Verdict: Proceed with Caution

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 2.38 (4 ratings)

Genre: Comedy

Director: Sid Pascua

Writers: Ogie Diaz, Sid Pascua, Boom Labrusca

Cast: Eric Fructuoso, Boom Labrusca, RR Enriquez, Marissa Sanchez, Chiokla Gaston, Tado, Jed Montero, Alex Calleja, Arran Sese, April Sun, Alloy Noronia, Bentot Jr., Randolf Stematelaky, Joe Black, Rommel Placente

Synopsis: Cousins Manuel and Ruel (Boom Labrusca and Eric Fructuoso) trade shifts as security guards at a residential compound. In the day shift, Manuel is intent on keeping out of trouble, but he gets caught up in the drama of the various residents of the compound. Meanwhile, after dark, Ruel shirks his responsibilities in favor of spending time with a prostitute, but he somehow ends up looking like a hero anyway. The two get involved in the lives of the tenants, and get into quite a mess because of it. (Click the City)

Trailer: 

Reviews:

3.0          Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)

“Dyagwar isn’t your high-art flick. Its film-making skill sometimes feels trite and indistinctive. But it grows on you. And though it rests on fast resolutions, the way main stream movies do, it’s hard to deny its entertainment value.” (Read full review)

3.0          Mark Angelo Ching (Pisara.me)

“It’s just like eating the bubbles on top of a fizzy drink–it’s fun to eat, but you don’t get full.” (Read full review)

2.0          Manuel Pangaruy (Taga-ilog Special)

“Parang days in the life of a sekyu. At some point, na-achieve n’yang mag-inject ng boredom to simulate the work of a security guard pero unintentionally yata. Gusto ko ‘yung monotony pero hindi interesting ‘yung mga bits and pieces ng kwento ng mga tenant tapos parang sitcom ang atake. Though mahusay si Eric Fructuoso, parang miscast s’ya. Mahusay at seryoso sa character n’ya ‘yung Boom Labrusca.”

1.5          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“Dyagwar lacks purpose and drive, and thus comes off as random and confused.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Avoid at All Costs

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 1.00 (2 ratings)

Genre: Comedy

Director: William Mayo

Writer: Soxie Topacio

Cast: Leo Martinez, Soxie Topacio, Meg Vargas, Katrina Espe, Ghen Gabriel, Vincent Daffalong, Dinky Doo, Danny “Brownie” Pansalin, Robert Miller, Amay Bisaya

Synopsis: 50 year-old Yakie (Leo Martinez) doesn’t have any problem attracting the attention of the ladies. But he’s never been able to take advantage of his charm, because he’s got a bit of a problem: premature ejaculation. It’s so bad that even just the sight of a comely young lady can set him off. His problem comes to fore as he becomes the target of the affections of several young ladies. He wants to get closer to them, but his condition keeps him from letting them in. His old friend Maximo (Soxie Topacio) shows up, and tries to help find a remedy for his malady. (Click the City)

Trailer: 

Reviews:

1.0          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“There have been a lot of movies in the last few years with lurid content, and yet none of them feel as gross or as exploitative as this movie.” (Read full review)

1.0          Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)

“This film unwittingly transports us back to some bad eighties chapter. While those flicks were purely comic escapists, Mayo ups the ante by insinuating his update with some of the most grossed-out sentiment. The jokes are done in bad taste. What’s worse, they aren’t even funny!” (Read full review)

Verdict: Proceed with Caution

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 2.39 (14 ratings)

Genre: Comedy

Director: Wenn Deramas

Writers: Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario, Keiko Aquino, Wenn Deramas

Cast: Vice Ganda, Toni Gonzaga, Luis Manzano, Edgar Mortiz, Tessie Tomas, Buboy Garovillo, Gladys Reyes, DJ Durano, Karla Estrada, Carla Martinez, Jayson Gainza, Eagle Riggs, Ricky Rivero, IC Mendoza, Dang Cruz, Cecil Paz, Manuel Chua, Ricci Chan, Lassy, Tess Antonio, Edward Mendez, Sam Milby

Synopsis: For the last few years, Lester (Vice Ganda) has been in a relationship with Mike (Luis Manzano). Throughout that relationship, Lester was putting Mike through college, and so it comes as a bit of a surprise when Mike breaks up with him. Soon enough, Lester learns that Mike is actually seeing a girl, Gemma (Toni Gonzaga), and that they’re engaged. Feeling betrayed and heartbroken, Lester devises a plan to get revenge on Mike. Lester pretends to be straight and sets out to court Gemma’s affections. Remarkably, this works, and Lester manages to drive a spike between the young lovers. (Click the City)

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running time: 105 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.0          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“Behind the easy laughs, the movie has built a narrative that eases the audience into accepting a more open understanding of modern relationships.” (Read full review)

4.0          Ria Limjap (Spot.ph)

“This Guy’s In Love with U, Mare is part satire, part comedy of errors, and part sly commentary on the sexual politics of modern relationships. Yay, I say.” (Read full review)

3.5          Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)

“This Guy… boasts of a compact narrative, brisk pacing, hilarious situations and inspired performances.” (Read full review)

3.0          Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“Less ridiculous than the usual, and provides some layers within its storytelling.” (Read full review)

3.0          Ihcahieh

“The story is not something that has not been done before but would suffice to give the actors some space to play with the roles that they are given.” (Read full review)

2.5          Mark Angelo Ching (Pisara.me)

“What makes this material soar is the presence of Vice Ganda, whose unique delivery of lines can make any dead joke damn hilarious. Still, you’d wish that he learns when he’s already over-acting.” (Read full review)

2.5          Kikko Kalabud (Hot for Movies)

“Vice Ganda is not really a bad actor. He was just used to bad material. With a slightly better material to work on, he was able to explore his potential to be genuinely versatile without being too tacky about it.” (Read full review)

2.5          Mavin Reyes (Mavin Media Guru)

“There are a few laugh out loud moments with this film but I would not pay 200php for this film.” (Read full review)

2.0          Oggs Cruz (Twitch)

“While it is apparent that there are attempts to blur the borders between genders and relationships, it unfortunately misses the opportunity to actually create discourse out of its premise, to graduate from the decades-old subgenre.” (Read full review)

2.0          Jae (Bum-Spot)

“My main gripe for this movie is how much the story trivializes and makes fun of the gay character/s. Yes, obviously, this is comedy so I am expecting that the laughs will come mostly at the gay guys’ expense, but to belittle how he loves/feels about someone is insulting.” (Read full review)

1.5          Dale Bacar (Bum-Spot)

“Some critic calls this film progressive. I say this is as progressive as my mom saying that I will be somebody’s sugar daddy when I told her I’m gay.” (Read full review)

1.0          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Let’s cut to the chase: This Guy’s In Love With U Mare! is shrill, unfunny, and disturbing.” (Read full review)

1.0          Rob San Miguel (The Chair)

“Ako rin mismo, kung malaking halaga ang bayad sa akin para gumawa ng isang makalumang komedya na puno ng homophobia at stereotypes, go na rin ako. Ang akin lang masasabi ay kung nagustahan mo ang pelikulang ito, homophobic ka.” (Read full review)

1.0          Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special)

“What I find depressing is the idea that it is mainly banking on a gay character (by an openly gay actor) doing a caricature on male sexuality just to get his man back. In the first place, he should have just spilled the beans upfront and the ex-boyfriend’s new relationship would be over. The film tried to introduce a kind of relationship that’s rarely tackled in mainstream cinema but it’s not very clear with its intent. It is a lousy filmmaking as well. One glaring proof is that it should have gone a bit further in making the gay character look believable with his attempt on machismo. We’ve seen the likes of Mrs. Doubtfire, Tootsie and even the Ogie Alcasid-starrer Oh, My Girl!. This one just presented the idea and stopped there.”

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.52 (25 ratings)

Genre: Horror, Action

Director: Erik Matti

Writers: Erik Matti and Ronald Stephen Monteverde

Cast: Dingdong Dantes, Lovi Poe, Joey Marquez, Janice de Belen, Roi Vinzon, Ramonn Bautista, LJ Reyes, Mike Gayoso, Rina Reyes, Roldan Aquino

Synopsis: Makoy (Dingdong Dantes) arrives in the provincial village of Pulupandan to win back the heart of his pregnant girlfriend Sonia (Lovi Poe). He immediately finds himself rebuffed by Sonia and her mother Fely (Janice de Belen). Makoy sticks around, however, and plans a surprise birthday party for Sonia with her father (Joey Marquez). Makoy’s arrogant ways earn him the ire of a family of pig farmers. Unfortunately for the young man, this is a family with a secret: they are all aswang. And when the younger members of the clan hear about his pregnant girlfriend, they make a plan to sneak into the house to eat the fetus. It isn’t long before angry monsters come knocking at their door, and it’s up to Makoy to protect his love. (Click the City)

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running time: 102 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0          Anton Umali (FHM)

“The secret to the film’s success lies in the fact that it allows the audience to laugh with it instead of at it.” (Read full review)

4.5          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film goes to dark, violent places and asks people to laugh along. It is a genuinely unique vision that people really ought to see.” (Read full review)

4.5          Angie Chui (Cinerama Etcetera)

“One of the best local horrors I’ve seen so far. It was very edgy but entertaining and exciting.” (Read full review)

4.5         Genevieve Lunar Villanueva (Popcorn and Tickets)

“It is a movie that truly delivers as it seamlessly mixed the right amounts of comedy, romance, action and thrill.” (Read full review)

4.0         Oggs Cruz (Twitch)

“Matti just refuses to be drab and serious, opting to charm and captivate with his impressive grasp of hilarity, horror, and visual spectacle.” (Read full review)

4.0         Phillip Cu-Unjieng (Philippine Star)

“The Grand Guignol blood and guts (literally) scenes wonderfully play against the Zombieland-type humor and attitude; and this propels the film to a new standard of story-telling.” (Read full review)

4.0         Ria Limjap (Spot.ph)

“Timed like Tarantino (set to the same sort of bad ass soundtrack), imbued with the same we’re-all-going-down-together bravado, Tiktik never slows down.” (Read full review)

4.0         Kikko Kalabud (Hot for Movies)

“Erik Matti’s enthralling vision is crazy, ambitious and solid Pinoy entertainment.” (Read full review)

4.0         Ihcahieh

“This movie is like a comic book that has come to life, with the utilization of green screen maximized to render backgrounds that are as comic book perfect as they could ever be.” (Read full review)

3.5         Rianne Hill Soriano (Business World)

“Instead of hiding or covering up its technical shortcomings, it deals with its expected limitations by dwelling on its genuinely macabre sense of humor.” (Read full review)

3.5         Jansen Musico (Pelikula Tumblr)

“Violently fun and certainly ambitious, Tiktik succeeds in offering something new.” (Read full review)

3.5         Jennifer Dugena (PEP)

“The movie is technically excellent in form. The storyline is quite simple but it is relentlessly entertaining.” (Read full review)

3.5         Mark Angelo Ching (Pisara.me)

“While Tiktik is wonderful to look at, it still needs help with its storytelling.” (Read full review)

3.5         Dale Bacar (Bum-Spot)

“While realism is not exactly its peg, the artistic value of the digitized town and its creatures that were plucked out of Filipino folklore set a new standard for the country and will hopefully pave the way for more internationally competitive movies in this genre.” (Read full review)

3.5         Taking a Break

“The green-screen gimmick they employ works really well in some parts, and flounders in many scenes–but the real draw of the film should’ve been its story-telling and its flawless supporting cast of characters.” (Read full review)

3.5         He Blogs, She Blogs

“It is a fresh take on an old story…and it was so much fun that you can forget about the lapses in the special effects.” (Read full review)

3.0        Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles benefits from its groundbreaking visual flair and knockabout humor more than its ability to scare.” (Read full review)

3.0        Mario Batista (Showbiz Portal)

“As a whole, the movie is quite entertaining and the technology used is quite commendably well crafted.” (Read full review)

3.0        Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)

“There isn’t much emotional pillar to hang on to so you leave the theater disconnected from any of the film’s character. But the movies are a visual medium, and Tiktik succeeds in this aspect.” (Read full review)

3.0        Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“It’s easy to see why the movie banked on the green screen effect, as it clearly showed some laziness on the storytelling, but it is indeed every inch entertaining.” (Read full review)

3.0        Reel Advice

“While Tiktik is not a perfect film, its flaws are forgivable if you know what you are getting yourself into.” (Read full review)

3.0        Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special)

“It’s a buena mano for the green screen filmmaking in Pinoy cinema with a thin, segunda mano storyline. It seemed like it was stuck toying with the new technology, which occasionally worked, and forgot to expound the aswang folklore. It didn’t help, too, that Dingdong Dantes was exerting to much effort for the bad boy role. Somebody has to remind him to downplay a bit.”

2.5        Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“While Erik Matti has given us eye candy, he could have given us something to anchor our emotions on. The film has all the requisite blood and entrails but it doesn’t have a heart.” (Read full review)

2.5        Carl Joseph Papa (Whatever Carl)

“It was an enjoyable film, funny and a bit of step up (at least technical wise) for Filipino effects driven films. (Read full review)

2.0        Lifestyle Check 101

“I just wish that instead of putting effort on the comic relief, the movie could have shown a few seconds in establishing the characters and their relationships.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Proceed with Caution

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 2.42 (18 ratings)

Genre: Drama, Romance

Director: Nuel Crisostomo Naval

Writer: Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario

Cast: Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay, Andi Eigenmann, Jaclyn Jose, Jackie Lou Blanco, Joel Torre, Johnny Revilla, Shy Carlos

Synopsis: The movie starts with Anton (Ramsay) proposing to his girlfriend Raffy (Curtis). She accepts, but she gets cold feet the night before the wedding, succumbing to her insecurities about their relationship. Raffy goes away for a while, and Anton finds comfort in the arms of Raffy’s sorority sister Sam (Eigenmann). Raffy eventually returns, and hopes to reunite with Anton. Anton is all too happy to have things back the way they were, but Sam wants something more for herself. (Click the City)

MTRCB Rating: R-13

Running Time: 110 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0         Mark Angelo Ching (Pisara.me)

“Storytelling is not the only positive aspect of A Secret Affair. I liked how Naval composed every frame.” (Read full review)

4.5         Jennifer Dugena (PEP)

“The movie presents emotionally graphic issues of betrayal, deception, and treachery in a relatably real manner, at times cathartically so.” (Read full review)

4.0         Starmometer

“A Secret Affair is a crowd-pleasing romantic drama with hard-hitting dialogues delivered by finely wrought characters.” (Read full review)

3.5         Maridol Rañoa-Bismark (Yahoo Philippines)

“You end up crying, laughing and nodding to yourself at the unexpected though logical ending. And while you’re at it, you  pick up lessons on family, love and betrayal as well.” (Read full review)

3.5         Bum-Spot

“Curtis’ role fit her perfectly. She doles out her lines (specially her ‘taray’ lines) as naturally and effortlessly as she breathes air.” (Read full review)

3.5         Ihcahieh

“To some extent, this movie appears to be better made than No Other Woman. Here, the subplots in which the minor characters are involved are given enough focus for the actions to be justified.” (Read full review)

3.0         Philip Cu-Unjieng (Philippine Star)

“What I don’t like about the film are exactly what promises to make the film a runaway success. What are set up as dialogue is often an excuse for speeches and an opportunity for dropping the mouth-gaping closing line.” (Read full review)

2.0         Oggs Cruz (Twitch)

“Its bare plot essentially revolves around the stupidity of people, but Naval still insists on conjuring obvious lessons on life and marriage out of it. It is as if morality is an afterthought by the filmmakers, who are quick to exploit the very real problem of infidelity for a quick buck.” (Read full review)

2.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“The film’s biggest problem is its material. For a movie that tends to borrow all the tips from the telenovela handbook, it tried to push a ‘realistic’ (read: moral) ending.” (Read full review)

2.0          Jowana Bueser (The Birth of Damnation)

“A second-rate duplicate of a substandard original portends dire results.” (Read full review)

2.0         Manuel Pangaruy (Taga-ilog Special)

“Direction-wise, it’s serviceable enough. It’s just that it was already done before; same theme, almost the same cast, same gloss and same approach. Some scenes are likeable (car scene with Jaclyn Jose and daughters, the iconic artwork in Burgos Circle, etc.) but it’s very hard to take the characters seriously. The women here are either plain bitch or just fickle minded.”

1.5         Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“Kitsch-rich and fraught with tedious clichés, the movie lurches between melodrama and comedy as its warring characters trade one-liners with scathing, scattershot hooks.” (Read full review)

1.5         Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)

“A Secret Affair brims with caricatures, none of them deserving our empathy.” (Read full review)

1.5        Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)

“There are no real persons in both movies, only caricatures. As such, you don’t sincerely sympathize with any of them.” (Read full review)

1.0        Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Such a ridiculous movie with despicable characters who don’t seem to run out of stupid decisions. Really, all the movie does is show a never-ending loop of stupid-decision scenes, confrontation scenes, and crying scenes that it will take extreme restraint on the viewer’s part to not shout at the cinema screen in utter frustration.

Andi Eigenmann has screen presence but can only do so much with such a one-note role. Also, Tim Yap needs to stay away from movies. The guy can’t act to save his life. And to think he plays himself!”

1.0        Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film revels too much in the tainted joy of petty revenge, and that can only do harm in the long run. Through it all, dramatic music plays, and the women laugh as their souls continue to darken.” (Read full review)

1.0        Ria Limjap (Spot.ph)

“This is a fairly ridiculous movie, with terrible transitions and hammy acting.” (Read full review)

1.0        Dicot Alvarado (Sine Critic)

“The film frames these characters in such a way that we’re supposed to care for them, however we as an audience know that these people are completely revolting and not worthy of our sympathy.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Proceed with Caution

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 2.48 (10 ratings)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Director: Rory Quintos

Writers: Vanessa Valdez, Enrico Santos

Cast: Mario Maurer, Erich Gonzales, Joross Gamboa, Apasiri Chantrasmi, Michael Chaowanasai, Nana Dakin, Joy Viado, Baifern Pimchanok Leuwisedpaiboon, Ces Quesada, Cacai Bautista, Dinky Doo, Jestoni Alarcon, Guji Lorenzana, Dionne Monsanto

Synopsis: Thai actor Marcus (Mario Maurer) has had enough of being in romantic movies with the woman who broke his heart. He runs away to the Philippines, where nobody knows him. On the recommendation of his Filipino housekeeper, he goes to a resort in Laoag. There he meets Joey (Erich Gonzales), a baker carrying a heartbreak of her own. In spite of a testy first encounter, Marcus decides to pursue Joey. She is eventually charmed by the actor, and the two begin a romance. But Marcus has a life and a career waiting for him in Thailand, and his relationship with Joey inevitably clashes with his ambitions. (Click the City)

MTRCB Rating: GP

Running Time: 110 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

3.5         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“I thought this was gonna be a two-hour Close-up commercial but the movie charmed my pants off. It’s that rare stout-hearted, fully realized Star Cinema romance, helped by winsome turns from its lead actors. If there’s one quibble, I wish the filmmakers trusted that the audience can tolerate more subtitles, especially when they’re needed. The emotional mother-son talks, for instance, would have had more oomph had they conversed in Thai rather than in labored English.”

3.5         Jennifer Dugena (PEP)

“Mario Maurer proves he’s not just a model with drop-dead good looks, he can also portray a character with charming sensitivity.” (Read full review)

3.0        Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)

“Suddenly… is the perfect escapist fare. Situations arise as briskly, grazing over issues at the flick of a finger…But the more obvious fact is, the flick is a bowl of joy.” (Read full review)

3.0         Bum-Spot

“In an industry where most stories are recycled and pairings are chosen on the basis of marketability, here is a movie that seems to operate with the sole intent of making the audience believe in a kind of love that fairy tales are made of.” (Read full review)

2.75      Starmometer

“Suddenly It’s Magic isn’t the best Star Cinema romantic comedy, but it’s not the worst either. It makes for yet another harmless romance that excels because of the charm of its two leads.” (Read full review)

2.5         Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“The film is characterized by a sense of romantic serendipity that draws satisfying moments of romance, but its shallow tale makes their impact fleeting.” (Read full review)

2.5         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“This one seems predictable as the other romance movies, but one thing that it genuinely and successfully achieved is the charm of the two lead characters.” (Read full review)

2.0        Kikko Kalabud (Hot for Movies)

“With bad material to work with, you can’t honestly expect anything astounding from Maurer or Gonzales. But there’s no doubt that their experimental tandem works.” (Read full review)

1.0         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film is nothing but formula, offering no real sense that anyone was trying at all.” (Read full review)

1.0         Mark Angelo Ching (Pisara.me)

“My main gripe with this film is how predictable it is. I can see the movie’s twists and its ending from miles away.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Essential Viewing

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 4.69 (21 ratings)

Genre: Comedy

Writer/Director: Antoinette Jadaone

Cast: Lilia Cuntapay, Geradine Malacaman Villamil

Synopsis: Lilia Cuntapay (playing herself) has spent decades in obscurity as an extra in horror movies, playing ghouls or aswang and all manner of hideous creature. Now, she’s been nominated for an acting award. This faux-documentary follows her as she prepares for the ceremony. She gets herself a dress, solicits advice from the people around her, and prepares an acceptance speech that gets longer everyday. And she continues to live the life of a professional extra, existing on the fringes of celebrity, clinging to triumphs even as tragedy moves in. (Click the City)

MTRCB Rating: GP

Running Time: 140 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0          Noel Vera (Cinemas of Asia)

“Real or reel, it all doesn’t really matter; Cuntapay is sui generis, a force all her own, by turns charming and infuriating, cunning and clueless, totally out-of-touch and completely plugged in.” (Read full review)

5.0          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“It is a film that I will be recommending to people for years to come. Beyond the fact that it’s funny and smart and well made, I feel that it is representative of everything that I dream of for the new Filipino cinema.” (Read full review)

5.0          Jose Claro (Philippine Star)

“Although fictional or, at most, inspired by her life, Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay proves the star value of a lead actress is secondary only to the creativity and depth of the script. It is these kinds of films that will convince the most jaded youth that Filipinos can create movies that are more than the usual.” (Read full review)

5.0          Juaniyo Arcellana (Philippine Star)

“To Jadaone’s credit, the young director never takes herself too seriously, but invests her subject with warmth and sensitivity, making the viewer aware that in such a seemingly fickle industry, there’s never a lack of small, marginal players (read: extras) who are dedicated to the craft.” (Read full review)

5.0          Don Jaucian (Pelikula Tumblr)

“What endears Six Degrees to viewers is its ability to approximate the Filipino dream into ‘nayLilia’s experience, that even the smidgen of a chance of accepting an award is enough of a cue to reassess our choices and relive the warm, happy memories while surrounding ourselves with the people we love.” (Read full review)

5.0          Age of Brillig

“I suspect it will enjoy a very healthy afterlife, studied and rewatched as a looming classic of Philippine cinema enhanced with, we hope, considerable international renown.” (Read full review)

5.0          Laurence Castillo (Bildungsroman)

“What Six Degrees wonderfully achieves is its brave and sympathetic resolve to purify Nanay Lilia’s abjection. The 93-minute indie film does not have us hurrying nor willing it to finish because every second is a moment of living with Nanay Lilia. We experience her jocular quips, her loud philosophizings, her random musings and witticisms – and we see her shed her tears. (Read full review)

5.0          Ria Limjap (Spot.ph)

“It’s an inspiring story underneath all the cool pop culture references, the impressive celebrity cameos, and wonderful acting, this funny, touching, and fictionalized documentary on your tragicomic life. Also, I feel this is exactly the kind of movie the public deserves to see.” (Read full review)

5.0          Macky Macarayan (Death of Traditional Cinema)

“Giving a lead role for Lilia Cuntapay is brave and noble enough; to have her play herself and spill her guts out and make it beautiful and inspiring is something else- it is beyond comparison.” (Read full review)

5.0          Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“It does a lot more than just telling a story; it presented us this persona of a tour de force woman that will forever remain immortal in our eyes sans the aswang portrayals.” (Read full review)

5.0          Nel Costales (Sine Patrol)

“Jadaone’s film is a stunning meta-movie mind-fuck. It blurs the line between fiction and reality. All throughout the movie, one is left wondering what the truth is.” (Read full review)

5.0           Carl Papa (Whatever, Carl)

“Jadaone successfully meshed the personal and intimate with the funny without losing the movie’s charm.  She proves that she is one of the directors to look out for in the future.” (Read full review)

5.0           Jowana Bueser (The Birth of Damnation)

“Films like this are an indication Philippine Cinema is far from dead. No. It is not dead because Lilia Cuntapay is rockin’ it like a mad ghost.” (Read full review)

5.0           The Viewing Tank

“At the center of all this is the brilliant performance by Lilia Cuntapay. She’s good at both comedy and drama, reveling in the temporary highs of her glory days, and suffering quietly through the lows of her unappreciated 30 year career.” (Read full review)

4.5           Oggs Cruz (Twitch)

“Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay succeeds not only because it seamlessly merges fact and fiction or because it manages to tackle a personality who exists in the margins of Filipino pop culture within a context of absolute familiarity but because it is genuinely touching.” (Read full review)

4.5           Ian Urrutia (Pinoy Cinema Tumblr)

“Funny thing is that the film doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the attempt to turn a carnival mirror on the showbiz industry is done subtly in good taste.” (Read full review)

4.0           Jessica Zafra (InterAksyon)

“We get a glimpse at the movie industry behind the glamor of its stars: the movie extras whose names we don’t know, their hand to mouth existence, the production assistants and crew who don’t get mentioned on awards night, the endless waiting, the people who live for the fleeting second when they appear on the screen and are crushed when they get edited out.” (Read full review)

4.0          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Seamlessly directed, crowd-pleasing underdog comedy is a critique against the country’s media and showbiz culture. But the film wisely sidesteps the tendency to preach and lets the audience think for themselves. A tribute not only to Ms. Cuntapay but to all bit players in show business who have worked in the industry for most of their lives but will forever remain in the background because they lack the looks or the right connections to make it big.”

4.0          Fidel Antonio Midel (Pixelated Popcorn)

“Lilia Cuntapay, the most popular extra in Philippine showbiz, finally gets her first lead role. Genius concept. It’s amazing how the director seamlessly interspersed reality and fiction. Lilia Cuntapay is comedy gold. But the film also managed to pull some heart strings as well. Another proof that Cinema One Originals produce kick-ass movies. MUST-SEE!”

It’s almost the end of the year but, as with America’s Oscar season, the 2012 Philippine cinema scene is just about to get bombarded with quality films in the next few weeks.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines will roll out its second batch of Sineng Pambansa film grantees in Davao City on November 22-25.

A few days later, the Cinema One Originals Film Festival will showcase 13 films in competition from November 29 to December 3 in  Edsa Shang Cineplex, and from November 28 to December 9 at Robinson’s Galleria Movie World. Aside from the competition films, Cinema One will also show four films in exhibition, including  Alagwa (Ian Loreños) and Graceland (Ron Morales).

The Cinemanila International Film Festival will follow suit on December 5-11 at Market Market, showing five full-length films in its Digital Lokal section and three films in the Made in Manila section.

The Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave Section will also feature five films on December 19-22 at Glorietta 4 cinemas.

Of course, the final festival is the annual MMFF, which will show eight mainstream entries nationwide starting December 25.

Pinoy Rebyu editor Skilty Labastilla ranks in his blog which films/actors he thinks are the contenders for film and performance categories in next year’s movie awards, as of November 12:

Best Film

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Best Documentary

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.80 (5 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Erik Matti

Writers: Layeta Bucoy, Dwight Gaston

Cast: Yam Concepcion, John James Uy, Maxene Eigenmann

Synopsis: Sarah (Yam Concepcion) is recovering from a painful breakup when she meets would-be artista Riki (John James Uy). Riki offers her some kindness, and she soon falls for him. The two begin a passionate sexual relationship. But unbeknownst to Sarah, Riki is already married to Regine (Max Eigenmann). The movie shifts focus between the three characters. As Sarah grows more and more enamored with her new beau, Regine grows suspicious of her husband. Meanwhile, Riki struggles to keep his lies straight as his career and his life just fall apart. (Click the City)

MTRCB Rating: R-18 / R-16

Running Time: 85 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.5           Anton Umali (FHM)

“It’s provocative without being in-your-face. It’s unafraid and unapologetic and in the end, leaves audiences with an unsettling feeling.” (Read full review)

4.5          Mark Angelo Ching (Pisara)

“There’s an honesty to it that lends credibility to the shocking turn of events that follows them.” (Read full review)

4.0          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“Rigodon eschews the external fireworks and goes deep into its characters, revealing the real damage of betrayal.” (Read full review)

4.0           Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)

“Matti has come up with a very dark movie about losers and you can never guess where the story will take you.” (Read full review)

2.0          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Convoluted plot, 2D characters, awkward acting, headache-inducing shaky cam, and, despite a liberal show of skin (I caught the R-18 version), sex scenes feel a tad antiseptic, devoid of grit, sweat, and a real sense of foreboding danger. The film doesn’t really offer anything new to the erotic thriller genre.”

Verdict: Proceed with Caution

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 2.50 (3 ratings)

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Directors: Dado Lomibao, Frasco Santos Mortiz, John-D J. Lazatin, Mae Czarina Cruz

Cast: Angelica Panganiban, Bea Alonzo, Daniel Padilla, Diether Ocampo, Gerald Anderson, John Lloyd Cruz, Kathryn Bernardo, Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Piolo Pascual, Pokwang ., Sam Milby, Xyriel Manabat, Zaijian Jaranilla, Zanjoe Marudo

Synopsis: Jane (Kathryn Bernardo) enters a video contest to win a chance to meet pop idol Billy Fernandez (Daniel Padilla). She goes around asking people on camera what they would do if the world were ending. The movie follows their stories from there.

In the first of these stories, Virginia (Pokwang) waited twenty years to be with the man she loves, only to be betrayed. Her best friend convinces her to hire callboy Charles (Sam Milby) to fulfill her long-buried desires.

Barbara (Maja Salvador) has a crush on her playboy boss Ken (Diether Ocampo). She finally gets to spend some time with him when a jilted ex leaves a baby in his care.

Isabelle (Bea Alonzo) secretly pines for her gay best friend Butch (Zanjoe Marudo). As he prepares to leave for fashion school in Milan, Isabelle tries everything she can to get him to stay with her.

Verna (Angelica Panganiban) travels to Vietnam, running away from an unfaithful spouse. There she meets bartender Elvis (John Lloyd Cruz), who offers a moment of distraction from her troubles.

Childlike Pipoy (Piolo Pascual) tries to help his little orphan buddy Jomar (Zaijan Jaranilla) win the heart of his crush Ayee (Xyriel Manabat).

And finally, low-level ad agency employee Patty (Kim Chiu) is tasked with finding the hunky young man who made headlines saving people from a fire. That guy happens be her high school sweetheart Alvin (Gerald Anderson), whose heart she broke years ago. (Click the City)

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 130 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

3.5          Mark Angelo Ching (Pisara)

“It may be uneven, but it’s sweet and good-natured. The music is good, and you’ll find it hard not to sing along.” (Read full review)

2.5           Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“24/7 in Love is hit-and-miss at best, but some of these ideas are worth fleshing out.” (Read full review)

1.5          Bum-Spot

“24/7 in Love is one of those movies that have no reason for being apart from giving the audience an ensemble that they want to see on the big screen.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.50 (3 ratings)

Genre: Documentary

Writers/Directors: Sari Lluch Dalena and Keith Sicat

Cast/Interviewees: Ishmael Bernal, Nora Aunor, Ricky Lee, Charo Santos-Concio, Imee Marcos, Racquel Villavicencio, Joel Lamangan, Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Benjie Garcia, Denni Cid, Sergio Lobo, Spanky Manikan, Gigi Duenas-De Beaupre, Ama Quiambao, Pen Medina, Vangie Labalan, Aura Mijares, Lem Garcellano, Richard Arellano, Joe Gruta, Cris Daluz, Rick Hawthorne, Manet Dayrit, Richard Frunein, Leo Katigbak, Kiri Lluch Dalena

Synopsis: Himala Ngayon is a documentary on the creation of the classic film written by Ricky Lee and directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal.

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Trailer:  

Reviews:

4.0          Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)

“Himala Ngayon is a diligent work that’s as informative as it is entertaining.  ” (Read full review)

4.0          Alvin Bulaong Cruz (Manila Bulletin)

“The good thing about watching the documentary before watching the newly restored Himala is that you gain a new perspective of the film, recalling the amusing stories behind the scenes leading to a deeper appreciation of the details which otherwise would have been unjustly ignored. (Read full review)

2.5          Don Rapadas (Metanoia)

“Most of the elements for a good documentary were there, and for such, it would have been highly commendable overall. However, it became cheap when it went overboard with its telling of stories of infighting and animosities between cast and production staff.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Essential Viewing

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 4.42 (12 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Brillante Mendoza

Writer: Henry Burgos

Cast: Nora Aunor, Bembol Roco, Mercedes Cabral, Lovi Poe

Synopsis: Shaleha Sarail (Aunor) hails from a water-village in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi. The province is a seaweed producing area in the southern most part of the Philippines down to the Malaysian and Indonesian archipelagos. A woman of mature years, experiencing a 3rd miscarriage, Shaleha agonizes that she can’t bear a child. Though an adoptive parent to her nephew, she still feels that her husband Bangas-An (Roco) desires to be a father. To fulfill her husband’s only wish and to be blessed by Allah as having a child is a tangible proof of divine grace, Shaleha decides to march to a different drummer. Her resolve is to find a new partner for her husband. Night and day, she and her husband sail island, floating-village, and nearby communities in search of a fertile woman. Providentially, Shaleha finds the girl as recommended by friends. But on the eve of her husband’s second marriage to Mersila (Poe), a gnawing jealousy consumes Shaleha.

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running time: 106 mins

Trailer:  

Reviews:

5.0          Pablo A. Tariman (Yahoo Philippines)

“Scriptwriter Henry Burgos has woven a tale of unselfish love that is unusually quiet and very cerebral.” (Read full review)

5.0          Eric T. Cabahug (InterAksyon)

“Thy Womb is the kind of movie that doesn’t explain everything and doesn’t spoon-feed anything. Rather than verbalize, it visualizes.” (Read full review)

5.0          Maridol Rañoa-Bismark (Yahoo Philippines)

“Mendoza doesn’t spoon feed by showing how things  turn out to be.  He resorts to  clues — the body language, the one-liners.” (Read full review)

5.0          Jennifer Dugena and Jocelyn Dimaculangan (PEP)

“In one fell swoop, Mendoza weaves the personal (one’s notion of selfless love, joy, sadness,) with the cultural (how one’s actions, choices, thoughts are dictated by the society one is in) and the national (Tawi-Tawi’s socio-political setting).” (Read full review)

5.0          Don Rapadas (Metanoia)

“While Brillante Mendoza has wielded his unconventional directing style to make this film another masterpiece, Nora Aunor immortalizes on this film her brand of underacting.” (Read full review)

5.0          Macky Macarayan (Death of Traditional Cinema)

“This is an image we don’t see in Filipino movies, because in mainstream exploration of extramarital affairs and love triangles characters talk and talk about nonsense, reducing women as objects and elevating men as some sort of sex god.” (Read full review)

4.5          Kikko Kalabud (Hot for Movies)

“Unstinted of symbolisms and unadulterated emotions, Thy Womb is easily one of this year’s most affecting films as it transcends from the small vicinities of Tawi-Tawi to an engaging shrewdness and brilliance.” (Read full review)

4.0          Jude Cartalaba (Rappler)

“While the plot’s development is a bit dragging, as soon as it hits the high notes with its dramatic parts, it successfully sustains the momentum, keeping the moviegoers glued until the heart-breaking end.” (Read full review)

4.0          Irish Eden Belleza (Tabloid on Saturday)

“More than the co-existence of Muslim and Christian in this otherwise troubled place, Mendoza delivers the message of unconditional love that was perfectly depicted with the film’s ending scene: a rather simple shot of the lead actress’ face, but one that carried a powerful emotion that truly brought the entire film full circle.” (Read full review)

3.5          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Mendoza fell in love with Tawi-Tawi and its people and it shows in Thy Womb: a picturesque, lyrical, appropriately quiet depiction of one of the most peace-loving peoples in the world – the Bajau.” (Read capsule review)

3.5          Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“Roco and Poe provide ample support for Aunor’s silent but intensely immersive portrayal. Nora will break your heart as her world-weary face lights up at the film’s final fade.” (Read full review)

3.5          Stephanie Mayo (Films and Events Check)

“An important movie to watch.  A poetic and romantic work of art.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Essential Viewing

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 4.25 (2 ratings)

Genre: Experimental

Writer/Director: Warren Alcazaren

Cast: Acey Aguilar, Mercedes Cabral, Lav Diaz

Synopsis: An intriguing journey that explores the complexities of grief and the process of grieving as understood through the myth of a Man as he ventures through shifting landcapes.

MTRCB Rating: G

Running time: 86 mins

*

*

Trailer:  

Reviews:

5.0          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Colossal hits you so hard in the gut that you’ll leave the cinema staggering, cursing director Whammy Alcazaren for being so young and so fucking talented.” (Read full review)

3.5          Noli Manaig (Closely Watched Frames)

“For his feature debut, (Alcazaren) has taken on ‘the myth of man’ for his towering theme, and to a considerable extent he has been equal to the task. For the moment, however, the hyperbole of the title remains inapplicable to the final product — so tantalizingly close, but unconverted. Not a masterpiece just yet.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.12 (4 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Armando Y. Lao

Writers: Zig M. Dulay, Armando Y. Lao

Cast: Ina Feleo, Kristoffer King, Kimmy Maclang, Allan Paule, Racqual Villavicencio

Synopsis: When Donna Reyes (Ina Feleo) is robbed in the middle of a bustling Quezon City overpass, she’s hard pressed to find the thief. But with the help of a friend (Maclang), Donna is able to track down Robert Igawad (Kristoffer King), an ill-tempered messenger that becomes the prime suspect in the robbery. (Kristn)

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running time: 81 mins

Trailer:  

Reviews:

3.5          Zig Marasigan (Kristn)

“Ad Ignorantiam is an unmistakably small film with a premise that is as frightening as it is plausible.” (Read full review)

3.5          Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“Boosted by the believable performances of Kristoffer King, Ina Feleo and Kimmy Maclang, Ad Ignorantiam boldly examines the country’s justice system as it presents contrasting versions of the ‘truth.’” (Read full review)

3.0          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“In documenting an innocent working man’s mistrial, this is a poor man’s Give Up Tomorrow.” (Read full review)

2.5          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The subject might have made for a great documentary, but here it is treated as a rather lame fiction, with vaguely drawn characters, overt themes, and a baffling amount of idle time.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Proceed with Caution

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 2.50 (3 ratings)

Genre: Documentary / Experimental

Director: Raya Martin

Cast: Mark Peranson, Brillante Mendoza, Carlos Celdran, Lav Diaz, John Torres, Raymond Lee

Synopsis: A group of friends, sharing a passion for cinema, assemble in Corregidor, a small island in Manila Bay that has preserved relics from the Pacific War as its foremost attractions. There, they explore the island and retire in a rustic mansion used once to make silent films. Outside the city, the woods and sea become a meeting place for more movie personalities and it all becomes a celebration of what was left behind.

MTRCB Rating: G

Running time: 70 mins

Trailer: None available

Reviews:

3.5          Oggs Cruz (Twitch)

“The Great Cinema Party is Martin’s modest monument to the lifetime joys of the art for which he suffers for.” (Read full review)

2.0          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“I think this is the least conceptual and most lackadaisical of Martin’s works. For the most part I felt like I was just watching video files off someone’s phone.” (Read full review)

2.0          Noli Manaig (Closely Watched Frames)

“If Martin is making any modest statement at all, it flies over my head. Things again are just too offhand and subtle.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.90 (5 ratings)

Genre: Adventure, Horror

Writer/Director: Tyrone Acierto

Cast: Martin Sandino San Juan, Jill Palencia, Ronald Pacifico, Amante Pulido, Millard Keung

Synopsis: A dormant alien virus has been unleashed on a desolated island of the Philippines and the only hope of the survivors are in the hands of two graveyard thieves. Trapped on an island and left with nothing to defend themselves with, the grave bandits must use their wit to win the battle against a swarm of flesh-eating ghouls. (Kristn)

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running time: 100 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.5          Chikkaness Avenue

“The film was successful in immersing the viewers on a Zombie-filled experience as the story and characters were surprisingly engaging with action and thrilling scenes skillfully done.” (Read full review)

4.0          Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)

“A visually sumptuous nail-biter that, though riddled with clichés characteristic of the genre, is unadulterated cinematic magic!” (Read full review)

4.0         Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“Briskly paced and beautifully photographed, Acierto’s crowd-pleasing horror adventure is boosted further by the enthusiastic portrayals of its likable leads.” (Read full review)

3.5          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“The Grave Bandits is an impressive, propulsive piece of popcorn entertainment. It’s so refreshing to see unfamiliar actors in a populist film. Way better than Tiktik.” 

3.5          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The storytelling could use some work, the movie often lingering too long in one spot just to provide space for more exposition. And the comedy often skews too juvenile. But all in all this is a fine piece of popcorn entertainment.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.60 (5 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Writer/Director: Will Fredo

Cast: Liza Diño, Biboy Ramirez, Al Gatmaitan, with Jam Pérez, Maradee De Guzman, Bong Cabrera, Leo Rialp, Joan Palisoc, introducing Ms. Tami Monsod and Ms. Clara Ramona

Synopsis: Mara Bonifacio Advento (Diño) is a talented young dancer with her eye on the principal part of In Nomine Matris. It’s a high-profile dance show that promises a bright future to its hand-picked performers. Despite Mara’s talent, she finds herself at odds with her mentor and troupe leader Mercedes Lagdameo (Ramona) when she falls for her Spanish son Enrique (Gatmaitan). Mara is suddenly torn between two passions, and in her desperate attempt to keep both, she runs the risk of losing it all. (Kristn)

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 120 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.0          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film is entirely committed to resolving all of its dramatic tension through Flamenco dancing. It’s kind of a silly conceit, but the film is so utterly resolute in the use of the dance as an expressive medium that it’s difficult not to be just won over.” (Read full review)

4.0          Chikkaness Avenue

“In Nomine Matris is a visually stunning, compelling work of art with powerhouse performances from its entire cast.” (Read full review)

3.5          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“In Nomine Matris is burdened by an overly dramatic third act but the film is a joyous celebration of womanhood and of a dance form which, even if foreign in origin, is perfectly suited to the Pinoy temperament.”

3.5          Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“Fredo’s latest movie showcases his continually evolving gifts as a filmmaker.” (Read full review)

3.0          Zig Marasigan (Kristn)

“In spite of its flaws, it’s hard to argue against the film’s captivating milieu. The fusion of Spanish and Filipino cultures is something not often seen in local cinema, especially in the context of dance.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Do Something Else

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 1.83 (3 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Ronaldo Bertubin

Writers: Jerry Apolonio, Ronaldo Bertubin

Cast: Alan Paule, Sef Cadayona, Evelyn Vargas, Richard Bradley

Synopsis: The movie is about a father’s (Paule) unconditional love for his son and a son’s (Cadayona) journey towards self-discovery, set in the backdrop of the Catholic practice of devotion – the Pagsa-San Juan in Nueva Ecija.

MTRCB Rating: G

Running time: 75 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

2.0          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Gayak doesn’t earn the tears it wants viewers to shed. The film only really peaks dramatically towards the end. By then it’s too late for viewers to be involved in the characters’ stories.”

2.0         Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“Provocative but narratively disjointed.” (Read full review)

1.5          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film is just too gimmicky. It employs a screwy timeline that only serves to deaden the dramatic momentum.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Do Something Else

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 1.88 (4 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Michael Angelo Dagñalan

Writers: Michael Angelo Dagñalan, Ma-an Asuncion

Cast: Matteo Guidicelli, Micko Laurente, Nicco Manalo, Jaime Fabregas, Sue Prado, Marife Necesito, Garry Lim, Lui Villaruz, Clarence Delgado

Synopsis: The film tells the story of a young street urchin (Laurente) forced into stealing for a gang of degenerates. He is found by a Somascan brother (Guidecelli) and brought to an orphanage, where he is shown the error of his ways through the story of St. Jerome. (Click the City)

MTRCB Rating: G

Running time: 75 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

2.0          Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)

“Preachy and brazenly milks its contrived plot with less savoir-faire that the vacillating narratives allow.” (Read full review)

2.0          Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film certainly has its heart in the right place, but it doesn’t make for very compelling cinema.” (Read full review)

2.0         Rito Asilo (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“Well-intentioned but incoherent.” (Read full review)

1.5          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Most of this goody-two-shoes super-religious film felt like nails on a chalkboard.” (Read capsule review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.62 (4 ratings)

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Writer/Director: Ian Loreños

Cast: Jericho Rosales, Bugoy Cariño, Leo Martinez, Carmen Soo, Smokey Manaloto

Synopsis: Alagwa (Breakaway) is a film inspired by an urban legend in Chinatown, Manila about the disappearance of a Chinese-Filipino boy. Robert Lim (Rosales) is a travelling salesman, and a single parent who struggles on finding means to support his son (Cariño). Robert enrolls his son in a reputable Chinese school in Manila in his hope for a better future for his son. One fine weekend Robert goes to a shopping mall with his son. While wandering around the mall, his son suddenly disappears; without a clue, without a trace. As Robert searches for his son, a video footage from the mall’s surveillance camera reveals the abduction of his son. Thus, Robert’s search begins.

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running time: 88 mins

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.0         Chikkaness Avenue

“Jericho Rosales provided a multi-layered performance that is both absorbing and credible.” (Read full review)

3.5          Richard Bolisay (Lilok Pelikula)

“Alagwa shares the madness of Secret Sunshine, the acclaimed 2007 movie by Lee Chang-dong, but whereas the latter latches on dragging the story of a grieving mother, Loreños’s film stays away from any form of inactivity, determined to keep the narrative afloat and moving all the time.” (Read full review)

3.5          Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)

“You cannot fault the acting of Jericho and Bugoy. They hold the film together brilliantly and their scenes together are already worth the prices of admission.” (Read full review)

3.5          Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Jericho Rosales brings his A-game in this gripping heartbreaker of a thriller.”