Madaling Araw Mahabang Gabi Trailer Impressions: The Great Pangangaluluwa Challenge!

Madaling Araw Mahabang Gabi is a 2012 comedy-drama film written and directed by Dante Nico Garcia starring Angelica Panganiban, Glaiza de Castro, Callum David, Kean Cipriano, Edgar Allan Guzman, Rocco Nacino, Buboy Garovillo, Dominic Roco, Karel Marquez, Tutti Caringal, Eric Tai, Bojong Fernandez, Alchris Galura, Regine Angeles, Boobay, and Jerald Napoles with the special participation of Cherie Gil and Lou Veloso. Heavily marketed as #MadalingArawMahabangGabi, the film opened on November 7, 2012 in the following theaters: SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, MOA, SM Bacoor, SM Megamall, SM Manila, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Marikina, SM SouthMall, SM Cebu, SM Iloilo, Trinoma, Glorietta 4 and MarketMarket. Let's check out what this film with a limited theatrical release has to offer.

Madaling Araw Mahabang Gabi
Plot / Synopsis

Madaling Araw Mahabang Gabi is about the entangled stories of a group of young people who happen to be in a bar in Puerto Princessa, Palawan, on the eve of All Souls’ Day. As midnight approaches, they become complicit as each of them takes the challenge of the Pangangaluluwa, a seemingly innocent Palawan tradition of honoring the dead by stealing something from the living. A young guitarist battles with crabs; an Indian guy gets caught in a crossfire; a hot cougar meets her match; cosplayers battle for road supremacy; a religious woman finds true faith in a strange kiss; and a bartender prepares a drink that results in the most bitter of brews.

#MadalingArawMahabangGabi holds up a mirror to this dark night and bear witness to the inevitable consequences that mark the choices of the young.

Watch Madaling Araw Mahabang Gabi Official trailer here:


Madaling Araw Mahabang Gabi Official Trailer Impression
#MadalingArawMahabangGabi Film Trailer Review

Based on the trailer, I can say that Madaling Araw Mahabang Gabi is a light-hearted feel-good type of movie. A film that focuses on each of the film's many characters who later finds out more about themselves and what truly matters most in their lives. Besides having an impressive amount of actors/cast, the film (from the trailer) looks beautiful with its scenic shots of Palawan, witty lines and humor, and some special effects reminiscent of the 2010 US film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. One of my concerns with movies with this big cast is the focus and that other characters tend to be set aside. Let's just hope that it won't be the case on this film... that every character has a resolution at the end.

I can't really say that I am a fan of this kinds of film, but I can say that there are some really interesting concepts and funny moments featured in the film's official trailer. The film reminds me a bit of the Hangover, but with less disturbing elements (probably). I believe that this is going to be a decent film and the public's reception could dictate as to this film will get an official nationwide release or not. Will it be another movie that will passed by everyone's radar? Well it almost passed mine and if not for my brother watching it on Youtube, it would definitely be the case. This is one of the drawbacks of an film with little to no back up from major Filipino film outfits, television studios, or financial back up. Luckily, the internet got these independent films and special films with limited releases covered.

How about you guys, what can you say about #MadalingArawMahabangGabi? Will you check it out on the selected theaters that it will be released? Why or why not? Share your thoughts about Madaling Araw Mahabang Gabi official movie trailer in the comments section below:

Bwakaw Trailer Impressions: A Story of Self-Discovery, Life, and Friendship

Bwakaw is a 2012 comedy drama film written and directed by Jun Lana starring Eddie Garcia, Beverly Salviejo, Soxy Topacio, Rez Cortez, featuring Princess as "Bwakaw". Bwakaw is produced by Cinemalaya, APT Entertainment, and Octobertrain Films which first premiered on CINEMALAYA: Philippine Independent Film Festival last 21 July 2012. The film is locally and commercially distributed by Star Cinema and has a nationwide (Philippine) theatrical release of 5 September 2012. Bwakaw will also premiere in the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2012 New York Film Festival. Let's check out what Bwakaw has in store for the Filipinos and the rest of the world.

Bwakaw
Plot / Synopsis

Shot in a style and rhythm which recalls neo-realist classics like Umberto D, Bwakaw is, in part, about those people who have been left alone on the margins of society — but it's also about self-discovery. A chance and ugly encounter with a cab driver blossoms into a friendship, and eventually desire. The experience changes Rene, putting him in touch with feelings he's hidden for far too long, and softening his interactions with people. But, as Rene, discovers, the path he's about to take comes with its own risks.

Source: NYFF 2012 Bwakaw Official Trailer

Watch Bwakaw Official trailer here:


Bwakaw Official Trailer Impression
Bwakaw Film Trailer Review

Bwakaw is currently out in Philippine theaters as I made this trailer impressions. I saw Bwakaw last week when I ran some errands at a the local mall here in the Philippines, sadly, I was not able to see it right then. I am fully aware of its theme, story, and quality content after seeing its trailer a couple of days ago and hearing rave reviews about this Cinemalaya independent film. So after re-watching the trailer again what should I do now?

Multi-awarded celebrated actor and director Mr. Eddie Garcia is perfect for the role Rene, a man who finally discovers his true self (preference), but is there still time to celebrate when he lived an isolated life alienating the people around him, not to mention he nears the dawn of his life. Besides the struggle of Rene, Bwakaw also features Rene's new found friendship a stray dog which he slowly grew fund of and become his bestfriend. But when you have little time left to live because of old age, how will you go out with your life with a new identity and a new friend to potentially leave behind? Sorry for doing the summary thing, I just can't help it, the movie is that good that it made me talk about it even further. I really believe and I think a lot can agree that Bwakaw is one of the quality films that most critics have been dreaming to have on the big screen. A break of sort! A break from the over-saturation of repetitive romantic comedy flicks and uninspired horror titles. I would like to thank Star Cinema for distributing Bwakaw locally making it possible for us who haven't seen the film in its original run in Cinemalaya to actually see Bwakaw in its full glory. I am really starting to like what Star Cinema have been doing this past few weeks as this is what the the Filipino people need, an intelligent and quality film that has something to tell, has sense, and has value. The support of the most prolific Philippine film production company is what the sagging Filipino film industry need to usher in again the golden age of Filipino films. I hope that Star Cinema will continue to focus more on making new and promising films which may balance their over-saturation of the Philippine theaters with romantic films. Either that or they can also start redistributing quality independent films. Not just Star Cinema, but all major Filipino film studios can join this noble cause.. that includes you Viva, Regal, GMA, and Studio 5. I hope they would do so in the years to come especially if a film seems to be as good as Bwakaw or Sinapupunan (Thy Womb). I am curious at how the film would unfold. I've read some responses from Youtube about the potential tragic ending that this film may have, well it is probably a no-brainer, but the question is will it be showcased on the film's last moments? No one can really know what kind of end Bwakaw would have. Is death always a tragedy? My biggest regeret last week was not seeing the film when had the chance to. I just hope it is not too late for me to catch this on Philippine theaters. I did that same mistake with I Do Bidoo Bidoo, sadly the film was taken off he theaters that quickly which is really a big puzzle for us who think that it should have a lengthier theatrical run. Bwakaw gets a high recommendation from the Pinoy Movie blogger because of its impressive trailer, its humor, and the drama of a man's struggle and a friendship at the brink of immediate ending. Watch out for the Bwakaw review anytime this week as I wouldn't definitely miss it for anything for the world.

How about you guys? What do you think about the story featured in Bwakaw's trailer? Share your thoughts about Bwakaw official trailer here:

Biktima Trailer Impressions: Hell Hath no Fury like a Woman Scorned

Biktima is an upcoming suspense thriller drama film under Star Cinema and Alba Productions under the direction of R.D. Alba which stars Cesar Montano, Angel Aquino, Mercedes Cabral, Sunshine Cruz, Ricky Davao, Scarlet, JM Ibañez, Disi Alba, Lloyd Samartino, and Rommel Montano slated for an September 19, 2012 nationwide theatrical release. Biktima was an independent film written by Rey Cuerdo and R.D. Alba which was released back in 2011. Let's check out this 2011 drama film picked up by Star Cinema for a nationwide theatrical release.

Biktima
Plot / Synopsis

Alice de la Cruz (Angel Aquino) is a TV field reporter. But when she gets the dangerous assignment to cover kidnappings in the island of Kamandao, she takes the opportunity for this might be her big break. Her husband Mark(Cesar Montano) does not agree with this assignment that she took. He warns her of how risky it is to go to the island. Alice takes the chance anyway and that was the last time Mark has seen Alice.

Sandra Guzman (Mercedes Cabral), a lounge singer who has just moved into town eventually got involved with Mark. Later Alice eventually resurfaced along with the trauma of her captivity. How we'll everything fall back into its previous place when her Alice sanity is in question and her family has seem moved on and has won over by her best friend.

Watch Biktima Official trailer here:


Biktima Official Trailer Impression
Biktima Film Trailer Review

Star Cinema is really doing some pretty impressive stuff lately. This time the ABS-CBN film production picks up an independent title and gives it a nationwide theatrical release which is not really new to the industry. Star cinema did the same with Ang Babae sa Spetic Tank. Well, this time it is with Biktima.

I haven't seen the film on its independent film release, which is such a shame and the biggest fault of good films being indies. I really wish that mainstream Filipino film studios will just re-release successful indie titles for most of us who failed to see them on their initial limited run. I have seen films that tackled the same theme as Biktima, but not on a local level. Well, maybe there might be more but chances are they are independent titles which limits most of us (especially in the provice) to have the chance to actually see them. Since Biktima is now set to be released as a mainstream film, it is probably one of the first few movies that actually has something to say and convey rather than pointless love stories and cheap horror scares. The cinematography looks nice from the trailer and the plot is decent. The film looks initially like a drama film, but later add something more in the end. Biktima seems to redefine the idiom "Hell has no fury like a woman scorned". When the everyone already thinks that you are already dead and have moved on, how can you pick up the pieces when you return? How can you do it when you are broken yourself? I think this is a decent film with a very relevant theme. If you want a film that deals with terrorism and its effects and of what is it like to be someone who have experienced a traumatic experience, then you can check out Biktima this September 2012 in theaters near you.

How about you guys, what do you think about this independent film re-released by Star Cinema? Have you seen the first one, if not will you see it after checking this trailer out? Share your thoughts about Biktima official trailer in the comments section below:

AKTV 41's Tokis Movies: Aksyon TV's Talk Show About Filipino Movies with Joey Reyes

Aksyon TV Channel 41 (A subsidiary station of TV5 dedicated to news and public affairs) has just premiered its latest talk show called Tokis Movies dedicated to Filipino movies and is hosted by filipino film director Jose Javier Reyes. Joining Direk Joey on he first episode of Tokis Movies this August 24, 2012 are Filipino indie actress Angeli Bayani and Filipino composer and singer (APO Hiking Society) Jim Paredes. AKTV's Tokis Movies first episode featured Cinemalaya with two guests directors from the youngest new breed section of Cinemalaya, Gino M. Santos (director of Cinemalaya 2012 entry "The Animals") and Marie Jamora (director of Cinemalaya 2012 entry "Ang Nawawala").

I believe the Tokis Movies is a good news and public affairs show that would help educate the Filipino public about the workings behind the scenes of Filipino movies. The first episode featured snippets from the latest and upcoming Filipino movie trailers and some facts about the Filipino film industry (The first episode featured facts from Cinemalaya) after every commercial gap. The Filipino film trailers shown in Tokis Movies are Guni-Guni, Mga Munting Lihim, Amorosa, and I Do Bidoo Bidoo. Although we have seen most of these trailers here in Pinoy Movie Blogger, not everyone had the chance to watch these trailers in full especially as not everyone has access o the internet or has the chance to catch these trailers in between commercial gap of the television network of their preference. Well it is still pretty early and I believe that the show can still expand and can probably have various film reviews and trailer discussions like what we do here in PMB. The heart of Tokis Movies is of course the talking, the good thing about this Filipino film talk show is that there is no biased or limit as to what they can ask to their guests (or so it seems in my initial impressions of the first episode) as even if they vaguely discussed Cinemalaya, the hosts (Director Reyes, Jim, and Angeli) didn't have any second thoughts of asking their guests about the latest controversy of Cinemalaya 2012 about the creative meddling of Cinemalaya on how film directors should pick the actors to play in their film (specifically specaking Emerson Reyes case regarding the casting on his film "MNL 143"). Joey also brought out what do Gino Santos and Marie Jamora thought of film criticism from both movie goers and from people from the film community. The Aksyon TV film talk show shared various insights about film and gave us a few ideas of the perspectives on film directing through its guest directors. Tokis Movies only runs for half an hour which included the commercial gaps, so it feels really short especially if you wanted more film talk from the people who are in the film industry.

Hopefully this film talk show from Aksyon TV Channel will have a lengthier Philippine television run as it holds a lot of potential to help the Filipino film industry, expand the knowledge of Filipino movie goers, and inspire people into supporting and to even becoming a part of the Filipino film industry. A Highly recommended show for Filipino movie goers. It is entertaining, insightful, and educational. We can't recommend it enough. You can catch Tokis Movies every Friday nights at 8:00 pm in Aksyon TV Channel 41. You can also follow them on their official Facebook Page for more information. I'll end this post with Direk Joey Reyes' and probably the show's catch phrase, "Ang pelikula ay hindi lamang pinapanood, ito ay pinag-iisipan, pinag-uusapan, at higit sa lahat minmahal."