Mary Cherry Chua (2023) Movie Trailer Impressions: A Filipino Urban Legend About a Slain Student's Spirit Haunting a School Gets Adapted into the Big Screen

Mary Cherry Chua is a horror film produced by Viva Films under the screenplay and direction of Roni Benaid starring Abby Bautista, Kokoy de Santos, Lyca Gairanod, Krissha Viaje, Ashley Diaz, Joko Diaz, and Alma Moreno and is slated for a July 19, 2023 nationwide theatrical release. Let's check out what this 2023 horror film about the urban legend of Mary Cherry Chua has in store for Filipino horror movie enthusiasts here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.



Mary Cherry Chua
Plot / Synopsis



Merry Cherry Chua is based on a Filipino Urban Legend about a kind, beautiful, and exceptional student who was later found dead within the premises of the school she was attending. While the culprit behind her murder surrendered, her spirit still lingers and haunts the halls of the school and the people within it.

Watch Mary Cherry Chua Official trailer here:



Mary Cherry Chua Official Trailer Impression
Mary Cherry Chua Film Trailer Review



What can be said about the Mary Cherry Chua (2023) official movie trailer? As a big horror movie fan, the premise isn't that revolutionary but it would be interesting to see a popular Filipino urban legend get another big screen adaptation. What is interesting about urban legends is how familiar yet unknown they are. You may hear that it originated at a particular school, but later found out that it isn't. That almost every school has its own version of Mary cherry Chua, just like how every school was once claimed to be a burial grounds or cemetery.



What is interesting is that I am not even familiar with Mary Cherry Chua's urban legend. What I am familiar with is the concept of haunted school grounds and lingering restless spirits haunting people within it. One can say it is a tried and tested formula while others may say it is a tired cliche as well. The only difference is that this time you just have fresh faces or talenst from Viva Films this 2023 acing along with veteran performers like Joko Diaz, Alma Moreno, and Rolando Inocencio. I think this urban legend can seamlessly be blended within one of the segment of a Shake, Rattle, & Roll (SRR) film; but I can also say that Filipino film production studios and creatives are running out of concepts to make for a compelling and noteworthy horror film because of horror franchises like SRR are using all the concept up. The same reason why Pridyider (2012) became its own supernatural horror title even if it was part of an episode of the original Shake, Rattle, & Roll (1984). Will Mary Cherry Chua be scary or engaging enough to justify its normal standalone Filipino film runetime or will it feel dragging and longer than it should. I guess, movie goers will know that once it premieres in cinemas nationwide.



How about you guys? What do you think about this 2023 horror film featuring another popular Filipino urban legend? What popular urban legend are you familiar about? What recent horror film that focuses on urban legends have you enjoyed? Will you be seeing this horror film once it hits the theaters in the 19th of July, 2023? Share your thoughts and opinion about Mary Cherry Chua (2023) in the comments section below and let's talk about it.

Clarita (2019) Movie Trailer Impressions: Horror Film Based on the 1953 True Story of the Exorcism of Clarita Villanueva

Clarita is a 2019 horror film from Black Sheep under the direction of Derick Cabrido, which stars Jodi Sta. Maria as the titular "Clarita Villanueva", Arron Villaflor, and Ricky Davao slated for a June 12, 2019 nationwide theatrical release. Clarita is based on the true story of the story of the exorcism of a Clarity Villanueva back in 1953. Let's check out what this horror film about the retelling of the 1953 true story of the exorcism of Clarita Villanueva is all about here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.


Clarita
Plot / Synopsis

Clarita is based on the true accounts of the alleged demonic possession and exorcism of a Clarita Villanueva.

Watch the Clarita (2019) official movie trailer here:






Clarita Official Trailer Impression
Clarita Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the Clarita (2019) official movie trailer? Well, Clarita's trailer screams good production and direction. The trailer exudes great cinematography, atmosphere, sound, and acting. Not to mention, this being based on true historic accounts make it more worth our time. The only question now is will it deliver? Well we have a few days left before Clarita hits the cinemas on June 12, 2019, a perfect day to release a film.


What is interesting with all of this is that the story of Clarita's demonic possession and exorcism was big back in the days and hit the newspapers back then. Philippine TV magazine show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho featured this story back in their October 30, 2016 Halloween Episode "Gabi ng Lagim" special that also featured the same director as Clarita's 2019 film director Derick Cabrido.

Watch Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho's Gabi ng Lagim IV Halloween Special on Derick Cabrido’s Sanib featuring the story of Clarita Villanueva here:

How about you guys? What do you think about this horror film based on true events? Are you aware of the story of Clarita Villanueva? What do you think about her exorcism back in 1953 from the Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho video feature? Will you be seeing this horror film from Black Sheep when it hits the theaters? Share your thoughts and opinion about Clarita (2019) in the comments section below and let's discuss about it.

Pwera Usog (2017) Trailer Impressions: Teenager's Prank and its Horrific Consequences

Pwera Usog is a 2017 horror film from Regal Entertainment under the screenplay and direction of Jason Paul Laxamana starring Devon Seron, Sofia Andres, Joseph Marco, Kiko Estrada, Cherise Castro, Albie Casino, Aiko Melendez, and Eula Valdes slated for a March 8, 2017 theatrical release. Let's check out what this latest Regal horror film featuring new stars has to offer.


Pwera Usog
Plot / Synopsis

Ang pelikulang PWERA USOG ni Jason Paul Laxamana ay kwento ng isang typical millennial barkada, adventure seeker, curious at internet-savvy. Ngunit isang hindi inaasahang pangyayari ang mararanasan nila simula nang biruin nila ang isang pulubi na pinaglalaruan pala ng isang masamang kaluluwa.


Maniniwala kaya sila sa USOG? O sa masamang KALULUWA?
Sabay sabay tayong manood ng kakaibang fun-horror barkada movie on March 8! In Cinemas nationwide!

Source: Official Facebook Page

The film is about a typical adventure seeking, curious, and internet-savvy millenials in which after pranking a homeless individual who so happen to also be haunted by a malevolent spirit, their lives were never be the same again.

Watch Pwera Usog (2017) Official trailer here:





Official Pwera Usog (2017) Trailer Impression
Pwera Usog (2017) Film Trailer Review


What can be said about Pwera Usog (2017) official movie trailer? Well, first up the trailer for the film looks crisp which is not really that big of an accomplishment (and deal) as this film is backed up by a major Filipino film company (Regal Entertainment). Whether the film will have a good cinematography is yet to be seen. Pwera Usog is another horror film that uses a Filipino superstitious belief as its theme just like its predecessors; earlier Filipino horror films like Sukob, Pagpag, and Bulong. It is really odd to use the superstitious concept of "usog" as a film's main focus for a horror film but Regal somehow made that possible. They probably might weave "usog" into the story but I don't know if we should commend them for creativity or loathe them for laziness.


Pwera Usog at a glance seems to be a conveyor belt film which I can't even categorize as a passable film. It seems to be one of those debut films for Regal's up and coming stars; a small investment for a company like Regal. If you think about it, this is probably why they use "usog" as its main theme or title and uses some Filipino showbiz newcomers that the rest of the cost probably went to the two veteran actress in the film, Aiko and Eula. Well, I am a big horror fan and almost seen most of them, but when I watched the trailer for this film all it solicit was some chuckle and face palm. You have a set of unlikeable millennials doing some stupid things (like what most of them do nowadays) and the film somehow expects us to sympathize with them on their journey o solving the problem they set in motion in the first place. The Pwera Usog trailer makes the film looks forgettable and laughable, but that's just me. You probably might be a fan of these new stars and be much more forgiving in this mediocre trailer for a mediocre film.


How about you guys? What do you think about this film about "usog?" Are you familiar or a fan with the new stars serving as the film's main protagonist in the film? Share your thoughts and opinion about Pwera Usog (2017) in the comments section below and let's discuss about it.

Haunted Mansion Trailer Impressions: 2015 MMFF Horror Film Debuting the MarNella Love Team Centering on a Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion is a 2015 horror film from Regal Entertainment Inc. (Regal Films) and is an official entry to the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival this 2015 under the direction of Jun Robles Lana which stars Janella Salvador, Marlo Mortel, Jerome Ponce, Janice De Belen, Iza Calzado, Dominic Ochoa, LJ Reyes, Joem Bascon, and Sharlene San Pedro slated for a December 25, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this 2015 haunted house... (erm) mansion horror film featuring the MarNella (Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador) love team has to offer.


Haunted Mansion
Plot / Synopsis

Haunted Mansion is set to tackle students holding a retreat and something weird and creepy happens afterward. The first teaser of the film released on Oct 25, 2015.

Watch Haunted Mansion teaser trailer here:





Haunted Mansion Teaser Trailer Impression
Haunted Mansion Film Teaser Trailer Review


So what can be said about the Haunted Mansion 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival horror entry teaser trailer? Well, it could very well be the main trailer but teaser sounds get and enough to build hype at this early. I commend the marketing team for releasing the teaser early as I have mentioned in the past that film studios should maximize the potential of the internet and market their film heavily on this platform. But going back the film which seemingly has good cinematography uses that age old haunted house feel only with a MarNella (ABS-CBN's Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador) love team skin glazed over it.


A little digging resulted to some information that Haunted Mansion was formerly titled as "Retreat House" and it serves as the debut film of MarNella (Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador) love team. Given such information and seeing the trailer gives you a good indication of what to expect in this 2015 MMFF horror film entry. A group of kids focusing on a main romantic teenage couple is thrown in a mansion where chaos ensues. If you are of the newer generation and have not seen THAT many horror films but so into it, I highly advised to check out some old ones and you'll be surprised at the better written and acted horror stories featured in the past. There are other 2015 MMFF horror entries like Buy Now, Die Later and Nilalang which I think have much better story, performance, and overall feel to it that Haunted Mansion, but that's just me.


How about you guys? What's your favorite Haunted House themed horror film? What do you think of the three horror films included in the 2015 Metro Manila film Festival and which one are you more curious to see? Is the MarNella Love Team enough for you to check this one one? Share your thoughts and opinion about the Haunted Mansion teaser trailer in the comments section below:

Maria Labo Trailer Impressions: Viva Films 2015 Horror Film Adaptation of the Visayan Aswang Urban Legend

Maria Labo is a 2015 horror film from Viva Films under the direction of Roi Vinzon which stars Kate Brios, Jestoni Alarcon, Sam Pinto, Mon Confiado, Dennis Padilla, Baron Geisler, Rey PJ Abellana, and Rez Cortez slated for a November 11, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this Viva Films and Roi Vinzon adaptation of the Visayan urban legend of Maria Labo has to offer for movie going fans here:


Maria Labo
Plot / Synopsis

An abused OFW returns home with a curse that turned her into a monster who devours human flesh. As her husband looks for answers about her mysterious transformation, the town is in serious danger as she remains at large.

Witness as this Visayan urban legend comes to life in MARIA LABO! Opens November 11 in cinemas nationwide!

Watch Maria Labo Official trailer here:




Maria Labo Official Trailer Impression
Maria Labo Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the Maria Labo official trailer? I would like to believe that this is an earnest trailer for a b-horror horror film; earnest in a way that it does not shy away from being campy. In some way, this is good. It is better to know that the film is an over-the-top b-movie film than being mislead into thinking that it is not because of a well edited trailer (Coughs Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang, coughs). One can think that the very nature of the Visayan urban legend is absurd enough, so why take it seriously? That is how this trailer give off. This is also what would probably hold back movie going fans from taking this film seriously or even taking time to see it. Well, it is indeed out on theaters now as we very speak of it, but why does it feel like Viva is not putting enough effort in marketing the film (e.g.local television) like what it is doing with its contemporary, Wang Fam? What a way to show interest in the titles they distribute, huh?


It is about a week ago that I happen to pass by the local mall and saw this peculiar movie poster on the Next Picture line-up, Maria Labo. I am big into the horror genre so this is right up my alley, but seeing this now? I am quite surprise at the quality of this horror movie from this trailer. It all makes sense to me why not enough marketing attention was given to such films. Who knew that in 2015 that we'll have such seemingly b-movie picture with over-the-top acting from actors of the 80's to 90's. I don't know if it was intentional but I feel like it pays homage to either the 70's, 80's, and even 90's style of film or trailer making; OR maybe it satirizes the absurdity of the horror genre in general or the urban legend itself. Maybe it was also some sort of a weird deal that Viva Films had with 80's action star Roi Vinzon to direct such film. Who knows? One thing is for sure, this trailer would either make you curious and actually make you go see this film or not. I definitely would go about the latter.


How about you guys? What are your thoughts about this Roi Vinzon directed horror film? Are you familiar with the Visayan urban legend of Maria Labo? Did you like how the trailer was made? Since it is already out in theaters, do let us know how the film was if you've seen it? Share your thoughts and opinion about the Maria Labo official trailer in the comments section below:

Buy Now, Die Later Teaser Trailer Impressions: 2015 MMFF Horror Film About Haunted Objects

Buy Now, Die Later a 2015 horror film from Quantum Films and is an official entry to the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival this 2015 under the direction of Randolph Longjas which stars Vhong Navarro, Alex Gonzaga, Rayver Cruz, John Lapuz, TJ Trinidad, Lotlot De Leon, and Janine Gutierrez slated for a slated for a December 25, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this 2015 MMFF horror entry featuring haunted, possessed or demonic objects has to offer.


Buy Now, Die Later
Plot / Synopsis

BUY NOW, DIE LATER is a compendium of five interconnected stories, each one representing one of the five senses. Ang mga kuwento nina ODIE, ATO, CHLOE, PIPPA at MAITA ang magpa paalala sa atin - - that every bargain comes with a price.

Watch Buy Now, Die Later Official Teaser Trailer here:






Buy Now, Die Later Official Teaser Trailer Impression
Buy Now, Die Later Film Teaser Trailer Review


So what can be said about the Buy Now, DIE Later teaser trailer? First off let me commend the marketing Team behind the 2015 horror movie entry as it does what any film should do, market and build hype early for their film. This makes it feel like they are actually proud of their film and an actual effort was put into the making of the film. This is from the same film studious and production behind another 2015 MMFF entry, Walang Forever on which its trailer was also recently released. Tease the audience enough months before to build the hype and create buzz for the film; For that a big plus point.


Now onto the meaty part. Buy Now, Die feels familiar; very familiar. Let's see, a haunted or possessed object up for sale and its unknowing consumer and usually the people around them starts getting killed off Now where exactly have I seen that part before.... Hmmm. This can be attributed with the over saturation of Filipino horror film titles of the past. Well, one can argue that those are old movies and not so many new movie going fans are familiar with them, but what of those who have seen old horror films? Is there nothing new to offer than a fresh coat of paint? When we say "new" we are not referring to the actors featured in the film as I don't really consider Lotlot and Vhong as a "new", what we are referring to is the premise and the potential CGI-fest that Buy Now, Die Later could have. What will differentiate this from one of the many Shake, Rattle, & Roll films of the past? Can we say that film studios finally have realized that they will run out of ideas to play with if they continue featuring 3 different scary stories for each annual installment of the Shake, Rattle, & Roll? Can we then say that this is the reason why we don't have a Shake, Rattle, & Roll entry for this year? Well, by the looks of it, it seems to be case. It is not a bad approach. Film studious can only make so many variations of tiyanak, aswang, and tikbalang, before movie going Filipinos gets tired of it (like most of us do). In every rule there is an exemption though, which comes in the form (genre) of romantic comedies and romance. Will still be looking forward to seeing the actual and full trailer for Buy now, die Later once it hits online to either validate this early impressions of it or praise it for not being a disappointment.


How about you guys? What do you think of a Buy Now, Die Later's premise of a group of people buying a haunted object and later suffering the consequences of purchasing such items? what are your thoughts with the recent application of CGI in Filipino horror films? Are they any good? Share your thoughts and opinion about the Buy Now, Die Later teaser trailer 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:

Nilalang Trailer Impressions: 2015 MMFF Action Horror Film Featuring Maria Ozawa and Cesar Montano

Nilalang is an action horror film from welovepost, Parallax Studios, Viva Films, and Haunted Tower Pictures, Inc.; and is an official entry to the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival this 2015 under the direction of Pedring Lopez which stars Cesar Montano, Maria Ozawa, Meg Imperial, Yam Concepcion, Cholo Barretto, Dido de la Paz, and Kiko Matos slated for a December 25, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this 2015 MMFF entry featuring Maria Ozawa and Cesar Montano has to offer.


Nilalang
Plot / Synopsis

Nilalang tells the story of Tony (played by Cesar Montano), an NBI agent investigating a series of rapes and killings that counts, among them, Tony’s girlfriend. With his co-agent, Jane, they follow leads that take them to a meeting with Miyuki (Maria Ozawa), the daughter of Mr. Kazudo who is an elder member of the Yakuza. Together, they come face-to-face with an enemy that transcends time; and leaves a trail of mindless, cold-blooded crime at its wake.

Watch Nilalang Official trailer here:
Nilalang 2015 MMFF Film entry Official movie trailer






Nilalang Official Nilalang Trailer Impression
Nilalang 2015 MMFF Film Trailer Review


So what can we say about the Nilalang official trailer? Well besides the obvious fact that it is an action horror film official MMFF 2015 entry featuring Maria Ozawa on it, Nilalang is a breathe of fresh air in a sense that we haven't seen that many local action horror films that has this kind of cinematography and actually be what it says it would; a high-octane action film. Well, we don't say that there aren't any. There aren't that many as much as RomComs do. The films usually featuring E.R. Ejercito are a good example of these contemporary action films, but they give more of a special kind of vibe to it; a vibe of a more biographical or artistic tone to in, than action.


Let me commend the marketers for Nilalang as they've released the official trailer for Nilalang this October which will be enough time to help create enough buzz and discussion for this film. The early worm catches the worm, right? This is film marketing done right. The Nilalang trailer shows the "wonderful" script used in the film like "Hindi matatapos, kung warang tatapos" and nope that wasn't a typo. It puzzles me as to why should the Japanese characters use Filipino when conversing with each other or when they address Cesar Montano to whom is shown to have a certain degree of proficiency in the Japanese language. It just feels pretentious or fake at best. Another observation is that shot with Maria Ozawa shooting like crazy as I find it rather weak. As the film portray her at being a bad ass, that scene was sure made her like a clueless member of Yakuza who can't handle a gun. Hopefully the film will not be riddled so much by the things we can observed in the trailer as it may negatively affect it. Don't give me started with Nilalang's title card. We get it, the film features Japanese and Filipino talent and settings, no need to pound it in with a Japanese-themed font. Try thinking about this, a high octane Japanese film with partnership between Japan and the Philippines,and the film title has a Filipino salakot (traditional wide-brimmed hat from the Philippines) just to make sure that there are Filipinos in the film. Isn't that a bit redundant? Amidst such nitpicks, Nilalang has somewhat piqued my curiosity as I want to find out what kind of monster is this Zahagur, the film refer to its villain.


How about you guys? What do you think of this 41st Metro Manila Film Festival entry starring Cesar Montano and Maria Ozawa? Are you more hopeful about the list of movies that made it to 2015 MMFF? Will you be seeing this action horror film starring the popular Maria Ozawa? Share your thoughts and opinion about the Nilalang official movie trailer in the comments section below:

Resureksyon Trailer Impressions: Pinay OFW Comes Home in a Coffin Spread Vampire Plague

Resureksyon is a 2015 horror film from Reality Entertainment and Regal Entertainment under the direction of Alfonso Torre III which stars Isabelle Daza, Jasmine Curtis, Raikko Mateo and Paulo Avelino slated for a September 23, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this vampire horror Filipino film has in store for the movie going audience here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.


Resureksyon
Plot / Synopsis

Resureksyon follows the story of a family who was left by a loved one to find better opportunity outside the country as an Overseas Filipino Worker. Tragedy befalls the family twice. First is when their loved one returned home in a coffin and second when they have to deal with dealing with the resurrected loved one as a whole new creature.

Watch Resureksyon Official trailer here:






Resureksyon Official Trailer Impression
Resureksyon Film Trailer Review


What is there to say about the Resureksyon official trailer? The Resureksyon trailer marries in the old and new of what we love (and hate) in Philippine aswang horror films. A kid who has a psychic connection and simply knows his "corrupted" mother is approaching, the vampiric mother is afraid of holy artifacts like a cross pendant, wearing a garlic necklace, and silver bullets. It probably is more a call back or a tribute to the various Filipino traditions and superstitions, but (man) has it been so tiring to still look at these Filipino horror cliches nowadays. Well, it would be quite surprising if this whole thing can simply be resolved by a holy water and a pray over.


The Resureksyon full trailer was released this September 1 and it has appeared on the film's official Facebook page but there are still no synopsis and plot to work with. This has been a nitpick I have with some Filipino movies and studios in the past. They lack the marketing effort to at least have a prepare material for (us, bloggers) or those working to review the trailer to give it a free publicity. But let's stop reminding people how they should market their film for a better return of profit, let's go back. The film looks well shot (cinematography-wise) and has good production value. The acting can be a hit-or-miss and the premise while starts on a dramatic tone, quickly it evolves into a cliche-rich Filipino horror film. It is somewhat frustrating to see cliches make a comeback but hey it's there; I am probably not the market for it even if I am big into the horror genre.


How about you guys? What do you think of this new vampire Filipino horror film? What did you like or did not like about the 2015 Filipino vampire horror film trailer? Share your thoughts about the Resureksyon official trailer in the comments section below:

Chain Mail Trailer Impressions: Horror Comes via Chain E-mail

Chain Mail is a Viva Films horror film written and directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr. which stars Meg Imperial, Shy Carlos, AJ Muhlach, Rose Van Ginkel, Caleb Santos, and Nadine Lustre slated for a July 22, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this latest horror film from Viva Films has to offer.


Chain Mail
Plot / Synopsis

A usual chain mail is forwarded to a group of people. Some pass it while others ignore. One dies and is followed by series of sudden and unexplainable deaths of others. Soon after, a revelation begins to unfold, the chain mail is cursed and so she has to find the origin and mystery behind to stop the misfortunes it may cause to anyone who fails to pass it before another life perish again. Sandra also suspects Anne is behind the tragic incidents that happened to their friends. Will she break the curse before it’s too late or will she become one of the victims?

Resource: Official Youtube Trailer

Watch Chain Mail Official trailer here:






Chain Mail Official Trailer Impression
Chain Mail Film Trailer Review

So what is there to say about the Chain Mail official trailer? Let's start with the positives. On what we can observe from the trailer, the film uses some creepy practical effects and costumes for its featured demons which could also work against the Filipino horror flick. So that's basically what I can observe list down for the positives. Now down with the negatives...


First, the premise. Chain letters via e-mails, really? This is the best premise that Viva green lit and the writer (and director) can come up in 2016? Guess, pass Philippine and international (mostly Asian) horror film titles and television horror shows have already been forgotten that they used this uninspired cliched theme again. Add in Nadine Lustre into the mix and you already have something that horror film goers will flock, right Viva? I guess anything for the "newer" generation of film going audience then. There is also something to be said on showing the demon featured in the film. While I mentioned that it is a positive of this trailer, it also works against it because the shock value is no longer there. The trailer so lamely showed what the demon looks like along with scenes on which very much cashes in to jump scares where the monster will be. This is what I don't like in trailers in general. That it tells and shows so much about the film that when you actually see the film, you already are aware of what is going to happen. Well there is always the mystery of what this demon and how would it be defeated, but how can you take a demon who takes it sweet time composing an e-mail to spread its evil via e-mail on which if you succeed you will be blessed and if not you will die? Who still believe in chain letters, messages, and e-mails nowadays anyways? The true horror is on how did those chain text (SMS) message about you winning a raffle promo which you or the people around you never participated on arrived in your phone and expect you to fall for it. That's the true horror that we can observe in today's society but that's not worth turning into a Filipino horror movie. Let's just stick with the tried and tested formula then, a film studio and screen writers might conclude. :D


So how about you? What do you think of the demon shown in this trailer? Is the trailer scary enough for you and actually convince you to even spend a few pesos on it? Are you even a fan of Filipino horror films? What is your favorite horror film? Share your thoughts and opinion about the Chain Mail official trailer in the comments section below:

Binhi Trailer Impressions: A 2015 Haunted House Film with Joem Bascon and Mercedes Cabral

Binhi or The Seed is a Haunted Tower Pictures Inc. and (in association with) Viva Films horror film written and directed by Pedring Lopez starring Joem Bascon, Mercedes Cabral, Roxanne Barcelo, and Cholo Baretto slated for a May 20, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out this 2015 haunted house horror film simply entitled Binhi or The Seed by Pedring Lopez.


Binhi
Plot / Synopsis

Daniel and Cynthia, a young couple with a child on the way, experience some hard times in Manila. They head back to Baguio, where Daniel is originally from, to start over again. Through the kindness of Alex, Daniel’s well-to-do childhood friend, they get to stay in a large house, rent-free; and he gets a job offer as well.


Everything seems to be falling into place for them – or so they think – until strange things start to happen in their house

Watch Binhi Official trailer here:


Official Binhi Trailer Impression
Binhi (The Seed) Film Trailer Review

From what we can see on the trailer, Binhi looks well shot and seemingly atmospheric. AS for the story though, I guess it will do. A young couple moving to a new house to start over which they found out was eventually haunted is not really something new. The usual hook with these kinds of horror premise is how does it related to the protagonists (and most of the time it really doesn't), but it seems like in Binhi, it does.



Binhi's ghost girl sure likes to whisper quite a lot, huh?
Have thought out a couple of possible scenarios that would connect the haunting to the film's couple. This is not really spoilers but just humor me with this. The female ghost child could either be the husband or wife's child from a different person from the past who could have died or curse them, but begs the question why only occur on this house alone? Or could very well be their first child and the memory of the loss could haunt them. Okay speculation, done! Man, since when did I start doing these speculations? Well, I always like a film that goes the other way and breaks what was initially speculated or expected in a good relevant way. It is quite surprising that Viva didn't get the usual (high-paying) actors to be their protagonist and this is not to devalue the film's chosen actors; on the contrary this is a great move as Mercedes Cabral is one of the more competent actor up there. Binhi seems to go the quality over quantity route. The question is will it deliver the scare as a horror film should be? That is yet to be find out.


How about you guys? What do you think of the casting for "The Seed"? Any idea or speculation behind how the film will develop and unveil the identity of the girl haunting the house? Share your thoughts and opinion about Binhi in the comments section below:

The Strangers Trailer Impressions: 2012 MMFF Horror Aswang Movie with Enchong Dee and Julia Montes

The Strangers, an official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (38th Metro Manila Film Festival) is an upcoming Star Cinema, Quantum Films, and MJM Productions Inc. horror film under the direction of Lawrence Fajardo and written by Joji Alonso starring Julia Montes, Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil, JM De Guzman, Cherry Pie Picache, Janice De Belen, Jaime Fabregas, and Johnny Revilla. Let's check out what this another Aswang-themed horror film has in store for MMFF movie going audience this December 25, 2012.

The Strangers
Plot / Synopsis

A family trip suddenly goes bad when they got lost in somewhere deep within a province. Besides the finding their way back, what they should worry more is how to survive this mystic strange area possibly inhabited by all sorts of monstrous creatures.

Watch The Strangers Official trailer here:


The Strangers Official Trailer Impression
The Strangers Film Trailer Review

The 38th Metro Manila Film Festival will have another horror title with The Strangers. The Strangers includes both newer generation talents with some veteran actors in another aswang-themed horror movie.

There is probably something for everybody here. For the newer generation film fans, more specifically the female (biological and "at heart") audience would definitely be looking forward to see their favorite male idols like Enchong Dee, JM De Guzman, and Enrique Gil in The Strangers. Other more traditional horror film fans could feel right at home with Janice De Belen, Cherry Pie Picache, and an Aswang as its monstrous villain. I believe the trailer is quite effective as it didn't feature what the actual aswang would look like in the film. It gave the trailer and the actual film itself a sense of mystery. Hopefully it won't depend too much on CGI and go on a more practical effects route, but I know that is asking too much. I just don't know what to say about the performance of the younger generation lead actors in the film, not really a big fan of them. As for the plot, it is pretty generic. An unfortunate group of people eventually gets lost on a creepy seemingly isolated province with a shady jungle where bloodbath usually happens. As what we can make of the film through the trailer it looks like they added some mini plot including Enchong's character. Is he a friend or a foe? Is he one of the aswangs, or an unfortunate victim a fellow "stranger" like the family that the film centers on? Will the aswangs theme, fresh faces, and mystery as to what really the monstrosities looks or their origin is be enough to make film fans check this out, or will this same "familiar" (bordering cliche) aswang theme and the rawness of the younger lead be the reason that would make movie goers avoid this film as much as they can this coming 2012 MMFF? We'll know soon enough once The Strangers hits the theaters nationwide this December 25, 2012.

How about you guys, what can you say about another Aswang film this 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival? What can you say about the lead actors in the film? Share your thoughts about The Strangers official trailer in the comments section below: