Verdict: Essential Viewing

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 4.50 (7 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Writer/Director: Jerrold Tarog

Cast: Paulo Avelino, Lovi Poe, Benjamin Alves, Ria Garcia, TJ Trinidad

Synopsis: The film is a love story about a woman whose wedding is thrown into disarray when a mysterious person arrives and reminds her of the man she really loves.

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 100 mins.

*

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0         Dexter Rodrigo Matilla (The Philippine Star)

“Every once in a while there comes a Filipino film that is as close to perfection as it could get—from the cinematography, the actors, the acting, and most importantly, the story. Sana Dati is such a film.” (Read full review)

5.0         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Sa dulo, ibinasura ng storyteller ang argumento at naglatag ng iba pa, na ang puso ay kailanman hindi natatalo ng utak, na ang kasal ay wala lang at kailanman hindi naging starting point o finish line sa formula ng pag-ibig at ang regular heartbeat ay kasing fluid ng buhay.” (Read full review)

5.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“Aside from the strong writing and directing, the film benefits from having a great ensemble of actors. Lovi Poe is definitely one of the best actresses of her generation and this is just another addition to her list of memorable performances.” (Read full review)

4.5         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“In broad strokes, the movie doesn’t seem all that remarkable, but it thrives in the details; the little bits of conversation that link the movie to a more familiar reality of heartbreak and compromise.” (Read full review)

4.0         Fred Hawson (ABS-CBN News)

“Director Jerrold Tarog tells his story not so much in flashy action, but more in sensitive conversations among the characters. It is visually dazzling, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally connecting.” (Read full review)

4.0         Jennifer Dugena (PEP)

“Sana Dati is a visually stunning romance drama with hints of light humor. Its expertly photographed scenes evoke emotion and convey information at an unhurried pace.” (Read full review)

4.0         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“This, more than his previous films, reveals Tarog as a romantic filmmaker who Sana Datihas the skill set needed to translate those palpable, tender emotions we feel in loving and learning to let go onto the screen without resorting to the easier (and lazier) path of maudlin the way most mainstream love stories do.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Essential Viewing

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 4.16 (8 ratings)

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Director: Jeffrey Jeturian

Writers: Zig Dulay, Antoinette Jadaone, Jeffrey Jeturian

Cast: Vilma Santos, Marlon Rivera, Vincent de Jesus, Ruby Ruiz, Tart Carlos, Piolo Pascual, Pilar Pilapil, Cherie Gil, Marian Rivera

Synopsis: A socio-realist drama-comedy film, it follows a seemingly usual day in the life of Loida Malabanan (Vilma Santos) as she embarks on yet another shooting day of a soap opera as an extra.

MTRCB Rating: PG

Running Time: 111 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0         Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)

“All extras in real life will love Jeturian and Ate Vi for showing in this film the humor and the soul of the experiences they go through in the course of their job.” (Read full review)

4.5         Fred Hawson (ABS-CBN News)

“This was such a revealing and informative movie for me, to see what really happens behind those neat and glamorous programs we see night after night on our TV screens. We never would have imagined that there is much chaos and exploitation before those final edits were reached.” (Read full review)

4.5         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Ang strength ng pelikula ay ang script nito (na nakapangalan sa tatlo: Zig Dulay, Antoinette Jadaone at Jeffrey Jeturian). Kahit na nagpaka-real time ito (upang maramdaman ng audience ang exhaustion na hinihingi ng isang bit player) o tipong nagpapaka-a day in the life of lang, ramdam na ramdam na meron itong script.” (Read full review)

4.5          Ihcahieh

“Casting someone of (Santos’) caliber is just right because she is able to operate in different levels of acting required for several scenes, which could be a bit demanding because she is an actress playing the role of a supporting actress playing various roles.” (Read full review)

4.0         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Mabisa ang pagganap ni Vilma Santos bilang isang single mother na nagsusumikap magtrabaho para mapatapos sa pag-aaral ang kanyang anak. Relaxed ang kanyang body language pero on point pa rin ang performance, lalo na sa kanyang mga close-up scenes.” (Read full review)

4.0         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film could probably stand to be a little shorter, perhaps a little more economical in its criticism of the industry. But it’s hard to complain when Jeturian’s satirical instincts are so on point, and Vilma Santos is so affecting.” (Read full review)

3.75       Dale Bacar (dalebacar.com)

“While most of the film was fairly effective, Ektra was a little too obvious and too didactic; never taking a moment’s pause in driving its point. That said, Ekstra managed to be more than decent mainly because of the brilliant Vilma Santos who was able to take the audience through a gamut of emotions that her character was going through.” (Read full review)

3.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“There are parts that can still be trimmed down from it, and it just felt too long. The truth is despite the normal people enjoying the glimpse of what it’s like in a soap opera set, it does cater more to those people who are really a part of it with inside jokes thrown endlessly left and right.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.93 (7 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Writer/Director: Carlo Obispo

Cast: Krystle Valentino, Miggs Cuaderno, Arnold Reyes, Angeli Bayani, Julian Trono, Carlon Matobato, Sheenly Vee Gener

Synopsis: The film follows Diana and her younger brother as they strive to relieve their longing for a family.

MTRCB Rating: G

Running Time: 93 mins.

*

*

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.5         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“The heart and soul of the film is Diana, the older sibling who takes it upon herself to assume the role of provider for, and protector of, her precocious little brother, and the film’s biggest achievement is casting Krystle Valentino, who puts most Pinoy actors to shame by portraying her character with not a smidgen of self-consciousness.” (Read capsule review)

4.5         Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)

“Krystle delivers a totally winning performance that grows on you as the teener who has a big crush from a boy from Manila (Anna Karenina’s Julian Trono who has the makings of a heartthrob) and is bravely facing the challenges of life despite the fact that their mom is languishing in prison in China and has been sentenced to death for being a drug mule.” (Read full review)

4.0         Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

“Carlo Obispo’s confidence as a director is evident by helming a minimalist film and he lets the audience immerse in the topography instead of inundating us with artsy images.  There are no complicated shots or ambitious camera work; Obispo relied on the solid foundation of his well-written screenplay and it works wonderfully.” (Read full review)

4.0         Ava May Robles (PEP)

“It successfully depicts rural life, the poverty, the way of life and even the controversies that these far-flung places are not spared. But amidst all these trials, it effectively shows the inherent human compassion and the genuine concern for one’s fellow human being, which is common among people in rural areas.” (Read full review)

4.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“The concepts of waiting and longing to be a part of a family were on full display effectively, thanks to the endearing performances of both Krystle Valentino and Miggs Cuaderno. I admit that this is one of the few great surprises I have seen so far, and most of it is credited to director and writer Carlo Obispo.” (Read full review)

3.5         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“What emerges is a really lovely, gentle treatment of tragedy, finding the odd joy that can persist even in the direst of situations.” (Read full review)

3.0         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Bagama’t stellar ang pagganap ng bidang babae, hindi ko naman masyadong maramdaman ang authenticity ng rural setting. Ang batang si Julian, halimbawa, ay maayos ang pronunciation ng ‘TV’ subali’t hindi n’ya alam kung ano ang ‘burger’.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.89 (9 ratings)

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Writer/Director: Eduardo Roy Jr.

Cast: Mimi Juareza, Jun-Jun Quintana, Miggs Cuaderno, Francine Garcia, Natashia Yumi, Felipe Martinez, Rolando Inocencio, Sashi Giggle

Synopsis: Quick Change follows the life of Dorina, a middle-aged transsexual looking for her niche amidst the complexities of the world she is in.

MTRCB Rating: R-18

Running Time: 82 mins.

*

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.5         Noli Manaig (Closely Watched Frames)

“By showing us grotesque faces, and necrotic results of cosmetic procedures, and revealing the culprit and active agent as tire black, Roy highlights the warped desperation resorting to a poorman’s science: the makeshift remedies to be aesthetically beautiful.” (Read full review)

4.0         Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

“Dorina may not necessarily be the poster girl for the LGBT community but director Roy brings justice to Dorina’s humanity by making her a complex individual rather than a prototype.” (Read full review)

4.0         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“By boldly depicting the underworld hormone injections among Metro Manila transsexuals/transgenders, the movie jabs (pun intended) the industry with a fresh story that is at once alarming and fascinating yet handled with control of the material and respect for its subjects.” (Read full review)

4.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“Dorina is a well written complex character supported with a fearless award worthy performance by Mimi Juarenza. It is safe (no pun intended) to say that it is this year’s ‘little film that could.’” (Read full review)

4.0         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Wala (rin) akong issue sa buong pelikula, maganda ang kulay, ‘singkulay ng mga karakter, at wala namang kaso sa script. At some point, natutunugan ko na lang kung saan at kailan liliko at kakambyo at ‘yun siguro ang weakness (kung masasabi mang weakness ito) ng pelikula.” (Read full review)

4.0         Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)

“The trannies shown in this film are quite lovable, you’ll laugh and cry with them. They’re all natural performers, particularly Mimi who nails her role as Dorina perfectly.” (Read full review)

4.0         Ihcahieh

“Scraping through the surface, the film strips off your notion of the transsexual, from every shimmering sequin down to each flamboyant feather, to show you that hey, this is the real deal beneath all that glitter. Chances are, you would not be that prepared for what you are bound to see.” (Read full review)

3.5         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film is devastating in its silences, when it lets a perfectly composed image sum up the feelings of the characters, the poetry of the light more eloquent than words could ever be. The problem is that it isn’t always so silent. The film ends up explaining a bit too much, expounding on the same points over and over.” (Read full review)

3.0         Eduardo Dayao (Piling Piling Pelikula)

“Aren’t all stories found? Props, then, for stumbling on a genuine, and genuinely deviant, alternative milieu, thickened into a rancid consistency by the sumptuous cinematography.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.56 (8 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Writer/Director: Mikhail Red

Cast: Ronnie Quizon, Mike Lloren, Buboy Villar, Earl Ignacio, Suzette Ranillo, Belinda Mariano, Lowell Conales, Joe Gruta, Archie Adamos, Abe Pagtama

Synopsis: The film tells the story of a former 1980s film camera operator who now currently works as a movie pirate operating in Manila. He routinely smuggles a digital camcorder into movie theaters in order to illegally record films. One night he records something else… And the footage goes viral.

MTRCB Rating: PG

Running Time: 90 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0         Noli Manaig (Closely Watched Frames)

“Seemingly made up of fragmentary images that would cohere in time, a great deal of the beauty of Rekorder lies in Red’s own version of a city symphony – more moody, more sorrowful, less thorough, rather rough and ready, but no less evocative than Dziga Vertov’s or Walter Ruttman’s.” (Read full review)

4.0         Oggs Cruz (ABS-CBN News)

“Rekorder,” even with all its fundamental excesses and obvious faults, succeeds in painting an alarming portrait of a man hesitantly living in a world that is much like ours, a world that gladly suffocates on its own filthy crap, perpetuated by our little recording gadgets for all eternity.” (Read full review)

4.0         Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

“Arvin Viola’s cinematography is outstanding, capturing the pulsating lights of the city.   In some scenes, the metropolis resembles a first world city; in others, the city looked bleak and ominous.” (Read full review)

4.0         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Na-hook ako sa malaking bahagi ng pelikula. Ang tema mismo ay pang-Best Film: isang cameraman mula sa golden era ang nagka-camcord na lang sa mga sinehan upang makatawid sa buhay. Pero merong area na tingin ko ay hindi masyadong nasaklaw ng storyteller, partikular ang isang malungkot na alaala sa pagkawala ng mahal sa buhay.” (Read full review)

3.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“There seems to be lacking in terms of storytelling. The perceived impact of what Maven (Ronnie Quizon) has captured did not totally live up to the build-up of the film’s intensity.” (Read full review)

3.0         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Medyo nagkulang lang para sa akin ang pagka-flesh out sa main character na si Maven (Ronnie Quizon). Dahil nga siguro kailangan siyang maging mysterious (Bakit ba parang ang laki ng problema niya at parati siyang nakamukmok?), hindi muna pinaalam sa manonood ang dahilan ng pagiging antisocial niya. Hindi tuloy ako nagkaroon ng empathy sa karakter niya. ” (Read capsule review)

3.0         Eduardo Dayao (Piling Piling Pelikula)

“The exhausted aura does make odd sense given the conditions of its universe.  And Ronnie Quizon has enough presence to center everything as a man for whom time has all but stopped, which the obsolete camcorder he uses to bootleg films semiotically reinforces.” (Read full review)

2.5         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film has a lot of texture, all these cool little touches that force an illusion of gravity. But that’s all it really is: an illusion. The film languidly lays out a story that doesn’t really have any drive or immediacy. ” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.56 (8 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Writer/Director: Mikhail Red

Cast: Ronnie Quizon, Mike Lloren, Buboy Villar, Earl Ignacio, Suzette Ranillo, Belinda Mariano, Lowell Conales, Joe Gruta, Archie Adamos, Abe Pagtama

Synopsis: The film tells the story of a former 1980s film camera operator who now currently works as a movie pirate operating in Manila. He routinely smuggles a digital camcorder into movie theaters in order to illegally record films. One night he records something else… And the footage goes viral.

MTRCB Rating: PG

Running Time: 90 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0         Noli Manaig (Closely Watched Frames)

“Seemingly made up of fragmentary images that would cohere in time, a great deal of the beauty of Rekorder lies in Red’s own version of a city symphony – more moody, more sorrowful, less thorough, rather rough and ready, but no less evocative than Dziga Vertov’s or Walter Ruttman’s.” (Read full review)

4.0         Oggs Cruz (ABS-CBN News)

“Rekorder,” even with all its fundamental excesses and obvious faults, succeeds in painting an alarming portrait of a man hesitantly living in a world that is much like ours, a world that gladly suffocates on its own filthy crap, perpetuated by our little recording gadgets for all eternity.” (Read full review)

4.0         Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

“Arvin Viola’s cinematography is outstanding, capturing the pulsating lights of the city.   In some scenes, the metropolis resembles a first world city; in others, the city looked bleak and ominous.” (Read full review)

