To Love Some Buddy (2018) Trailer Impressions: Zanjoe - Maja RomCom About Best Friends Trying Out Love

To Love Some Buddy is a 2018 romantic comedy film from Star Cinema under the direction of Jason Paul Laxamana starring Maja Salvador and Zanjoe Marudo with Donny Pangilinan and Phoebe Walker slated for an October 31, 2018 Philippine theatrical release. Let's check out what this latest romantic comedy Filipino about best friends trying out a serious relationship has to offer here at Pinoy Movie Blogger.


To Love Some Buddy
Plot / Synopsis

"After over a decade, college classmates FAITH (Maja Salvador) and JULIUS (Zanjoe Marudo) meet again, and from a seemingly awkward reunion, a friendship blooms. As their friendship gets deeper, so does their feelings for each other – leading them to try being a couple. But their friendship will be tested by the expectations and problems that come with a relationship.

Faith and Julius would journey to understanding that sometimes, choosing to commit to someone is also choosing to grow. This story is an anatomy of how friends turn into lovers—the mistakes that we do and the lessons we learn from it."

Source: Official Synopsis from Black Sheep's To Love Some Buddy YouTube Trailer

Watch To Love Some Buddy Official trailers here:





To Love Some Buddy Official Trailer Impression
To Love Some Buddy Film Trailer Review


What can be said about To Love Some Buddy (2019) official movie trailers? Well, it is not a revolutionary film when it comes to the romantic comedy genre but its strength comes from the chemistry of its lead, Zanjoe Marudo and Maja Salvador; well at least that is how I perceive it in my end. Have seen a number of Filipino romantic films that doesn't really work and from what we can see in To Love Some Buddy, that isn't the case. So we have good chemistry, how about the story?




The concept of (best) friends falling in love and eventually becoming a couple isn't exactly new, but hey what variety can we get from the romantic comedy genre. Sometimes all it needs is to go back to the basics. To whether this film will involve a third party can only be known once we actually see it when it hits Philippine theaters this October 31, 2018, from what we can see from the two trailers release, it feels more organic. Organic in a sense, that what the film's potential conflict is something that almost every real life couples face, being too comfortable with each other and lack of growth and support. While the first trailer showcase the bubbly and feel good aspect (the comedy) of the film, things take a sudden (but expected) turn on the second trailer showing what happens next after the two good best friends try out being a couple; of what comes after the honeymoon phase? What should every couple need in order to work. The story's "relatability" to the everyday Filipino couple and the leads' "chemistry" (can't emphasize this enough) are the two main things working for this film.


How about you guys? What do you think about this film about best friends becoming a couple being showing their struggles growing as a couple? Will you be seeing this Zanjoe Marudo - Maja Salvador 2018 romantic comedy film when it hits the theaters? Do you know someone or have you been in a similar set up in the past that you might want to share with us? Share your thoughts and opinion about To Love Some Buddy (2018) in the comments section below and let's discuss about it.

INSTALADO (2017) Trailer Impressions: A Filipino Sci-Fi About Artificial Augmentation and Capitalism

INSTALADO is a science fiction film presented by Universal Harvester Incorporated, Kamaru Productions, Petix Productions, Batang Ina Productions, and Kapampangan Cinema Movement; under the screenplay and direction of Jason Paul Laxamana starring McCoy De Leon, Jun-jun Quintana, and Francis Magundayao slated for a limited screening from July 12 to 18, 2017 in selected cinemas (screening list available below). Let's check out what this Filipino sci-fi indie about artificial augmentation has to offer for the lucky few who will be able to catch it on its limited run.


INSTALADO
Plot / Synopsis

Victor lives in a time when the dominant form of education is through installation, a process wherein bodies of knowledge can be installed directly on people's brains using technology owned by big corporations. However, like many others in the agricultural town of Porac, Victor cannot afford the sky-high cost of installation, which he believes is the key to improve his family's life. To raise money for installation, Victor abandons farming and works as the housekeep of a wealthy childhood friend who has become extremely successful after undergoing a series of installations.

Source: Official Facebook Page

Watch INSTALADO Official trailer here:





INSTALADO Official Trailer Impression
INSTALADO Film Trailer Review


What can be said about INSTALADO (2017) official movie trailer? Well, I am actually quite impressed by this trailer and film as a whole. Let me ask you this first, how many Filipino films have been made under the science fiction genre? Yup, your guess is as good as mine. Not a lot, usually the ones I remember is from the Shake, Rattle, & Roll franchise but that is quite obscure as it still technically belongs to the horror genre; or maybe you know better than I do, so be sure to mention that in the comments section below. So it is quite, fascinating that the filmmakers who dare explore this genre is coming from the independent film industry, which is why I have all the respect for this industry.


The film not only showcase that Filipino filmmakers can tackle sci-fi, but do it in a social and meta commentary kind of a manner; That INSTALADO reflects the ruthlessness of capitalism and how society works vis-a-vis what is observed in the current state of the Philippines or most countries centered on capitalism. The film also feature corruption into the mix; that absolute power corrupts; of depending too much on the status quo; on losing what truly is important - the self; the value of discipline and perseverance. The film isn't free from flaws just like any independent film on a tight budget out there (compared to the unlimited cash flow of the mainstream films that can only spew out Enteng Kabisote cliched variants that has overstayed its welcome). Good thing the focus isn't reliant on the computer generated graphics, but the story... of a bigger science fiction universe about artificial augmentation by large corporations but the narrative focuses only on a selected group of people at the grass-roots level of society which may or may not change the status quo. If it was made in Hollywood, it most probably would focus on the explosives or theatrics of this sci-fi world but of course we are talking about a Filipino sci-fi on a budget. If only bigger Filipino film studios gamble on newer independent scripts and filmmakers who prefer stories than conveyor-belt themes that doesn't even break the status quo.


Catch INSTALADO on the following screening schedule:

July 12 (Wednesday)
11 AM - Robinsons Galleria
4 PM - SM Megamall
6:30 PM - SM Manila
9 PM - Greenbelt 1

July 13 (Thursday)
11 AM - Gateway
1:30 PM - Robinsons Galleria
6:30 PM - SM Megamall
9 PM - SM Manila

July 14 (Friday)
11 AM - Greenbelt 1
1:30 PM - SM Megamall
4 PM - Robinsons Galleria
9 PM - Gateway (GALA NIGHT)

July 15 (Saturday)
1:30 PM - Greenbelt 1
4 PM - SM Megamall
6:30 PM - SM Manila
6:30 PM - Gateway
6:30 PM - Robinsons Galleria

July 16 ( Sunday)
1:30 PM - Robinsons Galleria
6:30 PM - Greenbelt 1
9 PM - SM Megamall
9 PM - Gateway

July 17 (Monday)
6:30 PM - Greenbelt 1
9 PM - Gateway
9 PM - SM Megamall

July 18 (Tuesday)
11 AM - SM Manila
4 PM - Gateway
6:30 PM - SM Megamall
9 PM - Greenbelt 1
9 PM - Robinsons Galleria

How about you guys? What do you think about this Filipino sci-fi film? Will you check it out this week (the writing of this post) to find out if it is as good as what the trailer has shown us? Will sci-fi ever worked here on the Philippines as much as horror and romance have? Share your thoughts and opinion about INSTALADO (2017) official movie trailer 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.

Ang Taba Ko Kasi Trailer Impressions: CineFilipino 2016 Entry About the Plight and Stigma of Being Fat

Ang Taba Ko Kasi is a drama comedy and an official entry to the CineFilipino Film Festival 2016 which is written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana starring Cai Cortez, Ryan Yllana, and Mark Neumann slated and screened on March 16 to 22, 2016 at selected theaters. Let's check out what this CineFilipino 2016 feature length entry centering on plight and stigma of being fat has to offer.


Ang Taba Ko Kasi
Plot / Synopsis

A fat girl is torn between her hot swimming instructor, who motivates her to lose weight, and an equally fat friend, who wants her to accept her appearance.

Source: Official CineFilipino Page

Watch Ang Taba Ko Kasi Official trailer here:

Ang Taba Ko Kasi Official Trailer Impression
Ang Taba Ko Kasi Film Trailer Review

What can be said about the Ang Taba Ko Kasi (2016) official movie trailer? Well, 'Ang Taba Ko Kasi' features something not so often featured in mainstream films, a shift of focus on the life of the 'fat' lady; usually the side character or punch line. The CineFilipino film picks up the pink elephant in the room, of the life, prejudice, stigma, and how ruthless most society can become when dealing with those they deemed not beautiful; how they deal with fat people. The interesting part in the trailer is that it also include a scene wherein the female lead has also the same toxic mentality alienating and dismissing her (possible) love interest merely because it is fat. A similar disheartening notion as LGBT members believing that they do should never have the same equal rights for legal civil union or marriage.


I remember watching an old American film about a similar film, the 1989 film Babycakes. Well, Babycakes seems to still romanticize and play more on the unlikely protagonist wins over the guy, or in this case the good-looking guy. You can check out the Babycakes trailer here. You might very well search and watch the whole film on Youtube if you are lucky.


In an interesting turn of events, the Movie and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) has slapped an 'x' rating on the 'Ang Taba Ko Kasi' movie trailer due to 'strong offensive language/insult on the appearance of a person.' It is quite absurd really as to how else can a movie show the life and the ordeal experience by the fat people if the film and its trailer are not allowed to show such harsh realities. It is probably not the film's intention to make a mockery or insult onto something that they seem to focus on; to give a thought-provoking narrative and make people realize and re-evaluate as to how they perceive and define 'beauty. This is one of the few moments, when you really question the competency and relevance of the MTRCB.You can check out the Ang Taba Ko Kasi official Facebook Page as to see which theaters will screen the film, schedule, and other details.


How about you guys? What do you think of the premise of this CineFilipino Film Festival 2016 Feature Length entry? What are your guess as to how will the film unfold or conclude? Share your general impressions, thoughts, and opinion about Ang Taba Ko Kasi CineFilipino 2016 official movie trailer in the comments section below and let's discuss:

Love Is Blind Trailer Impressions: 2016 Regal Romance Comed with Kiray Celis as Solenn Heussaff?

Love Is Blind is a 2016 romantic comedy film under Regal Films (Regal Entertainment, Inc.) under the screenplay and direction of Jason Paul Laxamana which stars Kiray Celis, Solenn Heussaff, Derek Ramsay, and Kean Cipriano slated for an February 10, 2015 theatrical release. Let's check out what this February 2016 romcom starring Kiray Celis and Solenn has to offer.


Love Is Blind
Plot / Synopsis

Love is Blind is about a hopeless romantic woman who tries out a 'love potion' for the man of her dreams which seems to work, but for how long?

Watch Love Is Blind Official trailer here:






Official Love Is Blind Trailer Impression
Love Is Blind Trailer Film Trailer Review


What can be said about the Love is Blind (2016) official movie trailer? Well it feels oddly familiar. This kind of theme has been observed in Shallow Hal (2001) which stars Jack Black, but this time, roles have been switched and this Filipino film focuses more on the woman using the love potion that made the man see her in a particular manner. Love is Blind is probably one of those films that you really have to suspend your disbelief in order to enjoy its silly premise. Well, it is a comedy, so love potions probably work in such realms.


One can already think of how the film would end as it seems to imply that her friend probably fancies her even if she's not that good looking. This film had been out for some time now and have heard that there was some interesting twist in the end. Well if the conventional speculation is that she would end up with her guy friend, then the twist probably is the good looking guy actually like her as she is and is unaffected by the potion. Guess this is the only thing that would interest me to go see it if ever it gets a Philippine television premiere.


How about you guys? Have you seen this movie when it first hit the theaters? What do you think about the premise of good looking men falling for least attractive women via love potions? What are your thoughts and review about the film? Share your thoughts and opinion about the Love is Blind official movie trailer or the actual film in the comments section below: