paths in Italy.

Source: Wikipedia

Watch Imagine You and Me official trailer here:

IMAGINE YOU AND ME (2016) Teaser Trailer #1

Here's the first teaser trailer for IMAGINE YOU AND ME starring Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza.

Opens July 13, 2016 in PH cinemas.

#ALDub Eat Bulaga AlDub ALDUB Philippines√ Alden Richards Maine Mendoza

Posted by CinemaBravo.com on Thursday, June 16, 2016

Imagine You and Me Teaser Trailer Impression
Imagine You and Me Film Trailer Review


What can be said about Imagine You and Me teaser movie trailer? Well, besides mistaking that the film uses The Turtles "Happy Together" as its theme song (which it doesn't, by the way), it looks very simplistic. A romantic film that cashes in on the "popularity" of Alden and Maine of AlDub. It is the first major film featuring the AlDub (some fans call it MaiDen) love team who got their first wind out of sheer luck in the Philippines' longest running variety show Eat Bulaga for almost a year now. This is the second film that featured Eat Bulaga's Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards in a film; the first one being My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore. So besides the standard "kilig" that one might get from romantic film trailers, what else do we get from this teaser trailer?


That is the first question to come in to mind. Why only release a teaser trailer, when they can already release the full trailer? It's more than a month before the romantic film's eventual theatrical release and all they have are breadcrumbs which only gives us a most basic of premise, of two Filipino yuppies finding love and probably a first one at that (at least) for one of the "Maine" character; a love story which happens to be set in Italy. Besides everything else, we have nothing. This doesn't bode as the lack of proper marketing and hype is only exclusive to some teaser trailers and clips shown during Eat Bulaga and feature in the network news' showbiz segment. The movie doesn't seem to offer anything new to (or to revolutionize) the genre. It simply is a romantic film set (and mostly shot abroad) with tons of "pick up lines" used by a a charismatic male leading man to a "No Boyfriend Since Birth" (NBSB) female lead; a film which seems to only cater to the AlDub fans. Well, at least that is what we can observe from the teaser trailer least than a month away from its actual release. This is something observe in some Star Cinema films as well, but ABS-CBN seems to be more hands on with how they promote their films — to an ad nauseam level.


Check out this additional bonus clip from the Imagine You and Me's Official Facebook Page

Ano sa Italian ang nakakakilig? ❤️ #ImagineYouandMe2016

Posted by Imagine You & Me on Thursday, June 23, 2016

How about you guys? What do you think about the first romantic film featuring the AlDub love team? Have you followed this made-for-television love team from Eat Bulaga? If you are a fan, does this feature film or the teaser trailer release so far good for you? Share your thoughts and opinion about the Imagine You and Me in the comments section below and let's discuss about it.

My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore Official Trailer Impressions: 2015 MMFF Romantic Film Debut of the AlDub Love Team

My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore is a 2015 romantic comedy film from OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, APT Entertainment, GMA Films, and MEDA Productions and is an official entry to the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival this 2015 under the direction of Jose Javier Reyes which stars Ai-Ai de las Alas, Vic Sotto, Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza slated for a December 25, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this romantic comedy debut film for AlDub or MaineDen has to offer.


My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore
Plot / Synopsis

Dondi (Alden Richards) is a nerd and an obedient nephew to his aunt (Ai-Ai de las Alas) who makes most of the decisions for him. Meanwhile, Anna (Maine Mendoza) is a stubborn and rebellious girl who seeks the attention of her father (Vic Sotto). Dondi and Anna cross path and eventually fall in love with each other. How can this romantic couple have a happy ending when both their guardians are against with them being together.

Watch My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore Official trailer here:

Eto na ang pinaka hihintay ng Aldub Nation, Full Trailer ng My Bebe Love manonood ka ba?Credit: Octo Arts, APT Entertainment

Posted by Tambayan ni Berto on Friday, November 20, 2015

Official My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore Trailer Impression
My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore official movie trailer? Well it is the debut film of the very popular AlDub (or MaineDen) love team from the Kalyeserye segment of the Philippine's longest running noontime variety show Eat Bulaga. That is basically the biggest catch and hype for this 2015 MMFF romantic comedy film; that this is the first movie where fans will see Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza outside of their usual Kalyeserye (Eat Bulaga) character as Alden and Yaya Dub. The My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore teaser trailer was first released on the Tamang Panahon concert which filled Philippines biggest indoor arena, The Philippine Arena and broke previous trending records in Twitter. Given such facts, one can safely say that My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore will be an instant blockbuster this 41st Metro Manila Film Festival.


Now that we have gotten some basic facts out of the way, we now come down to the juicier part, the story. Just humor me. Have you ever encountered a local romantic film that featured two couple so in love with each other but the only problem is their families which is completely against it? Yup, I guess so. Well, there are variation to this cliched theme which could either lead to a good or bad (tragic) ending. Obviously, My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore is going for the latter with a dead giveaway that Vic Sotto (Maine's father in the film) eventually falling for Ai-Ai de las Alas (Alden's aunt in the film) which will eventually give their approval in the end. One can argue that it is not the destination, but more of the journey itself is what is worth experiencing and this is why this movie will be successful. Eat Bulaga's marketing influence and pair it up with the "kilig" factor brought by the on-screen team-up is what fans will be looking forward to see in this seemingly formulaic film once it hits December 25, 2015. The "look" of the film through this official trailer feels so underwhelming as it is of low-quality or maybe there will be a bump up to the overall picture quality and cinematography once it is on theaters, but for now this looks and shouts low quality and budget. I can compare or equate this film to another 2015 MMFF entry, Haunted Mansion. Haunted Mansion, which by the way has better cinematography from its trailer alone, will also debut another love team (MarNella), but instead of using the romcom genre like My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore, Haunted Mansion will be using horror. Both have cliched themes with a fresh coat of paint.


How about you guys? Are you looking forward to the first film of the AlDub love team? For a non-fan of Eat Bulaga or the Kalyeserye are you curious to see this given that you are a fan of romantic and romantic comedy film? What do you think of the AlDub love team in general now that it has reach this point from its initial August 2015 initial introduction to Eat Bulaga? Share your thoughts and opinion about the My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore official movie trailer in the comments section below:

The 2015 Philippine Movie Line Up: A Pinoy Movie Blogger Sneak Peak on Filipino Mainstream Film Titles This 2015

If you are looking for the 2015 Filipino movie line up, then the quest is over. Pinoy Movie Blogger has scoured the internet to give you the Pinoy movie line up for 2015. When we said "scour the internet", it mainly consists of looking up and crossing fingers that there would be some info at their various official websites and Wikis. Disclaimer though, some of these film tiles could be cancelled or their theatrical releases be pushed out of 2015. We'll keep the list fresh and updated for your information. So without further ado, these are the film titles of what you may expect from various Filipino Film Studios this 2015.



2015 Filipino Movie Line Up
Filipino Film Titles for 2015

Halik sa Hangin. A Star Cinema mystery romance film under the direction of Emmanuel Quindo Palo starring Julia Montes, Gerald Anderson, and JC de Vera with a nationwide theatrical release of January 28, 2015.

Crazy Beautiful You. A Star Cinema romantic film under the direction of Mae Czarina Cruz-Alviar starring Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Inigo Pascual, Lorna Tolentino, and Gabby Concepcion with a nationwide theatrical release of February 25, 2015.

Kid Kulafu. A Star Cinema in association with TEN17 biographical film under the direction of Paul Soriano starring Robert "Buboy" Villar, Alessandra De Rossi and Cesar Montano with a tentative 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

You're My Boss. A Star Cinema romantic comedy film under the direction of Antoinette Jadaone starring Toni Gonzaga and Coco Martin with a nationwide theatrical release of April 4, 2015.

Para sa Hopeless Romantic. A Star Cinema in association with Viva Films romantic film under the direction of Andoy Ranay starring James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Inigo Pascual, Julia Barretto, Shy Carlos, and AJ Muhlach with a nationwide theatrical release of May 2015.

Your Place or Mine?. A Viva Films romantic comedy drama film under the direction of Joel Lamangan starring Andi Eigenmann, Bret Jackson, and Andre Paras with an April 29, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Binhi. Haunted Tower Pictures Inc. and Viva Films horror film written and directed by Pedring Lopez starring Joem Bascon, Mercedes Cabral, Roxanne Barcelo, and Cholo Baretto with a May 20, 2015 theatrical release.

You're Still The One. Star Cinema and Regal Entertainment Inc. romantic film under the direction of Chris Martinez starring Dennis Trillo and Maja Salvador, Ellen Adarna, and Richard Yap with a May 27, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Taklub. Center Stage Productions drama film directed by Brilliante Mendoza and written by Honeylyn Joy Alipio starring Nora Aunor, Julio Diaz, and Aaron Rivera with an unannounced date for local release.

Just The Way You Are. Star Cinema romantic film based from (author) Kimberly Joy Villanueva’s pop fiction book entitled “The Bet" directed by Theodore Boborol starring Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano with a June 17, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

The Breakup Playlist. Star Cinema romantic film directed by Dan Villegas starring Piolo Pascual and Sarah Geronimo with a July 15, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Chain Mail Trailer. Viva Films horror film directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr. starring Meg Imperial, Shy Carlos, AJ Muhlach, Rose Van Ginkel, Caleb Santos, and Nadine Lustre with a July 22, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

The Love Affair. Star Cinema romantic film directed by Nuel Naval starring Richard Gomez, Bea Alonzo, Dawn Zulueata, Tom Rodriguez, Ina Feleo, Tonton Gutierrez, Manolo Pedrosa, Grae Fernandez, and Jane Oineza with an August 12, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Silong. Q Film Laboratories and Black Maria Pictures romantic thriller directed by Jeffrey Hidalgo and Roy Sevilla Ho with story and screenplay by Roy Sevilla Ho starring Piolo Pascual and Rhian Ramos with an August 2015 limited theatrical release.

Ex with Benefits. Star Cinema romantic film directed by Gino Santos starring Derek Ramsay, Coleen Garcia, and Meg Imperial with a September 2, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.



Heneral Luna. Artikulo Uno Productions' biographical and historical film Jerrold Tarog with screenplay by Henry Francia, E. A. Rocha, and Jerrold Tarog starring John Arcilla as General Antonio Luna, Arron Villaflor, Joem Bascon, Archie Alemania, Alex Medina, Art Acuña, Mon Confiado, Epy Quizon, Bing Pimentel, Paulo Avelino, Mylene Dizon, Alvin Anson, Nonie Buencamino, Lorenz Martinez, Leo Martinez, and Ketchup Eusebio with a September 9, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Ex with Benefits. Reality Entertainment and Regal Entertainment horror film directed by Alfonso Torre III starring Isabelle Daza, Jasmine Curtis, Raikko Mateo and Paulo Avelino with a September 23, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Etiquette For Mistresses. Star Cinema drama film directed by Chito Roño and inspired by Julie Yap-Daza's 1992 national bestseller “Etiquette for Mistresses and What Wives Can Learn From Them” starring Claudine Barretto, Kris Aquino, Iza Calzado, Cheena Crab, and Kim Chiu slated with a September 30, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Felix Manalo. Viva Films biographical film directed by Joel Lamangan starring Dennis Trillo and Bela Padilla with an October 7, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

The PreNup. Regal Entertainment, Inc. romantic comedy film directed by Jun Lana starring Sam Milby Jennylyn Mercado, Melai Cantiveros, Ella Cruz, Dominic Ochoa, Nathalie Hart, Neil Coleta, Gardo Versoza, Jacklyn Jose, and Freddie Webb with an October 14, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Everyday I Love. Star Cinema romantic film directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar starring Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano, and Gerald Anderson with an October 28, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Wang Fam. Viva Films comedy horror film directed by Wenn V. Deramas starring Pokwang, Benjie Paras, Andre Paras, Yassi Pressman, Abby Bautista, and Alonzo Muhlach with a November 18, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Nilalang. welovepost, Parallax Studios, Viva Films, and Haunted Tower Pictures, Inc. action horror film and is an official entry to the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival this 2015 directed by Pedring Lopez starring Cesar Montano, Maria Ozawa, Meg Imperial, Yam Concepcion, Cholo Barretto, Dido de la Paz, and Kiko Matos with a December 25, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Walang Forever. Quantum Films romantic comedy film and is an official entry to the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival this 2015 directed by Dan Villegas starring Jennylyn Mercado, Jericho Rosales, Carlo Aquino, Juan Miguel Severo, Jerald Napoles, Matt Daclan, Edna Vida Froilan, and Nonoy Froilan slated with a December 25, 2015 nationwide theatrical release.

Sources: GMA Films, Regal Films, Star Cinema, Viva Films

Take note that some of these movie projects are in production, the titles, cast and directors are subjected to change. There is also a good possibility that some of these projects might eventually be shelved, pushed back for a later release date or even totally be cancelled. What is only certain are the titles with an exact release date and official trailer which were also reviewed here at Pinoy Movie Blogger. The list will be regularly updated mostly on latest Pinoy film trailer releases, so check this page out more often.

Seeing the line up of Filipino movies this 2015, what titles are you generally excited for? What 2015 Filipino movies will you definitely watch or pass when they come out in Philippine theaters nationwide (even abroad)? Share your thoughts about the 2015 Filipino movie line-up in the comments section below:

Sosy Problems Trailer Impressions: A Look in the Not So Beautiful Life of the Rich and Fabulous

Sosy Problems, an official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (38th Metro Manila Film Festival) is an upcoming GMA Films comedy-drama film under the direction of Andoy Ranay starring Heart Evangelista, Rhian Ramos, Solenn Heussaff, and Bianca King. Let's check out what this GMA Films comic entry for the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival Entry with an all female lead cast has in store for us this December 25, 2012.

Sosy Problems
Plot / Synopsis

Catch a glimpse of the lives of the sosy ladies as portrayed by Rhian Ramos, Bianca King, Solenn Heussaff and Heart Evangelista with GMA Films' official entry to the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival, Sossy Problems.

Watch Sosy Problems Official trailer here:


Sosy Problems Official Trailer Impression
Sosy Problems Film Trailer Review

The struggles of our impoverished fellow countrymen have been used so many times by the Philippine movie industry that it makes you ask, can't they think of something else? Well poverty is indeed a good theme for films. It is what gives conflict to dramas, gives strength to the protagonists in action films, and makes a person breaks the convention of the love between a completely opposite social classes in romantic films. But what about those rich people? Well, GMA Films made that somehow possible with its 2012 MMFF entry Sosy Problems.

The "sosy" in Sosy Problems is a shortened Filipino term for "sosyal" which directly translatesto a socialite or any person who is rich, educated, fashionable society and is fond of social activities. So enough of the lives of the poor as it has overly saturated the Filipino film industry, who cares if they starved to death when we have beautiful ladies worrying what color of signature dress to wear for the day's event?

Let's credit GMA Films for producing this "unique" kind of a film which we don't usually see made to film.... probably due to a reason hahaha. I don't know what kind of movie audience it is aimed for. Is it the female teenagers, sosy or coño people, or the fans of the actors playing in the the film? It is really not that surprising to see this "quality" of film nowadays, especially if you look at past Metro Manila Film Festival entries. I would be more curious to see what GMA Film's idea of how the the life of these ridiculously beautiful rich girls (portrayed by similarly gorgeous faces of Philippine show business) is like, than to see what "diabolical" but still pretty generic and cliched evil will Enteng face in his 7th title in the Enteng Kabisote film series.

It is quite a shame and insult to the hardworking people behind Sossy Problems to see that this film about beautiful women have an awful presentation with this low quality movie trailer release. I have observed a similar case with Of All the Things 2012 movie trailer. If this is the case on all GMA Films' official movie trailer then you won't be hearing any complaints from me, but GMA Films have Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles and Boy Pick-Up the Movie, and Si Agimat at Si Enteng at Si Ako and they have decent quality movie trailer. This kinds of poor film marketing makes me think that GMA Films has no confidence in most of the films they release for they can't even go the extra mile to provide the Filipino netizen who might still consider to watch this a quality and engaging movie trailer. Well this is technically one of the last title that GMA Films will release this year. Hopefully next year they can hire a better staff (marketing personnel) for their fim division who will upload a higher quality trailer on their official channels to at least make up for whatever uninteresting plot they might come up with for a film for 2013. Like the title of this GMA Film's 2012 MMFF entry, there is definitely a problem with Sosy Problems.

How about you guys, what do you think about this latest GMA Films film centering on rich coño or sosy ladies? share your thoughts about Sosy Problems official movie trailer in the comments section below:

Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako Trailer Impressions: Your Annual Dose of Vic Sotto now with Bong Revilla and Judy Ann Santos

Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako, an official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (38th Metro Manila Film Festival) is an upcoming OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, Imus Productions, APT Entertainment, and GMA Films comedy family fantasy film directed by Tony Y. Reyes starring Vic Sotto, Bong Revilla, Jr. and Judy Ann Santos, along with Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Gwen Zamora, Sam Pinto, John Lapus, and Amy Perez. Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako is the seventh title under the Enteng Kabisote film series, third Spin-Off/crossover title under the Enteng film franchise, and the ninth entry on the Okay Ka Fairy Ko! film franchise. Let's check out what this year's Enteng Kabisote title has in store for its avid fans.

Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako
Plot / Synopsis

The story begins with the establishment of the three different worlds apart, bound to meet for an adventure like no other -- the humble family-oriented story of ENTENG KABISOTE (VIC SOTTO), a low-profile technician married to the beautiful Fairy Princess of Encantasia, FAYE (GWEN ZAMORA); the battles of the AGIMAT (RAMON "BONG" REVILLA, JR.), the brave village Warrior Hero of Amuleto; and the high tech-yuppie Kingdom of Diwatara ruled by Princess ANGELINA KALINISAN-ORTEZA (JUDY ANN SANTOS), also known in the human world as "AKO," where she leads an environmental advocacy organization.

Watch Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako Official trailer here:


Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako Official Trailer Impression
Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako Film Trailer Review

Ah! Another year of Metro Manila Film Festival, and you know what that means right? ... another Enteng Kabisote title this 2012. If last year's Enteng teams him up with the much beloved Ina Montecillo (Ai-Ai de las Alas) of the "Ang Tanging Ina" comedy film series, this 2012 teams him up again with Agimat (Bong Reviulla, Jr.) of "Ang Agimat, Anting-anting ni Lolo" (2002), whom he also teamed up with 2010's "Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote". The only difference now is the inclusion of "Ako" (Judy Ann Santos) to complete the trio of "Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako" this 2012. So what can we make up with this latest enteng Kabisote crossover MMFF film fest entry for 2012?

It seems to be a tradition now, every Metro Manila Film Festival must include a Shake, Rattle, & Roll or an Enteng Kabisote title and don't get me wrong most Filipino film audience likes these annual installments. I just somehow find the (Enteng Kabisote) franchise uninspired now. A series which could expand the lore of its magical land but still maintaining its humor and charm, but instead creates unnecessary crossovers, out of their own universe set of villains to even immortal villains, and usually preachy film about what is moral and what is not. December 25, is also a holiday and day for the whole family and what we have learned with past Enteng Kabisote films is that it is going to be yet another blockbuster hit thanks to the marketing by both Eat Bulaga, the station it is under which is also a partner of the creation of this title, GMA Films; and Judy ann santos on her home station in ABS-CBN. The idea of an having future Enteng Kabisote MMFF entry with Bong Revilla, Jr. (Agimat), and Ai-Ai de las Alas (Tanging Ina) with Judy Ann Santos Ako again seems not too impossible after the success of this film. If you want the the Enteng Kabisote film series to drag/continue with this possibility, then go check it out when it hits the theaters on December 25, 2012.

How about you guys, what do you think of this thrird Enteng Kabisote crossover film? What do you think of the past Enteng Kabisote titles? Share your thoughts about Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako official trailer in the comments section below:

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.

Of All The Things Trailer Impressions: Aga Muhlach and Regine 2012 RomCom about a Fixer and a Frustrated Lawyer

Of All The Things is an upcoming romantic comedy film from GMA Films and VIVA Films under the direction of Joyce Bernal starring Aga Muhlach, Regine Velasquez, Mark Bautista, John Lapus, and Gina Pareño. Of All the Things is slated for a September 26 nationwide theatrical release and is the reunion movie of Regine Velasquez and Aga Muhlach since their last film Pangako Ikaw Lang (2001) which was also directed by Joyce Bernal under Viva Films. Let's check out this 2012 romcom starring Aga and Regine.

Of All The Things
Plot / Synopsis

What happens when a professional fixer and a certified public notary join forces? Of All the Things follows the love story of Bernadette (Regine Velasquez) and Emil (Aga Muhlach).

Watch Of All The Things Official trailer here:


Of All The Things Official Trailer Impression
Of All The Things Film Trailer Review

Regine Velasquez and Aga Muhlach are back with another love story under the direction of Joyce Bernal from Viva Films with Of All the Things. The two lead stars can be called two of the Philippine showbiz industry's most successful leading man and leading lady of all time. They have starred in various romantic films and still look nice with them. You can literally pair them up with any stars and they will still look good together. So what more if you bring the face of 90's romantic film together? This 2012 Regine and Aga rom-com is a good news to all those who wanted to see them back on the big screen and to want some really funny and team up that actually works.

The film's plot is not that big of a mystery as it has been technically spoiled in the trailer which is such a shame really. Well at least they don't have some spoiler-ific synopsis on their official channels, but knowing that VIVA is behind this... I just don't know. Maybe a few days before the film gets released that VIVA will once again put some really frustrating stuff about the film on their websites. Well, if ever they do, it is not really that big as the plot of the film has been revealed in the trailer. Of All the Things feels very familiar but still very charming thanks to Regine and Aga. Really can't say the same with the plot and how the trailer spoils the plot, and how it is delivered. Of All the Things Youtibe trailer is of low quality making me think that the GMA and VIVA either think that Regine and Aga is enough to market the film, or they really think that the internet is an ineffective way to market their product. There is a reason why Star Cinema films have better box office sales than most film studios, it is because they lack proper marketing and utilization of the internet to promote their products. Well, it is safe to assume that Of All the Things will have a good run on the theaters, but what of other films from Viva and Regal? Well I maybe straying away too much from the film so I'll stop now. Will just make something about this whole poor marketing of some film production outfits here in the Philippines. Besides the low res resolution of the trailer and very familiar and formulaic plot, I believe that Of All the Things will still sell because of Regine and Aga. Let's give GMA Films more time to come up wih better marketing techniques, before the films actual release on September 26, 2012.

How about you guys, what are your thoughts about the set up of this romantic film? Is Aga and Regine enough to make you see the film? Share your thoughts on the comments section below:

Just One Summer Trailer Impressions: A Young Love Story and Romantic Treat for JuliElmo Fans

Just One Summer is an upcoming romantic film under the direction of Mac C. Alejandre featuring GMA Network's current popular teen love team Julie Anne San Jose and Elmo Magalona. Joining the cast are Alice Dixson, Joel Torre, Cherry Pie Picache, Buboy Garovillo, and Gloria Romero. Just One Summer is slated for an August 15, 2012 nationwide theatrical release. Let's check these another teenybopper young love story that JuliElmo fans would surely love.

Just One Summer
Plot / Synopsis

Beto, a rich and rebellious boy is forced to spend one summer with his estranged father who he has considered dead for abandoning them while waiting for the annulment of his parent's marriage.

During his stay with his father during the summer, he meets a poor girl who also is his childhood friend. The girl is a scholar and carries the burden and responsibility of getting her family off poverty. However, she is keeping a secret with regards to the true state of her scholarship. The two meet and comfort each other amidst their problems and they slowly fall for each other.

Watch Just One Summer Official trailer here:


Just One Summer Official Trailer Impression
Just One Summer Film Trailer Review

Oh boy! where do I begin with this trailer impressions. Just One Summer is a teenybopper young love story obviously aimed for the fans of Julie Anne San Jose and Elmo Magalona. If there is one thing that major television networks is good for is that they "listen" to the fans, and thus we have "Just One Summer".

Just One Summer reminds us that cliche love story still works as long as you market it to a different group of audience. A variation of a long lost childhood friends meeting again after so many years where they eventually fall in love but without complication. It has the same rich-boy-poor-girl set up which we have seen in countless of romantic films both here and abroad. Well at least it looks like the family is not against this budding relationship, right? The primary focus of the film besides the love story which JuliElmo fans will go gaga over with, is the struggle of a boy on his broken family and dealing with his estranged father who he blames for everything. A film definitely for the JuliElmo fans and those who are young at heart who finds this couple cute. The story - pretty generic, the acting - very underwhelming especially from the film's lead actor, Elmo Magalona, and a trailer which the own station thinks should not be taken seriously. Yes, look at the quality of the official trailer they posted online. For a film obviously catered for a much younger audience, they could have at least put an ever higher resolution trailer online which is more for the fans than us, online Pinoy movie reviewers. I have this idea that when a film is not properly marketed both in the traditional and new media field, it must only mean that the film studio behind it doesn't have faith on its own product... OR hey are not just open into a more harsh criticism provide online that's why they avoid marketing online like a plague. So Just One Summer falls in this category. It is a bit nitpicking for a reviewer but why can't GMA Films provide a better quality (higher resolution) trailer for its younger audience online who obviously are more online than off and is willing to kill any bashers who would dare to even speak ill of a movie starring their idols.

How about you guys, what do you think about this romantic film featuring Julie Anne San Jose and Elmo Magalona. Are you a fan and what do you think about this trailer? Share your thoughts about Just One Summer official trailer impressions in the comments section below:

TIKTIK:The Aswang Chronicles Trailer Impressions - Prepare for a Full-Length Film Shot Entirely in Green Screen and CGI Aswangs

TIKTIK:The Aswang Chronicles is a 2012 horror film produced by Reality Entertainment, Agosto Dos, and GMA Films slated for an October 2012 nationwide theatrical release. TIKTIK:The Aswang Chronicles is the first feature-length Filipino movie entirely shot on green screen with only the actors, houses and vehicles being the only thing real. All the backgrounds, including trees, mountains and creatures were laboriously and painstakingly realized using the latest computer technology. Let's take a look at this first take on CGI horror film by GMA Films.

TIKTIK:The Aswang Chronicles
Plot / Synopsis

TIKTIK:The Aswang Chronicles honors the genre's traditions without taking itself too seriously as it combines honest-to-goodness scares with irreverent Pinoy wit and humor.

Directed by Erik Matti, it stars Dingdong Dantes, Joey Marquez, Janice de Belen, Lovi Poe, and Ramon Bautista, as an odd mix of characters who suddenly find themselves the target of a vicious, deadly attack by a legion of pissed-off aswangs.
As if their own strained relationships weren't stressful enough, they now have to fight for their lives with all the heart, guts, and garlic they can muster.

Watch TIKTIK:The Aswang Chronicles Official trailer here:



TIKTIK:The Aswang Chronicles Official Trailer Impression
TIKTIK:The Aswang Chronicles Film Trailer Review

It's been a while since I last got excited over a Filipino horror film. Well there was Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang but the film miserably failed. After that film, I though I would never trust a Filipino horror movie trailer again, but then TIKTIK: The Aswang Chronicles came.

This special effects horror film from Reality Entertainment, Agosto Dos, and GMA Films holds a lot of promise. It seems to have everything that I wanted in a modern Filipino horror film, or a Philippine horror movie trailer. (1) The official trailer came four months before its actual nationwide theatrical release which will obviously help build the hype for it. This has been one of my issues with most Filipino films nowadays. It seems like they don't have confidence or faith with their own film, but this could either be just for budget constraints but come on?! It is only natural to invest on something that they believe yield something back, right? The last film that I remember used this kind of effective and lengthy trailer run was with Kimmy Dora and see at how people loved that film, well of course it is a good film as well. Hopefully it would be the case with TIKTIK. (2) Another thing that this film has is the gore and violence lacking in recent Filipino horror titles. It seems like most horror films created nowadays wanted to play it safe with the MTRCB that they avoid as much disturbing images as possible. Well it could just be me, but a film about a Philippine folklore monster like the Aswang should have disturbing imagery, blood and gore. (3) TIKTIK: The Aswang Chronicles is also reminiscent of the much better oldies but goodies practical effects horror films of the 90's. TIKTIK included Janice de Belen and Joey Marquez in the case who were also typecasted to be either Filipino horror film protagonist (Janice) or victim (Joey) back in the 90's. (4) TIKTIK: The Aswang Chronicles has a somewhat realistic and decent special effects. The people behind TIKTIK does not shy away and proudly claims that the film heavily relied on special effects. We have seen recent horror films that utilized special effects but failed, but as how TIKTIK is shaping up in the trailer, it looks like they can get away with it... or I am just hopeful about this film. According to press releases the film finished shooting last year, but took almost a year to complete post-production to deliver a "quality special effects" seen in this trailer. With all these factors, I can clearly say that TIKTIK: The Aswang Chronicles is one horror film that I am genuinely interested to see in theaters.

A film that heavily relied on special effects? Is that even possible? Can they pull a believable CGI film? Can a Filipino film do that? TIKTIK: The Aswang Chronicles might possibly pull it off. I just hope that all this good impressions I have with the film carries over to the actual finished product. Believe me when I say that I will reap TIKTIK: The Aswang Chronicles to shreds once it does fail to deliver, just like what I did with a much recently release inferior Filipino "horror" film. This 2012 CGI horror movie trailer makes me want to say the line "faith in Philippine horror filmmakers restored", but let's wait until the actual film gets released first. What is certain is this, TIKTIK: The Aswang Chronicles is Pinoy Movie Blogger's most highly anticipated film of the 2012.

How about you guys, what can you make up with this 2012 CGI horror film? Share your thoughts about TIKTIK: The Aswang Chronicles official movie trailer in the comments section below:

Boy Pick-Up: The Movie Teaser Trailer Impressions: Another Bubble Gang Skit Graduating to the Big Screen

Boy Pick-Up: The Movie is a comedy film from GMA Films and Regal Films under the direction of Dominic Zapata which stars Ogie Alcasid, Eri Neeman, Michael V, Dennis Trillo, Boy2 Quizon, Moymoy Palaboy's James "Moymoy" Obeso and Rodfil "Roadfill" Obeso, Antonio Aquitania, Gwen Zamora, Jackie Rice, Sam Pinto, Sarah Lahbati and Solenn Heussaff. Boy Pick-Up: The Movie is slated for a June 6, 2012 nationwide theatrical release. Let's check the teaser trailer for Boy Pick-Up The Movie here.

Boy Pick-Up: The Movie
Plot / Synopsis

Boy Pick-Up: The Movie is the film adaptation of Bubble Gang's latest famous skit "Pick-Up Lines Battle" featuring the fliptop-inspired battle of words using cheesy pick-up lines rather than well-rhyming trash talks. The film will try to tell the story of the iconic Boy Pick-Up (played by Ogie Alcasid) and Boy Back-Up (Eri Neeman) outside the Pick-Up Lines Battle Arena.

Watch Boy Pick-Up: The Movie teaser trailer here:



Boy Pick-Up: The Movie Teaser Trailer Impression
Boy Pick-Up The Movie Film Teaser Trailer Review

Ah Boy Pick-Up: The Movie... What is there to say about the Boy Pick-Up: The Movie's teaser trailer that made its debut on GMA Network? Coming from someone who's an avid fan of Bubble Gang and usually get his weekly laughs from the Philippine's longest running gag show, Boy Pick-Up: The Movie feels unnecessary.

Ogie Alcasid as Boy Pick-Up and Eri Neeman as Boy Back-Up

Some Filipinos are notorious in delivering these very cheesy pick-up lines to get the attention of their targets... I mean the ladies that can bring out various reactions (preferably a woman getting twitterpatted). Being a fan of Bubble Gang I have seen almost every Pick-Up Lines Battle episode to date. It saddens me to see how Boy Pick-Up's brand of humor starts to lost its touch after the long run. It probably might be just on the script, but ever since it got so popular, I believe its humor started to became normal... ultimately losing its brand of anti-humor. Sure it is nice to still hear cheesy pick-up lines every episode, but all those build up sometimes get squashed with the same kind of nonsensical pick-up lines used by boy Pick-Up last week. There is a limit on how many times the audience can tolerate "...kasi ang ulam na niluto ni Aling Maring ay masarap" boy pick-up punchline variant. I think that there are some jokes that need to end. Quit while they were ahead as what most people say. Like Yaya and Angelina, which was also a Bubble Gang Skit adapted to the Big Screen by GMA Films, there is a probability that Boy Pick-Up The Movie will be the last pit stop of this once was phenomenal comedic Bubble Gang skit. Like any other Bubble Gang skit it has to eventually come to an end: E.g MEV (Music English Version), MTB (Music Tagalog Bersyon), Kapitan Masa, Gagambala, Yaya and Angelina, etc. I just don't think that this film will get people excited or inspire them to spend money and watch it on theaters, and that is coming from a Bubble Gang fan and someone who adores Ogie Alcasid and Michael V. as comedians.

Women of Boy Pick-Up the Movie - Sam Pinto, Solenn Heusaff, and Sarah Lahbati

There is nothing much to make up for this teaser. It is just there to tease. Scenes featured in this trailer may not even be in the film itself. One thing is sure though Dennis will have Sarah as a love interest, while Ogie will have Solenn and that's probably where most of this will revolve around. I just don't think that fans of the skit would want to know more about Boy Pick-Up besides what they have been getting every Friday nights, or maybe it is just me. I can't vouch for every Bubble Gang fan. There will always be an audience that will support this. Even without the official film trailer released, I can say that Boy Pick-Up is one of those Filipino films which has willingly placed itself to shame just because some film producers think it would sell based from its popularity in television. The same film outfits which have been using prehistoric (traditional) marketing and movie making (writing, casting, producing) methodologies... milking something popular and current spelling doom to its original content source. Well, I might be over-thinking about this comedy film. I maybe wrong or eat up in the end all I have said here, but the teaser and the whole concept isn't giving me the right impressions. This is my impressions of the teaser to begin with. One thing is certain though, Boy Pick-Up: The Movie is not the smart kind of comedy I am looking for in a Filipino produced film. I will give this one a pass and will probably check this out once it makes it Philippine television debut which might not even take more than a year to happen.

How about you guys? What do you think of the concept of Boy Pick-Up movie adaptation? Share your thoughts about Boy Pick-Up: The Movie teaser trailer in the comments section below:

The Witness Trailer Impressions: Indonesia's Skylar Pictures and Philippines' GMA Films Collaborative Thriller Film

The Witness is a 2012 thriller film from GMA Films and Skylar Pictures (Indonesia) under the direction of Muhammad Yusuf and the screenplay of Beby Hasibuan which stars Gwen Zamora, Pierre Gruno, Agung Saga, Kimberly Ryder, Marcelino Lefrandt, Febby Febiola. The Witness is slated for a March 21, 2012 Philippine release.

My Kontrabida Girl Official Movie Trailer Impressions: A Female Kontrabida and Her Love Story

My Kontrabida Girl finally released its full trailer. The GMA Films' romantic comedy film from pairs up Aljur Abrenica and Rhian Ramos for the very first time. You can also check out teaser trailer for My Kontrabida Girl and the film's music video "Ang Aking Puso" here. So let's get to the full trailer of this 2012 romcom from GMA Films:

My Kontrabida Girl Teaser Trailer Impressions: The Cute Kontrabida?

My Kontrabida Girl is a 2012 romantic comedy from GMA Films under the direction of Jade Castro (director of Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington) which stars Rhian Ramos, Aljur Abrenica, Jhake Vargas, Enzo Pineda, Sef Cadayona, Ken Chan, Kevin Santos, Bela Padilla, Ryza Cenon and Chariz Solomon. My Kontrabida Girl is slated for a Marh 14, 2012 nationwide release. Let's check out this GMA Films 2012 Rom-Com here:

The 2012 Philippine Movie Line Up: A Pinoy Movie Blogger Sneak Peak on Filipino Mainstream Film Titles This 2012

If you are looking for the 2012 Filipino movie line up, then the quest is over. Pinoy Movie Blogger has scoured the internet to give you the Pinoy movie line up for 2012. When we say scoured the internet, it mainly consists of looking and crossing fingers that there would be some info at various Wiki sites. Luckily there are materials to share. I am just hopeful that they are accurate or would completely push through. So without further ado, these are the film titles of what you may expect from various Filipino Film Studios this 2012.

Ang Panday 2 Trailer Impressions: A CGI-Heavy Sequel from Imus Productions

Ang Panday 2 or Ang Panday Ikalawang Aklat is a 2011 fantasy action sequel to the 2009 film Ang Panday. Ang Panday 2 is a 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival entry from Imus Production and GMA Films starring Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. as the iconic Flavio or "Panday".



Ang Panday 2
Plot / Synopsis

Ang Panday 2 is a fantasy action sequel to Imus Productions and GMA Films' 2009 for the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Ang Panday. Ang Panday 2 features impressive CGI and special effects and will be shown in 3-D.

The world is once again thrown in turmoil and destruction from the forces of evil and it is up to Flavio and his mythical sword to stop it.

Watch Ang Panday 2 official movie trailer here



Ang Panday 2 Trailer Impression
Ang Panday 2 Trailer Review

I have a couple of rules that would make me call a movie trailer an effective and successful in creating buzz and building hype to attract movie goers to watch it. One is that you should never spoil the film audience by summarizing the entire film in a trailer. Second is to to not show the best parts of the film or just simply give a small glimpse of it to engage and intrigued the movie goers to actually see it. And that ladies and gentlemen is what the Panday 2 did not do.



Do not get me wrong, I am still hopeful that the Philippine movie industry can once again get back to its golden age state like what it was before, but only if they learn to adapt the ever increasing and changing demand and taste of film fans. Although Ang Panday 2 features an impressive array of computer generated effects not regularly seen on a Philippine produced film, this does not mean that it is automatically considered or be called a good or quality film. There are so many factors that constitute a good film, but let us discuss that for another time. Let us go back to Ang Panday 2 2011 movie trailer. The trailer to me is very sloppily made, first you see an old fairy saying about his experience about the war, then you jump to someone reminding the protagonist that he is relying too much on the sword, and he next the hero is making some twisted belief that sacrifices are needed to fight for peace. Maybe that is the underlying plot featured here but it is so vaguely touch and if that is what the entire story is about, Flavio undergoing a confusion of what truly matters then it might just spoil it a bit, for those kinds of struggle are best watched than stated in a trailer. Then we have those other characters which just made it more chaotic. We have computer generated fairies, dragons, sea monsters, "aswangs", giant scorpions, sandhenchmen, and a witch who introduced herself as the queen of darkness but is obviously just a henchwoman. Seeing the last Ang Panday film, the trailer has once again made its same mistake as it had before. Throw in all the good CGI part in the trailer for they believe it is enough marketing for the film. In a way, it works especially when trailers for Ang Panday 2 have proliferated in various commercials in the Kapuso Network (it really helps that a television station is a producer of the film), but to those who have been disappointed by Imus Production created films know better than not to be fooled twice. The trailer is really aimed for the children. Cashing in on the sense that parents are forced by their children to watch Ang Panday 2 because of the shiny stuff rather than the actual story itself. I maybe wrong in pre-judging it but the trailer isn't just convincing me that it is any better from what it was before. A film that does not explore and give justice to the popular iconic comics character Panday, but rather rely on CGI to do the work for them. I remember seeing a classic Panday film starring the late Fernando Poe Jr. and it was something. Although it is unfair to compare the before and after as film audience might have a strong sense of nostalgia in the past, I believe that it is more important for studios to emulate the writing and progression of the story, than depending too much on CGI and a more Hollywood-ish effect. I will no longer touch touch the very obvious as everyone has already notice the "Clash of the Titans" and "Eragon" computer graphics that "inspired" the look of Ang Panday 2 characters. The argument that every movie takes the inspiration from another is valid, so I will end it with that.

The funny thing is that families will still flock the theaters to watch Ang Panday 2. I know I would which is a quite a surprise actually as how I negatively receive this trailer. I also believe in the "if you do not like it don't watch it" kind of thinking, that's what I did with the Twilight series... a boycott. But like I said I am still hopeful that this is just a case of ineffective film trailer creation that at its core there is something special in it. I am more critical of this trailer review than my Enteng ng Ina Mo one because the film wants to be taken seriously but fails. At least to critical and film veterans (let us not include the "high class taste" of the Cannes film fest cinephiles into the mix), the films falls short as the trailer is obviously aimed for children. So will I recommend you guys to see it? Well, yeah. But i wished that ang Panday 2 trailer made it abit easy for the Pinoy movie Blogger to recommend it without doing this massive trailer impressions. This seems already a movie review itself Hahahaha.



How about you guys, what do you think about Ang Panday 2 movie trailer? Do you agree or disagree with my impressions of it? Share your thoughts at the comments section below:

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.

Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote (2010) Movie Review

Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote, features two box office kings (Vic Sotto and Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.) is one of the biggest Metro Manila Film Festival movie tie-up for the year which transcended to a box office success. Does "Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote" blockbuster success means that it is a similarly good film? That and many more is what you can find out in the Pinoy Movie Blogger Review on Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote.



Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote Official Full Trailer
Movie Related Videos



Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote Synopsis
Film Premise

After chasing a monster from his realm, Agimat (Bong Revilla) ends up in Engkantasya where he encounters Enteng Kabisote. They later teamed up to chase the same monster which escaped to the human world (Enteng Kabisote's world) to avoid the chaos that the monster might cause to the humans. Enteng Kabisote series' main villain Satanna has once again resurfaced to revive another diabolic villain from the world of Agimat. The two villains then abducted the loved ones of Agimat and Enteng to make them fight each other.

Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote Movie Review
Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews

Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote is generally an Enteng Kabisote film with a special participation of Agimat, or more likely Bong Revilla in a Vic Sotto film. Okay Ka, Fairy Ko (both the television and film series) and Enteng Kabisote (film franchise) have created and established a colorful and magical world of fairies, magic, family life and epic adventures which is a perfect set up to put similar character like Agimat. I have seen past Imus Production Films which usually features Bong Revilla as its main protagonist. It can easily be noticed that most of the Imus Productions entries wanted to attract most of the Filipino movie going audience but usually fails unlike its fellow MMFF competitor, the Enteng Kabisote film series. Thanks to longer airtime in Eat Bulaga, the film is properly marketed which would later reflect in ticket sales. So it is only natural that the team up of the two past Metro Manila Film Festival box office kings would yield favorable results. Besides this analysis what else can "Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote" has to offer?

In pursuit of a monster, Agimat crossed dimensions which transported him to Engkantasya where Enteng also ended up to search for his wife. The rest unfolded itself in a mediocre fashion but tries to project an epic adventure feel to the entire film. Not to be mistaken for an Enteng Kabisote movie all throughout, some scenes deviate from the comedic nature of the Enteng Kabisote universe which was achieved by focusing more on Agimat’s more dramatic and action-pack heavier nature. This uneven separation and focus of the two separate characters sometimes feel forced which might hurt the overall feel to the film.

The humor is a mixture of slapstick and situational comedy. Some of its humor also makes reference to segments and personalities of Eat Bulaga (the longest running noontime show in the Philippines) which may not usually appeal to some selected movie goers. There are also scenes having sexual innuendos; blood, gore and violence which goes against the target audience it generally wants to cater, the entire family.

The CGI and special effects range from okay to horrendous which one can easily notice on film trailer alone. That particular scene is Agimat dodging a CGI double edged axe thrown at him. Some visual effects set pieces looks okay but other pieces really look artificial and out of place. The graphics is not the main focus of the film and luckily it didn't for it would ruin the entire film. With big production studios backing up the biggest Metro Manila Film Festival team up pf the year, one would have thought that the film would have at least tried to invest more on a better and more realistic visual effects, but sadly "Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote" didn't which is such a waste of opportunity. Another headache inducing effects is the constant slowdown and speed ups effects on all action sequences which gets tiring and irritating early in the movie and drags it along until the end.

I have seen all of the Enteng Kabisote film series, thus I should gave it a more favorable review (for a possibility of being labeled as an avid fan or sort), but as they say with age comes wisdom and Enteng Kabisote could no longer hide its mediocre nature. Even if it adds up another character or an entire film franchise under its title, there will come a time that it gets really tiring and that time is now. An Enteng Kabisote film is no longer enough to satisfy more critical Filipino film fans looking for quality and content. Enteng Kabisote is a film franchise that has been milked so many times that there is nothing new that it can offer. Rather than exploring the rich magical world of Engkantasya which has repetitively teased the moviegoers on glimpse of its entirety on past Okay Ka Fairy Ko and Enteng Kabisote series, the film simply focuses more on just the same repetitive villains and set pieces. But if you are looking for a more relax film with general appeal and familiarity with the characters (actors) and a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, then Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote will do just fine but PMB barely recommends it.

PMB Recommendations for Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote
The Verdict

Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote is your average Vic Sotto film with Bong Revilla as an added character. I really want to give this a favorable review but the film just won't allow me. The film is not really that bad and you might get a laugh or two from a trusted and proven formulaic humor, a sometimes forced moral values but this can’t hide a weak plot, poor character development, a frustrating CGI and visual effects, and various plot holes.

If you prefer quality over just big names and collaborations, then you are better off looking for other MMFF entries and believe me when I say there are far superior MMFF entries than this. Though it generally appeals to the Filipino movie going audience by mixing recognized box office MMFF names, Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote falls short and fails to deliver a more engaging storyline, character development and an epic adventure. It maybe a box office success in terms of ticket sales but don't expect something phenomenal on this film. Rather than milking a Filipino pop culture television and movie series (the Okay Ka Fairy Ko and the Enteng Kabisote film series), the production should take this challenge to create a more engaging story, better visual and special effects, in-depth character developmen without loosing the appeal it has established.

This is why The Pinoy Movie Blogger gives "Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote" a similarly frustrated rating of one and a half out of a perfect five "Agimat" medallion. A first low rating in Pinoy Movie Blogger Reviews.