4.0         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Na-hook ako sa malaking bahagi ng pelikula. Ang tema mismo ay pang-Best Film: isang cameraman mula sa golden era ang nagka-camcord na lang sa mga sinehan upang makatawid sa buhay. Pero merong area na tingin ko ay hindi masyadong nasaklaw ng storyteller, partikular ang isang malungkot na alaala sa pagkawala ng mahal sa buhay.” (Read full review)

3.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“There seems to be lacking in terms of storytelling. The perceived impact of what Maven (Ronnie Quizon) has captured did not totally live up to the build-up of the film’s intensity.” (Read full review)

3.0         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Medyo nagkulang lang para sa akin ang pagka-flesh out sa main character na si Maven (Ronnie Quizon). Dahil nga siguro kailangan siyang maging mysterious (Bakit ba parang ang laki ng problema niya at parati siyang nakamukmok?), hindi muna pinaalam sa manonood ang dahilan ng pagiging antisocial niya. Hindi tuloy ako nagkaroon ng empathy sa karakter niya. ” (Read capsule review)

3.0         Eduardo Dayao (Piling Piling Pelikula)

“The exhausted aura does make odd sense given the conditions of its universe.  And Ronnie Quizon has enough presence to center everything as a man for whom time has all but stopped, which the obsolete camcorder he uses to bootleg films semiotically reinforces.” (Read full review)

2.5         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film has a lot of texture, all these cool little touches that force an illusion of gravity. But that’s all it really is: an illusion. The film languidly lays out a story that doesn’t really have any drive or immediacy. ” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.00 (7 ratings)

Genre: Comedy

Writer/Director: Leo Abaya

Cast: Eugene Domingo, Yuki Matsuzaki, Luis Alandy, Rico J. Puno, Shamaine Buencamino, Tuesday Vargas, Nicco Manalo

Synopsis: In order to solve a personal predicament, Bechayda, a wardrobe assistant in TV commercials, pretends to be pregnant.

MTRCB Rating: PG

Running Time: 100 mins.

*

*

Trailer: 

Reviews:

3.5         Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

“Director Leo Abaya was intelligent enough to allow Domingo dominate the film.  Abaya’s direction takes a back seat and his invisible hands simply guide the comedy.   A true comedic director has an eye for comedy and he knows when to direct and when to let go.” (Read full review)

3.5         Myra Grace Calulo (PEP)

“Eugene Domingo is a brilliant actress, and she plays the role of Bechayda with ease. She shifts easily between the comic and dramatic moments of the film.” (Read full review)

3.5         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Epektibo ang pelikula sa pagbuo ng build-up sa karakter ni Eugene Domingo (na hindi ako magugulat kung makakasungkit na naman ng Best Actress award sa festival). ‘Yun nga lang, hindi masyadong bumenta ang isang parte ng script na kailangang gumamit ng dream sequence.” (Read full review)

3.0         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“To the credit of Instant Mommy, the film is able to build a fairly convincing setup for its difficult premise. Unfortunately, it also kind of cops out on its own story. ” (Read full review)

3.0         Ihcahieh

“Everything feels a bit exaggerated, although this exaggeration is justified towards the end, but not without dragging the audience around while the plot tries to find out what it really wants to do with the material.” (Read full review)

2.5         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“A dream sequence that goes on for far too long needed to be revamped and it’s a shame it wasn’t because, as it is, the film takes us on a fun ride then yanks the rug under our feet for no good reason other than to pull a prank on us. Instead of coming out of the cinema smiling, we come out feeling a little cheated.” (Read capsule review)

2.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“Instant Mommy has a really good story in it. Bechayda’s predicament when she pretended to be pregnant was a highlight in this film. However, in order to get to the good story, you’d have to go through weaker ones first.’” (Read full review)

Jerrold Tarog’s romantic Sana Dati and Alvin Yapan’s mystical Debosyon lead the tally made by film bloggers on the best of the recently concluded Cinemalaya Film Festival. Pinoy Rebyu invited several film bloggers who have seen all competition films and seven were kind enough to submit their ballots. The bloggers who were part of the tally are:

Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)
Carl Joseph Papa (Whatever Carl)
Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)
Leo Lorenzo-Aninag (PureView+)
Nicol Andrew Latayan (Tit for Tat)
Don Jaucian (Pelikula Tumblr)
Skilty Labastilla (Musings from Three Time Zones)

Here is the complete list:

NEW BREED

Best Film: Debosyon
Runner-up Film: Transit
Best Director: (tie) Hannah Espia, Transit and Jason Paul Laxamana, Babagwa
Best Actor: Alex Medina, Babagwa
Best Actress: Krystle Valentino, Purok 7
Best Screenplay: Babagwa (Jason Paul Laxamana)
Best Supporting Actor: Joey Paras, Babagwa
Best Supporting Actress: (tie) Irma Adlawan, Transit and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Transit
Best Cinematography: Debosyon (Dexter dela Pena)
Best Editing: Transit (Benjamin Tolentino and Hannah Espia)
Best Original Score: Debosyon (Teresa Barrozo)
Best Production Design: David F. (Joel Bilbao)
Best Sound: Rekorder (Pepe Manikan)

DIRECTORS SHOWCASE

Best Film: Sana Dati
Runner-up Film: Ekstra
Best Director: Jerrold Tarog, Sana Dati
Best Actor: Carlo Aquino, Porno
Best Actress: Vilma Santos, Ekstra
Best Screenplay: Sana Dati (Jerrold Tarog)
Best Supporting Actor: TJ Trinidad, Sana Dati
Best Supporting Actress: (tie) Ama Quiambao, Amor y Muerte and Tart Carlos, Ekstra
Best Cinematography: Porno (Albert Banzon)
Best Editing: Sana Dati (Jerrold Tarog)
Best Original Score: Sana Dati (Jerrold Tarog)
Best Production Design: Porno (Adolf Alix)
Best Sound: Porno (Albert Michael Idioma)

SHORT FILMS

Best Film: Onang
Runner-up Film: Para kay Ama
Best Director: JE Tiglao, Onang
Best Screenplay: Para kay Ama (Relyn Tan)

Pinoy Rebyu also asked the voters to rank the feature films and short films from best to worst and below is the tally:

FEATURE FILMS

1. (tie) Debosyon and Sana Dati
3. Transit
4. Babagwa
5. Purok 7
6. Quick Change
7. Rekorder
8. Ekstra
9. Porno
10. Instant Mommy
11. Amor y Muerte
12. David F.
13. Nuwebe
14. Liars
15. The Diplomat Hotel

SHORT FILMS

1. Onang
2. Para kay Ama
3. Missing
4. (tie) Sa Wakas and The Houseband’s Wife
6. Pukpok
7. Taya
8. Katapusang Labok
9. Bakaw
10. Tutob

*

INDIVIDUAL BALLOTS

Don Jaucian (Pelikula Tumblr)

NEW BREED

Best Film: Quick Change
Runner-up: Babagwa
Best Director: Eduardo Roy
Best Screenplay: Babagwa
Best Actor: Alex Medina (Babagwa)
Best Actress: Krystle Valentino (Purok 7)
Best Supporting Actor: Joey Paras (Babagwa)
Best Supporting Actress: Jasmine Curtis-Smith (Transit)
Best Cinematography: Debosyon
Best Editing: Babagwa
Best Original Musical Score: Debosyon
Best Production Design: The Diplomat Hotel
Best Sound: Debosyon

DIRECTORS SHOWCASE

Best Film: Sana Dati
Runner-up: Porno
Best Director: Jerrold Tarog
Best Screenplay: Sana Dati
Best Actor: Carlo Aquino (Porno)
Best Actress: Vilma Santos (Ekstra)
Best Supporting Actor: TJ Trinidad (Sana Dati)
Best Supporting Actress: Tart Carlos (Ekstra)
Best Cinematography: Porno
Best Editing: Sana Dati
Best Original Musical Score: Sana Dati
Best Production Design: Porno
Best Sound: Porno

*

Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

NEW BREED 

Best Film: “Transit” (Ten17)
Runner-up: “Quick Change” (Found Films)
Best Director: Hannah Espia, “Transit”
Best Screenplay: Giancarlo Abraham and Hannah Espia, “Transit”
Best Actor: Mimi Juareza, “Quick Change”
Best Actress: Irma Adlawan, “Transit”
Best Supporting Actor: Miggs Cuaderno, “Purok 7” and “Quick Change”
Best Supporting Actress: Mercedes Cabral, “Transit”
Best Cinematography: Arvin Viola, “Rekorder”
Best Editing: Benjamin Tolentino and Hannah Espia, “Transit”
Best Musical Score: Teresa Barrozo and Jireh Pasana, “Debosyon”
Best Production Design: Joel Bilbao, “David F”
Best Sound: Pepe Manikan, “Rekorder”

*

Nicol Andrew Latayan (Tit for Tat)

NEW BREED

Best Director – Hannah Espia, “Transit”
Best Screenplay – Jason Paul Laxamana, “Babagwa”
Best Actor – Mimi Juarenza, “Quick Change”
Best Actress – Krystle Valentino, “Purok 7″
Best Supporting Actor – Joey Paras, “Babagwa”
Best Supporting Actress – Irma Adlawan, “Transit”
Best Cinematography – Dexter dela Pena, “Debosyon”
Best Editing – Benjamin Tolentino, Hannah Espia “Transit”
Best Original Musical Score – Teresa Barrozo, “Debosyon”
Best Production Design – Arthur Maningas, “Purok 7″
Best Sound – Ray Andrew San Miguel, Andrew Millalos, “Debosyon”

DIRECTORS SHOWCASE

Best Director – Jerrold Tarog, “Sana Dati”
Best Screenplay – Ramon Ukit, “Sana Dati”
Best Actor – Jan Harley Hicana and John Michael Bonapos, “Liars”
Best Actress – Lovi Poe, “Sana Dati”
Best Supporting Actor – Nico Antonio, “Sana Dati”
Best Supporting Actress – Tart Carlos, “Ekstra”
Best Cinematography – Gilbert Obispo, “Amor Y Muerte”
Best Editing – Pats Ranyo, “Sana Dati”
Best Original Musical Score – Toni Munoz, “Amor Y Muerte”
Best Production Design – Adolf Alix Jr., “Porno”
Best Sound – Albert Michael Idioma, “Porno”

FEATURE FILMS RANKING

1. Sana Dati (Tarog)
2. Transit (Espia)
3. Debosyon (Yapan)
4. Purok 7 (Obispo)
5. Quick Change (Roy)
6. Babagwa (Laxamana)
7. Porno (Alix)
8. Ekstra (Jeturian)
9. Liars (Portes)
10. Rekorder (Red)
11. Amor Y Muerte (Evangelista)
12. David F. (Palo)
13. Instant Mommy (Abaya)
14. Nuwebe (Laban)
15. The Diplomat Hotel (ad Castillo)

SHORT FILMS

Best Director – Relyn Tan, “Para Kay Ama”
Best Screenplay – Paolo O’Hara, “The Houseband’s Wife”

RANKING

1. Onang (Tiglao)
2. Sa Wakas (Santiago)
3. Missing (Dulay)
4. Pukpok (Pantaleon, Canicosa, Domingo)
5. Houseband’s Wife (O’Hara)
6. Para Kay Ama (Tan)
7. Bakaw (Segismundo)
8. Taya (Bontuyan)
9. Katapusang Labok (Alonso)
10. Tutob (Campano)

*

Carl Joseph Papa (Whatever Carl)

NEW BREED

Director: Alvin Yapan, Debosyon
Actor: Alex Medina, Babagwa
Actress: Krystle Valentino, Purok 7
Supporting Actor: Marc Justine Alvarez, Transit
Supporting actress: Jasmine Curtis Smith, Transit
Screenplay: Alvin Yapan, Debosyon
Cinematography: Dexter dela Pena, Debosyon
Film Editing: Chuck Gutierrrez, Debosyon
Production Design: Harley Alcasid, Quick Change
Music: Teresa Barrozo, Debosyon
Sound: Babagwa

DIRECTORS SHOWCASE

Director: Jerrold Tarog, Sana Dati
Actor: Carlo Aquino, Porno
Actress: Vilma Santos, Ekstra
Supporting Actor: TJ Trinidad, Sana Dati
Supporting actress:  Rosanna Roces, Porno
Screenplay: Ramon Ukit, Sana Dati
Cinematography: Albert Banzon, Porno
Film Editing: Jerrold Tarog, Sana Dati
Production Design: Adolfo Alix Jr., Porno
Music: Jerrold Tarog, Sana Dati
Sound: Porno

FEATURE FILMS RANKING

1. Sana Dati
2. Debosyon
3. Rekorder
4. Purok 7
5. Transit
6. Babagwa
7. Ekstra
8. Quick Change
9. Porno
10. Instant Mommy
11. Nuwebe
12. Amor y Muerte
13. David f
14. Liars
15. Diplomat Hotel

SHORT FILMS

Director: JE Tiglao, Onang
Screenplay: Para Kay Ama

RANKING

1. Onang
2. Para Kay Ama
3. Missing
4. The Houseband’s Wife
5. Katapusang Labok
6. Pukpok
7. Taya
8. Sa Wakas
9. Bakaw
10. Tutob

*

Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

NEW BREED

Best Director – Jason Paul Laxamana (Babagwa)
Best Screenplay – Jason Paul Laxamana (Babagwa)
Best Actor – Alex Medina (Babagwa)
Best Actress – Eugene Domingo (Instant Mommy)
Best Supporting Actor – Joey Paras (Babagwa)
Best Supporting Actress – Irma Adlawan (Transit)
Best Cinematography – Ber Cruz and Lyle Sacris (Transit)
Best Editing – Benjamin Tolentino and Hannah Espia (Transit)
Best Original Musical Score – Teresa Barrozo (Debosyon)
Best Production Design – Joel Bilbao (David F.)
Best Sound – Pepe Manikan (Rekorder)

DIRECTORS SHOWCASE

Best Director – Jeffrey Jeturian (Ekstra)
Best Screenplay – Zig Dulay, Antoinette Jadaone and Jeffrey Jeturian (Ekstra)
Best Actor – Carlo Aquino (Porno)
Best Actress – Lovi Poe (Sana Dati)
Best Supporting Actor – Marlon Rivera (Ekstra)
Best Supporting Actress – Ruby Ruiz (Ekstra)
Best Cinematography – Albert Banzon (Porno)
Best Editing – Aleksander Castaneda (Porno)
Best Original Musical Score – Teresa Barrozo (Liars)
Best Production Design – Benjamin Payumo (Amor y Muerte)
Best Sound – Albert Mike Idioma (Porno)

FEATURE FILMS RANKING

1. Ekstra
2. Sana Dati
3. Babagwa
4. Debosyon
5. Quick Change
6. Porno
7. Transit
8. Rekorder
9. Instant Mommy
10. Purok 7
11. David F.
12. Amor y Muerte
13. Nuwebe
14. The Diplomat Hotel
15. Liars

SHORT FILMS

Best Director – JE Tiglao (Onang)
Best Screenplay – Relyn Tan (Para kay Ama)

RANKING

1. Onang
2. Para kay Ama
3. Bakaw
4. Katapusang Labok
5. Missing
6. Pukpok
7. Taya
8. Tutob
9. The Houseband’s Wife
10. Sa Wakas

*

Leo Lorenzo-Aninag (Pureview+)

NEW BREED

Best Director – Jason Paul Laxamana
Best Screenplay – Babagwa
Best Actor – Alex Medina, Babagwa
Best Actress – Krystle Valentino, Purok 7
Best Supporting Actor – Joey Paras, Babagwa
Best Supporting Actress – Irma Adlawan, Transit
Best Cinematography – Debosyon
Best Editing – Transit
Best Original Music Score – Debosyon
Best Production Design – Debosyon
Best Sound – Rekorder

DIRECTORS SHOWCASE

Best Director – Adolfo Alix Jr., Porno
Best Screenplay – Sana Dati
Best Actor – Carlo Aquino, Porno
Best Actress – Vilma Santos, Ekstra
Best Supporting Actor – TJ Trinidad, Sana Dati
Best Supporting Actress – Ama Quiambao, Amor Y Muerte
Best Cinematography – Porno
Best Editing – Sana Dati
Best Original Music Score – Sana Dati
Best Production Design – Porno
Best Sound – Porno

FEATURE FILMS RANKING

1. Debosyon
2. Rekorder
3. Sana Dati
4. Porno
5. Babagwa
6. Transit
7. Quick Change
8. Purok 7
9. Instant Mommy
10. Ekstra
11. Amor Y Muerte
12. David F
13. Nuwebe
14. The Diplomat Hotel
15. Liars

SHORT FILMS

Best Director – JE Tiglao, Onang
Best Screenplay – Onang

RANKING

1. Onang
2. Sa Wakas
3. The Houseband’s Wife
4. Taya
5. Missing
6. Para Kay Ama
7. Pukpok
8. Katapusang Labok
9. Tutob
10. Bakaw

*

Skilty Labastilla (Musings from Three Time Zones) 

NEW BREED

Best Director: Carlo Obispo, Purok 7
Best Screenplay: Debosyon
Best Actor: Alex Medina, Babagwa
Best Actress: Krystle Valentino, Purok 7
Best Supporting Actor: Marc Justine Alvarez, Transit
Best Supporting Actress: Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Transit
Best Cinematography: Debosyon
Best Editing: Transit
Best Original Musical Score: Debosyon
Best Production Design: Instant Mommy
Best Sound: Transit

DIRECTORS SHOWCASE

Best Director: Jerrold Tarog
Best Screenplay: Sana Dati
Best Actor: Carlo Aquino, Porno
Best Actress: Vilma Santos, Ekstra
Best Supporting Actor: TJ Trinidad, Sana Dati
Best Supporting Actress: Ama Quiambao, Amor y Muerte
Best Cinematography: Porno
Best Editing: Sana Dati
Best Original Musical Score: Sana Dati
Best Production Design: Porno
Best Sound: Sana Dati

FEATURE FILMS RANKING

1. Debosyon
2. Purok 7
3. Transit
4. Sana Dati
5. Quick Change
6. Babagwa
7. Ekstra
8. Porno
9. Rekorder
10. Instant Mommy
11. David F.
12. Amor y Muerte
13. Nuwebe
14. Liars
15. The Diplomat Hotel

SHORT FILMS

Best Director: Relyn Tan
Best Screenplay: Para Kay Ama

RANKING

1. Para kay Ama
2. Missing
3. Sa Wakas
4. The Houseband’s Wife
5. Onang
6. Taya
7. Pukpok
8. Katapusang Labok
9. Bakaw
10. Tutob

Verdict: Essential Viewing

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 4.33 (3 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil

Writers: Froilan Medina and Rody Vera

Cast: Coke Bolipata, Julian Duque, Cherry Pie Picache, Ricky Davao, Tala Santos, Meryll Soriano

Synopsis: Onyok (Julian Duque) is taken away from his abusive father Marcelo (Ricky Davao). He’s brought to a shelter for abused children, where he has trouble fitting in due to his inability to speak. But at the shelter is the mercurial violinist Ariel (Coke Bolipata), who just moved away from Manila after going through a difficult period. Young Onyok hears Ariel playing his violin, and becomes curious. Ariel, though reluctant at first, decides to give the child lessons. And it turns out that Onyok is a prodigy. (Click the City)

MTRCB Rating: PG-16

Running Time: 100 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0         Susan Quimpo (Rappler)

“Sans the melodrama all too common in local cinema, Boses is a quiet film, one that grows on you as you follow a seemingly simple narrative that pokes hard questions at the core of your beliefs.” (Read full review)

4.0         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film has aged remarkably well in the interim, the quality of the production holding up, and the grace of its convictions staying true. The story does feel a little underdeveloped, but the overall effect is still rather pleasing.” (Read full review)

4.0         Ria Limjap (Spot.ph)

“Boses hits all the right notes. It presents the painful truth about violence against children—in fact, shows the abuse—but does not highlight it as the central theme. Instead, it is a story of healing and the ability to people to transcend their personal tragedies.” (Read full review)

LINK TO 1998 REVIEWS

Verdict: Proceed with Caution

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 2.20 (10 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Ces Evangelista

Writer: Jerry Gracio

Cast: Althea Vega, Markki Stroem, Adrian Sebastian, Ama Quiambao, Kuya Manzano

Synopsis: An erotic 16th Century period drama, the film examines the initial encounter between the Indios (natives) and their colonizers (Spaniards) and their conflicting views on love, passion, religion and sexuality.

MTRCB Rating: R-16

Running Time: 104 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.0         Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

“Despite functioning as historical archetypes, most of Evangelista’s cast gave layered and nuance performances; most notably, Althea Vega, who sizzles on screen reminding most moviegoers what an ideal Filipina actress should look like. ” (Read full review)

3.5         Ihcahieh

“Here is hoping that people who watch this could see beyond the graphic content, and come up with a similar conclusion that involves some extra brain exercise.” (Read full review)

3.0         Phillip Cu-Unjieng (The Philippine Star)

“What the film has in spades are beautifully choreographed and edited scenes of lovemaking. There are consistent shafts of humor as the lines are delivered.” (Read full review)

2.5         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“All in all, I’d say that Amor Y Muerte’s strength lies in Vega’s performance and its technical achievements than what it wants to say in its story.” (Read capsule review)

2.0         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“By setting the story in a specific historical context, it is imperative that said context play a crucial part in shaping the narrative, otherwise, it would be no more different from Western X-rated films (like Pirates or The Naughty Victorians) that use locale and period costume as mere backdrop to the humping scenes.” (Read full review)

2.0         Nick Fortuna (Katipunan)

“The story is convoluted, the big moments feel forced and none of the characters are very likable.” (Read full review)

2.0         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Ang major offense lang para sa akin ay ang pag-cast kay Markki Stroem bilang isang sundalong Kastila. Napaka-complex kasi n’ung mga hinihingi ng character.” (Read full review)

1.0         Noli Manaig (Closely Watched Frames)

“Here the native characters are either idiotic, treacherous, scheming or depraved, motivated with unvaryingly unsympathetic traits.” (Read full review)

1.0         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The movie is poorly staged, badly acted, and irredeemably trite. It operates only in the most obvious of symbols, populating the screen with flowers and snakes and every other kind of visual double entendre. Meanwhile, the characters languish and the narrative never gets anywhere that isn’t painfully obvious.” (Read full review)

1.0         Fred Hawson (Fred Said)

“Ultimately, Amor y Muerte is simply soft porn flimsily disguised as a historical commentary about the bad effects of Spanish colonization and the Catholic Church on Filipino pre-colonial life and culture. ” (Read full review)

Verdict: Value for Money

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 3.17 (6 ratings)

Genre: Drama, Experimental

Director: Adolfo Alix Jr.

Writer: Ralston Jover

Cast: Angel Aquino, Carlo Aquino, Rosanna Roces and Yul Servo, with the special participation of Anita Linda, Ricky Davao, Alan Paule

Synopsis: An assassin, a porn dubber and a transgender. Three souls. One explicit illusion. To find the ultimate joy in their empty lives.  A safe haven, where passion and love mean humanity, ecstasy means enlightenment; and the soul is the ultimate arbiter of the truth.

MTRCB Rating: R-18

Running Time: 90 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.5         RM Topacio-Aplaon (Rappler)

“Alix tells his stories without as much as explaining them at the risk of annotation, and spreads out his narratives which are at best organically loose and incoherent, as all life stories are.” (Read full review)

4.0         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Ang ganda ng rehistro ng ilaw na nakapag-compliment sa acid trip ng pelikula. Very distinct, kung hindi man sobrang kopya kung meron mang pinaggayahan. Para sa akin, nagkaroon ito ng sariling punk at nainlab ako rito.” (Read full review)

3.5         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“I like how it’s contemplative that the porn in the film goes far deeper than the erotica of the human body, especially in Angel Aquino’s storyline, but this is probably a case of me acknowledging the film’s merits than loving it.” (Read capsule review)

3.0         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Alix is interested not so much in the process as in the individual stories of his three main characters. The filmmakers incorporate supernatural elements in each story that heighten the mood but only serve to obfuscate the film’s thesis, if there’s one in the first place.” (Read full review)

2.5         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The third segment is the most developed of the three, the drama really brought to the fore. I could imagine this third segment being expanded into a full feature on its own. But taken as a whole, Porno feels like provocation for provocation’s sake, its content not really rising above the puerile imagery.” (Read full review)

1.5         Wanggo Gallaga (Juice)

“There are many things wrong with the film — wrong production design, bad dialogue, weird camera framing, etc. — but what makes it more disturbing is the unnecessary exposure of genitalia, both male and female, which does nothing to evolve the story or progress it forward.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Proceed with Caution

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 2.90 (5 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Emmanuel Palo

Writers: Liza Magtoto, Emmanuel Palo

Cast: Dax Martin, Mitch Valdes, Mariella Castillo, Will Devaughn, Shamaine Buencamino, Sid Lucero, Art Acuna, Rocky Salumbides, Anita Linda, Jess Mendoza, Quester Hannah

Synopsis: David F. weaves three stories that look into the lineage of African-Americans in the Philippines–from American soldiers in the Fil-Am war to the “Amboys” in the former Clark Airfield.

It begins with the Philippine-American war in the early 1900’s when two Filipinos want to get the reward money for capturing David Fagan, the African-American soldier who deserted the U.S. army to join the Filipino revolutionaries. Another thread of the film depicts the life of a Filipina who gives birth to a “colored”baby during the Japanese occupation before the return of General Douglas MacArthur in 1944.

And then in contemporary times, a black gay impersonator in a comedy bar tries to find his father who abandoned them. His father is an African-American soldier based in Clark Air Base in Angeles City.

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 102 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.5         Noli Manaig (Closely Watched Frames)

“Palo’s film… is not merely a speculative chronicle of the historical David Fagen and his fictionalized descendants but a painful intimation of the unofficial history of African Americans who chose to strike roots in this country.” (Read full review)

3.0         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The production values are remarkably high, with Palo’s usual eye for dramatic staging really coming to fore. I’m not sure if the film is able to reach its lofty ambitions, but it’s enough of a thrill to see it try.” (Read full review)

3.0         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Parang merong statement sa paggamit ng comedy bar bilang isang espasyo sa paglibak ng kulay at kung paano tinatanggap ng kultura natin ang pagtawa sa mga okrayan. Ang final product, nagkaroon sa akin ng dating na parang magkakakonek ang tatlong kuwento na parang hindi naman, magkakaiba pero parang hindi rin naman.” (Read full review)

2.5         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“While there are some strong aspects in each of the three stories, the whole is not the sum of its parts here. You can see some good storytelling in each part but it wasn’t totally fleshed out to leave a mark to its viewers.” (Read capsule review)

1.5         Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

“Inevitably, the point of the film is muddled and unrealized, that is if the movie aims to have a point in the first place.  This is unfortunate indeed because David F. could have been groundbreaking if it had succeeded.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Do Something Else

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 1.94 (8 ratings)

Genre: Thriller

Writer/Director: Christopher Ad Castillo

Cast: Gretchen Barretto, Art Acuña, Mon Confiado, Joel Torre, Nico Antonio, Sarah Gaugler, Channel Delatorre, Brooke Chantelle, Abe Pagtama, Alvin Anson, Luchie Maranan, Carl Alexander Acosta, Karen Navarette Anton, Miel Riley Ribon, Evangeline Flora, Mica Panis, Michelle Panis, Jennylyn Samiana, Mark Anthony Marquez, Whammy Alcazaren

Synopsis: Victoria Lansang (Barreto) is a popular news reporter who has been requested to mediate a hostage crisis. And in front of a national television audience, something horribly goes wrong and people are killed while Victoria suffers a mental breakdown. A year later, she’s eager to get back into the game. However, the only assignment she can get is to do a documentary on the last night of The Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City, a crumbling and abandoned building infamously known for its bloody past and its hauntings. Looking for redemption, she arrives there with her crew and they start filming. But as they get deeper into the night, the place starts to exert its will on them and they find out exactly what monstrous evil awaits at The Diplomat Hotel.  By daybreak, their lives will never be the same again.

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 86 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

3.5         Paul Alcantara (Katipunan)

“One thing is for sure: Christopher Ad. Castillo, the film’s director, understands the scare factor. All of the film’s technical elements smoothly and effectively come together to get as many screams from the audience as possible.” (Read full review)

3.0         Ihcahieh

“The Diplomat Hotel will thrill you enough to enjoy it, but you would probably not remember it as a film that added something new to an already tired genre.” (Read full review)

2.0         Geoff Review

“What made me disappointed with The Diplomat Hotel is that it does not go out of the box in exploring the horror and suspense genre. To me, everything about it was typical, from the scaring tactics to the style, right down to the storyline.” (Read full review)

2.0         Jessica Zafra (Jessica Rules the Universe)

“If the intention of The Diplomat Hotel is to make the audience feel like they’re in The Diplomat Hotel, it has succeeded. We enjoyed it, though not in the way it was meant to be enjoyed.” (Read full review)

1.5         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“When you have a prominent ghost location, it sets the mood for something that will build up the tension and fear; instead, all those fears came from the characters themselves and it leaves no attachment to the viewers.” (Read full review)

1.5         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Hindi ako filmmaker pero may impression ako na parang bulag ang direktor sa kung ano ang suwabeng pag-arte. Paliko-liko ang mga artista rito (mula kay Gretchen Barretto hanggang kay Art Acuña) na parang walang pupuntahan.” (Read full review)

1.0         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“It is a really bad horror film, with shoddy production values and a plot that never really comes around to making sense… It seems to value histrionics over any sort of narrative cohesion or logic, and the final effect is not very scary at all.” (Read full review)

1.0         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Gretchen Barretto’s character says near the start of the film, ‘Everybody needs redemption.’ She might as well be talking about everyone involved in this production because they sure need all the redemption they can get after this overwrought, horribly acted film that does not really offer something that hasn’t been done before.”

Verdict: Do Something Else

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 1.64 (7 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Writer/Director: Joseph Israel Laban

Cast: Barbara Miguel, Jake Cuenca, Nadine Samonte, Anita Linda, Manny Castañeda, Archie Adamos, Renaissance Tuason, Mikael Liwag, Isadora Villasquez, Renerich Ocon, Mariah Fernandez, Blair Arellano, Derick Cabrido

Synopsis: Inspired by the actual story of one of the youngest mothers in Philippine history, Nuwebe follows the story of Krista who at the tender age of 9 got pregnant from the sexual abuse perpetrated by her own father. What follows is a story of struggle and renewal. Krista’s story is complex. She refuses to see herself as a victim. Despite her situation, she demonstrates an incredible level of resilience and determination to overcome the trauma of her past. Her mother on the other hand is torn between her love for her child and her love for her husband.

MTRCB Rating: R-16

Running Time: 90 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

2.0         Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

“The filmmaker simply reenacts the horrific crime by filming a narrative without conscience and  in the case of television documentaries, using abuse as a catchy subject matter to give credibility to their creators and hosts.” (Read full review)

2.0         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film presents a bad situation and has all its characters talk about how bad the situation is. It’s a circular argument that risks nothing in the long run. It feels like an exercise in moralistic posturing.” (Read full review)

2.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“The dialogue was cringe-worthy, and I know that I’m supposed to feel for Krista, but she left me confused and apathetic.” (Read full review)

1.5         Jansen Musico (Pelikula Tumblr)

“The confessionals veer off the tracks Laban laid out during the film’s first half and render them useless. Instead of following through with a straightforward narrative, the storytelling is derailed and runs off with a string of tedious monologues framed as interviews.” (Read full review)

1.5         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“The only workable treatment to the story of Krista, a 9-year-old raped and impregnated by her own father, is to veer away from shock tactics and melodrama as far as possible since the theme is already heavy as it is. Instead, Laban bludgeons us with the most lurid and cringe-worthy choices.” (Read full review)

1.5         Manuel Pangaruy (Tagailog Special Presents)

“Una, wala sigurong batang artista ang makakakuha ng emosyon ng isang batang nabuntis ng sariling ama sa murang edad. Ikalawa, ano ang maaaring matumbok ng pelikula, maliban sa pagkakaroon nito ng stellar cast, na hindi pa naiitawid ng docu?” (Read full review)

1.0         Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)

“The movie is really a mess and the girl who’s supposed to be a victim is not even sympathetic.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Essential Viewing

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 4.83 (3 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Lino Brocka

Writer: Clodualdo del Mundo Jr.

Cast: Bembol Roco, Hilda Koronel, Lou Salvador Jr., Tommy Abuel, Joonee Gamboa, Juling Bagabaldo

Synopsis: Julio Madiaga (Bembol Roco) is a “country mouse,” a probinciano, who has lost track of his childhood sweetheart Ligaya Paraiso (Hilda Koronel) in the wilds of Manila. In what amounts to a major quest, he enters the sprawling metropolis in order to find her.

MTRCB Rating: R-13

Running Time: 125 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0         Ria Limjap (Spot.ph)

“In the beautifully restored version Mike de Leon’s peerless cinematography allows the city to bloom as it was in the mid-70s: the neon-lit streets of downtown, the teeming slums, the eerily quiet streets of Binondo early in the morning. Manila’s internal logic has never been more lovingly preserved on film.” (Read full review)

5.0         Mark Angelo Ching (PEP)

“Watching the film again is a little chilling, because it could have been shot at this moment. Julio Madiaga can exist in our time, and he won’t be out of place. This is why Maynila: sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag deserves to be restored. A timeless film like this is worthy of being preserved and viewed by everyone.” (Read full review)

4.5         Pau Aguilera (Manila Bulletin)

“The film, nevertheless, mirrored how life was back then in the land of neon lights: silently brutal. For shining the light on the gritty life at that time in our history, it has indeed become an opus and both an artistic and cultural landmark.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Essential Viewing

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 4.12 (4 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Joel Lamangan

Writer: Ricky Lee

Cast: Lorna Tolentino, Rocco Nacino, Allen Dizon, Ina Feleo, Dimples Romana, Bangs Garcia, Kerbie Zamora, Tirso Cruz III

Synopsis: Jonas Burgos (Rocco Nacino), an agriculturist, was abducted on April 28, 2007. At the heart of the pursuit to surface Jonas is Edita (Lorna Tolentino), the gentle-mannered widow of the late WE Forum editor and publisher, Joe Burgos (Tirso Cruz III). The film revolves around Edita’s heartbreaking and inspiring journey as a dedicated wife and mother to a willful activist, driven by her feelings of loss and hope. (PEP)

Running Time: 98 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0         Teodoro Jose Joaquin (Rappler)

“Burgos is something to watch again and again, especially for its catharsis and impact. Perhaps its melodramatic treatment is imperative because this material otherwise qualifies as tract cinema (political cinema).” (Read full review)

4.0         Carmela Lapeña (GMA News)

“The actors give an excellent performance, particularly Lorna Tolentino. She is convincing as Edita Burgos, who is kind and yet firm, who forgives but continues to seek justice.  ” (Read full review)

4.0         Abby Mendoza (PEP)

“Lorna Tolentino effectively evokes empathy with her subtle but compelling portrayal of Edita Burgos. The actress shines in bringing life to the subdued but resilient heroine of the biopic, making her audience feel that a mother’s love is indeed so powerful that it can fight for a cause, if not, change things.” (Read full review)

3.5         Maridol Rañoa-Bismark (Yahoo Philippines)

“While Burgos is about love, sacrifice and freedom, it is no melodrama. It has the quiet dignity of its lead real-life character. And it has a theme that is as universal as ever.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Do Something Else

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 1.75 (2 ratings)

Genre: Comedy

Director: Randy Santiago

Writer: Woodrow Serafin

Cast: Herbert Bautista, Dennis Padilla, Andrew E. , Ogie Alcasid, Joey Marquez, Long Mejia, Tippy Dos Santos

Synopsis: Cable technician Berto (Herbert Bautista), pool hustler Mando (Dennis Padilla), professional singer Julio (Ogie Alcasid) and priest Andoy (Andrew E) have gotten together for a party being thrown by their rich friend Don Miguel (Joey Marquez). They get wasted at a nightclub, and wake up to find that the car they were riding in was stolen. That car happens to have been carrying a $50,000 dress meant for Don Miguel’s daughter. The group goes looking for the lost dress, their quest putting them up against a powerful criminal syndicate. (Click the CIty)

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 105 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

2.0         Philbert Dy (Click the CIty)

“Though the production is solid and the talent is still clearly there, the film largely drops the narrative in favor of providing each of these actors their individual moments in the sun.” (Read full review)

1.5         Zig Marasigan (Kristn)

“The film is stitched together by what appears to be an endless parade of comedy sketches, each one stretched thin like a bland slab of dough. Celebrity cameos are forced into relevance, and punchlines are milked from a bleeding teat. The result is a comedy that is both lifeless and unfunny.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Do Something Else

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 1.75 (2 ratings)

Genre: Comedy

Writer/Director: Marlon Rivera

Cast: Rufa Mae Quinto, Candy Pangilinan, Edgar Allan Guzman, Ricci Chan, Ayen Laurel, Robert Sena, DJ Durano, Abby Bautista, Kalila Aguilos, Fabio Ide, Kean Cipriano

Synopsis: Miri Alvarez (Rufa Mae Quinto) works as an operative for an international organization that serves to protect inventors and scientists from terrorists and the like. She is suspended and sent back to Manila after a mission goes horribly wrong. There, after having trouble adjusting to normal life, she investigates a series of mysterious disappearances among high-IQ individuals, and their eventual reappearance as flesh-eating monsters. And in the course of her investigation, she discovers a link to her past and her long-dead parents. (Click the CIty)

MTRCB Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 125 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

2.0         Carljoe Javier (Rappler)

“I know that it isn’t impossible to mix genres and to inject strong humor in even the most serious of works. But the problem is the humor that is used in the film, while effective in certain scenes if taken on their own, reduces the gravity and importance of the rest of the film.” (Read full review)

1.5         Philbert Dy (Click the CIty)

“There is a surplus of ideas in here, a lot of strange concepts that might have really enhanced the big picture. But the movie struggles to make them work inside a coherent narrative.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Essential Viewing

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 4.25 (6 ratings)

Genre: Action, Drama

Director: Erik Matti

Writers: Erik Matti and Michiko Yamamoto

Cast: Joel Torre, Gerald Anderson, Piolo Pascual, Joey Marquez, Angel Aquino, Michael de Mesa, Leo Martinez, Shaina Magdayao, Empress Schuck, Vivian Velez, Rayver Cruz

Synopsis: Tatang (Joel Torre) is a prison hitman: a convict occasionally set loose to kill someone on the orders of someone in power. His status as a prisoner provides the perfect alibi for his crimes. The film follows him and his protégé Daniel (Gerald Anderson) as they carry out a series of hits. Upright cop SPO1 Acosta (Joey Marquez) is investigating these murders, along with rising NBI agent Francis Coronel Jr. (Piolo Pascual). But while Francis wants to stay clean, he’s compromised by the fact that his politician father-in-law might be involved in these killings. (Click the CIty)

MTRCB Rating: R-16

Running Time: 120 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

5.0         Phillip Cu-Unjieng (The Philippine Star)

“This is a new standard for the Filipino noir film. Dark, brooding, muscular and visceral, yet complex and concise in its story-telling, On the Job fully deserves its Cannes screening and should be a wonderful eye-opener for the mainstream Filipino audience.” (Read full review)

5.0         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“There’s a lot of great things to say about this, but If there’s a clear standout in it, no doubt it is Erik Matti. His slick direction is the main core which holds the film together and gives it the necessary oomph.” (Read full review)

4.5         Philbert Dy (Click the CIty)

“On The Job is an ambitious, serious crime drama for adults, one that manages to entertain without sacrificing its depth. It is a breath of fresh air in the increasingly stagnant environment of the Filipino mainstream.” (Read full review)

4.0         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“On the Job is a thoroughly enjoyable, immensely gripping thrill ride that takes full advantage of the grit and grime of Manila’s seedy underbelly and of the unfathomable moral corruption of the country’s political and military elite. Matti and his team are firing on full cylinders here to give us the best that genre movie-making can offer.”

4.0         Fred Hawson (Fred Said)

“This is as timely as the present headlines.  You will understand why fugitives and whistle-blowers are morbidly obsessed about their security.  This film lives up to its hype, guys.  This is a must-see Filipino film.” (Read full review)

3.0         Rob San Miguel (Brun Magazine)

“May it be incidental or accidental, Matti just crafted a perfect example on how celebrities can be utilized to highlight a social issue but such use inevitably betrays the original purpose. Celebrities get the attention but they also distract and dilute the issues because, in the end, we just remember how lovable, sympathetic, and talented the celebrities are. We forget the real issues.” (Read full review)

Verdict: Proceed with Caution

Pinoy Rebyu Score: 2.88 (4 ratings)

Genre: Drama

Director: Joel Lamangan

Writer: Ricardo Lee

Cast: Jake Cuenca, Joem Bascon, Lovi Poe, Isabelle Daza, Gloria Diaz, Racquel Villavicencio

Synopsis: The film splits itself between two timelines. In 2006, Ada (Isabelle Daza) is basing her thesis on a massacre that occurred twenty years prior in a village called Acacia. Her mother Cecilia was part of a fact-finding mission into a massacre, and Ada’s inquiries bring up her history as a member of the NPA. The other timeline traces the relationship of Ka Felix and Ka Jimmy (Joem Bascon and Jake Cuenca), two rebels who fall in love, despite the movement’s laws against such a pairing. (Click the CIty)

MTRCB Rating: R-16

Running Time: 100 mins.

Trailer: 

Reviews:

4.0         Philbert Dy (Click the City)

“The film might still be a little too loud, a little too conscious of hitting those standard dramatic beats with cinematic flourish. But it is the passion and the commitment that remains when all is said and done.” (Read full review)

3.5         Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)

“Everything you want to see in the bekiserye My Husband’s Lover but cannot, due to the limitations of TV as a medium, you can now watch in all its lurid details in the no holds barred gay porn, Lihis.” (Read full review)

2.5         Nicol Latayan (Tit for Tat)

“I wasn’t initially sold by the approach that Lamangan used in order to narrate the story, but the end product did not have any problem translating the it to the viewers.” (Read full review)

1.5         Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)

“Just when we need Lamangan to be critical/political, he settles for the tried-and-tested, because flashy, appeal of bedroom melodrama.” (Read full review)