Cast: Jennylyn Mercado, Lovi Poe, Paulo Avelino, Ahron Villena, Alex Castro, Ariel Ureta, Boboy Garovillo, Carla Dunareanu, Carmi Martin, Hayden Kho, Joem Bascon, Kat Alano, Snooky Serna, Tim Yap, Timmy Cruz
Synopsis: The movie begins with the wedding of Philip and Vivian (Paolo Avelino and Lovi Poe). Things get sticky when Vivian refuses to say “I do,” revealing to the gathered that she has discovered that Philip has been cheating on her with her maid of honor and best friend Sheila (Jennylyn Mercado). Following the fallout of the social humiliation, Sheila and Philip get together and fall back in love. But Vivian reenters the picture a changed woman, hatching a plot to get her revenge. She appears to forgive the people who wronged her, while inside, she nurses a wounded and bitter heart. (Click the City)
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Running Time: 105 mins
Trailer:
Reviews:
3.0 Mark Angelo Ching (PEP)
“The Bride and The Lover is entertaining. Although it is quite unsure of its tone, it is fresh enough not to miss.” (Read full review)
2.5 Bernard Santos (My Movie World)
“The movie got a good casting but the performance of lead actors here fails to justify their characters.” (Read full review)
1.5 Philbert Dy (Click the City)
“It winks heartily at the audience during its campiest moments, taking visible pleasure from its recognition that these elements are silly. But then it zips back to trying to be dramatic, and the effect is ruined.” (Read full review)
Cast: Meg Imperial, Ara Mina, Chynna Ortaleza, Jaycee Parker, Wendell Ramos, Almira Muhlach, Anna Luna, Arvic Rivero, Jef Gaitan, Jim Pebangco, Miko Aytona, Pio Valbuena
Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Jen (Meg Imperial) doesn’t have a very happy life. Her classmates make fun of her for being raised by lesbians. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she didn’t want to have sex. Her mother is constantly berating her. She seeks comfort in a violent gang of girls led by her cousin, and in the arms of her Filipino teacher Ariel (Wendell Ramos). She develops quite a crush on her teacher as he tries to help her through her issues. But things turn sour between them when he rejects her advances, and soon both are caught in lies that will change their lives forever. (Click the City)
MTRCB Rating: R-13
Running time: 90 mins
Trailer:
Reviews:
4.0 Mark Angelo Ching (PEP)
“What makes Menor de Edad admirable is how much grit it dares to show its audience.” (Read full review)
2.0 Rianne Hill Soriano (Business World)
“From its theme and concept, it has the right elements to capture the attention of either the commercial or the independent film market. But with its flawed storytelling, poor characterizations, and mostly shoddy acting, its potential completely fizzles out.” (Read full review)
2.0 Zig Marasigan (Kristn.com)
“For a film that unabashedly imbibes the indie cinema spirit, Menor De Edad falls prey to the obvious conventions of commercial melodrama. Tears flow like aqueducts from the gods, and actors look wistfully off-cam in hopes of conveying emotion. ” (Read full review)
1.5 Philbert Dy (Click the City)
“It is all too much: too much drama, too many subplots, and too many odd stylistic choices. The result is headache-inducing, the movie so loud and unfocused that it draws out a physical reaction.” (Read full review)
1.5 Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)
“Menor de Edad reeks with a heavy handed exposition and an exasperatingly obstreperous plotting.” (Read full review)
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:
4.5 Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle)
“It’s such a Filipino cinema lover’s delight: as much a look back at Himala (one of the greatest films of all time, Filipino or otherwise) and the production’s fascinating anecdotes (including the story behind its restoration), as it is an examination of its legendary director, Ishmael Bernal.” (Read capsule review)
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)
Synopsis: Ruby (Pokwang) was happily married to William (Gabby Concepcion). But she dies tragically on their 25th wedding anniversary. Ruby ends up in purgatory, where she is made to witness the plight of her family. Much to her surprise and dismay, William quickly falls in love with the beautiful Catherine (Ruffa Gutierrez), and in spite of his children’s objections, he immediately plans to get remarried. Ruby returns to Earth as a ghost with the intention of haunting her former husband and sabotaging his new marriage. (Click the City)
Trailer:
Reviews:
3.0 CINEMA
“May saysay naman sana ang kwento subalit naging mababaw at pilit ang dating dahil sa mga pinakitang sitwasyon ng kababawan at di makabuluhang mga diyalogo.” (Read full review)
2.5 Mark Angelo Ching (PEP)
“All in all, The Mommy Returns is a good movie, but only when you consider its dramatic moments. It has a heart buried somewhere that can be inspiring to viewers who want to relate to its story about motherhood.” (Read full review)
1.5 Johanna Poblete (Business World)
“This movie does not offer anything new (horror comedy is a misnomer, it’s plain comedy) but sticks to the tried and tested and tired. It does not elevate the local movie industry.” (Read full review)
1.5 Cathy Peña (Make Me Blush)
“The Mommy Returns conspicuously underscores Lamangan’s fall into mediocrity and highlights all of his weaknesses. In fact, he has never done a movie this bad.” (Read full review)
1.0 Philbert Dy (Click the City)
“The film is a dreadful bore, lacking in jokes while pushing for false emotion as it stumbles through a boatload of hastily assembled drama.” (Read full review)
1.0 Reel Advice
“Situations and punchlines fail to eke out any laughter or even a whimper. Everything comes out flat and corny. This is the film that never found its comedic groove and you have to see it (if you dare) to believe it.” (Read full review)
1.0 Starmometer
“Hastily assembled and severely lacking in humor, The Mommy Returns is one of Joel Lamangan’s weakest outings ever.” (Read full review)
Cast: Zsa Zsa Padilla, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, Jaime Pebanco, Marvin Agustin, Allen Dizon, Pauleen Luna, Lovi Poe, Megan Young, Jay Aquitana, Ayen Laurel, Rico Barrera and Dawn Zulueta, Dessa Rizalina E. Ilagan, Tony Mabesa, Raquel Villavicencio, Mon Confiado, Menggie Cobarrubias, Lui Manansala, Mercy Udaundo, Dennis Coronel
Synopsis:Sigwa (meaning “storm”) spans 40 years of Philippine social unrest. The story is initially told by Fil-Am Dolly, a junior correspondent of a US magazine, who was sent to the Philippines in 1970 to do a story on student activism in Manila. Today, she has returned after being arrested and deported in 1975, on the third year of martial law. Her mission is personal this time: to look for her daughter, who was supposed to have died 35 years ago, but who, she has been told, is alive. The film, being a composite of the stories of Dolly and each one of her former activist collective, is revealed fragment by fragment, as she surprises them by her unannounced presence.
Trailer:
Reviews:
3.5 Elvin Luciano (PEP)
“Although Sigwa is told from the point of view of Zulueta’s character, this movie is impressive because it does not leave out the other characters. Through this film, Direk Joel shows his mastery in creating an ensemble film.” (Read full review)
3.5 Jamo Light (Pinoy Film)
“I don’t know what Joel Lamangan’s motivations were for not going outright left here – personal safety, wider acceptance or whatever else – but I like that he did. The entirety of it’s political overtones served merely as a backdrop. As a film about old friends and what’s happened to them in the years since they were separated, it succeeds above and beyond the call of duty.” (Read full review)
3.0 Fidel Antonio Medel (Pielated Popcorn)
“It might be a conscious decision on the filmmaker’s part to play it safe to be more palatable to the general public, and that’s understandable. But for a film that is meant to commemorate 40 years of civil unrest, I wish it had more balls.” (Read full review)
3.0 Nel Costales (Cine Filipinas)
“The film blends the star power and polished performances of a mainstream blockbuster with the relevant, edgy story of an indie film. It is not a smooth marriage because of the film’s difficulty in straddling the line between mainstream and indie filmmaking.” (Read full review)
3.0 John Silva (John’s Thoughts and Deeds)
“The baddest best actor was Tirso Cruz. You hated all of him, his cynical, tired, seen-it-all slouch. Maybe we’ve felt that at times and we’re drawn to his venality. We appreciate Tirso’s continued metamorphosis in roles befitting his years. Consider the fact that during the First Quarter Storm, or thereabouts, who could forget Tirso in the tight white pants and the sideburns as a rock star.” (Read full review)
2.5 Philbert Dy (Click the City)
“The film, as it moves from one life to another, paints a fuller picture of what it means to stand for something in a corrupt society. The film doesn’t quite reach its full potential, weighed down by staid filmmaking and a fairly dull viewing of the past. But there are hints of passion in the project, and that keeps the whole thing bearable.” (Read full review)
Cast: Tirso Cruz III, TJ Trinidad, Lovi Poe, Allen Dizon, Ina Feleo
Synopsis: Ross Rivera (TJ Trinidad), a writer whose cynicism has converted him into a government apologist, is suddenly forced to reassess his role as journalist when he finds himself right in the middle of unearthing a conspiracy linking Muntazir Ghazi (Tirso Cruz III), a local warlord, with election fraud and the sporadic killing of journalists in various parts of the country. While Ross wrestles with his conscience and attempts to convince Greta Manarang (Lovi Poe), television newscaster and grieving girlfriend of a recently murdered journalist, of his newfound integrity in Manila, Azad (Allen Dizon) and Claire (Ina Feleo), local journalists who are deep into the tracks of Ghazi, are hunted down by Ghazi’s henchmen. Their stories eventually intertwine, revealing a more frustrated than concerned outlook of the state of free speech in a country that supposedly fosters democracy. (From Oggs Cruz’s review)
Trailer:
Reviews:
4.0 Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)
“The film offers fine ensemble acting, but Tirso Cruz III dominates it with his ferocious portrayal of the corrupt governor.” (Read full review)
3.0 Fidel Medel (PEP)
“Despite my appreciation for the courage of the filmmakers for making such an important film, I wish that the story is more cohesive. Like Lamangan and Ilagan’s last film Sigwa, Deadline needs more focus. There are so many things going on.” (Read full review)
3.0 Tinig ng Plaridel
“Deadline lacks the polish expected of a veteran film maker like Lamangan, but then again, perhaps there lies the beauty of it. This is certainly not a perfect film; it looks like it was made, in parts, haphazardly. Yet its imperfections present the very earnestness Lamangan embodies when he calls for an end to the extrajudicial killings.” (Read full review)
2.0 Oggs Cruz (Twitch)
“Deadline,with its unrelenting thirst to display only the most dramatic of scenarios, has the same appeal as primetime sensationalized news.” (Read full review)
Cast: Marvin Agustin, Allen Dizon, Glaiza de Castro, Ciara Sotto, Dimples Romana, Jaime Pebanco with Martin de los Santos, Angellie Nicholle Sanoy, Jeon Macatangay
Synopsis: Patikul tells the story of Kan-Ague Elementary School in Patikul, Sulu. Two of Kan-Ague’s best students are chosen to compete in the region’s quiz bee. Determined to grab the top prize, the students prepare for the quiz bee with the help of the school’s supportive principal (Marvin Agustin) and teachers. However, the students get caught in the middle of the hostilities between the government and the terrorists. (From Oggs Cruz’s review)
Trailer:
Reviews:
4.0 Allan Diones (Abante Tonite)
“May maririnig kang mga putukan at may mga tagpong nakakatensyon, pero walang madudugong eksena at graphic violence dito na karaniwang laman ng mga pelikula ni Lamangan. Walang naghuhumiyaw na drama at hysteria, pero humahaplos ito sa damdamin at kumukurot sa konsensya.” (Read full review)
3.0 Mario Bautista (Showbiz Portal)
“It conveys its socially significant message meaningfully.” (Read full review)
2.5 Manuel Pangaruy (IndioCine)
“Tingin ko, ang mga contemporary ni Joel Lamangan sa paggawa ng mainstream na advocacy film ay napagod na. Sa puntong ito, commendable na nariyan pa rin s’ya at patuloy na gumagawa ng ganitong pelikula para sa audience na hindi masyadong mahilig sa indie film o mga pelikulang may maliit na budget at walang sikat na artista.” (Read full review)
2.0 Oggs Cruz (Twitch)
“Patikul was born out of that very noble intention of educating the public on the deficiencies of the policy on education in the Philippines. Unfortunately, the film is as effective as a lousy kindergarten teacher teaching calculus to a room full of monkeys.” (Read full review)
2.0 Isabelle Sarah (The Toss Coin Paradox)
“The movie has such a weak script. The lines were too dramatic and mainstream. Even the acting was so ‘scripted’.” (Read full review)
1.5 Philbert Dy (Click the City)
“It feels like it was made for TV, with broad performances and affected drama that don’t quite do justice to the gravity of the story.” (Read full review)
1.5 Carl Papa (Whatever, Carl)
“The acting was wooden and the line deliveries were so… Batibot. I also did not like how fake the dialogues were, also the actions of the people. I do not get this simultaneous people head nodding, do people actually do that?” (Read full review)
Capsules:
1.0 Skilty Labastilla (Young Critics Circle Film Desk)
“It’s surprising that the script won a Palanca award. But then again, the chairperson of the three judges the year it won was Joel Lamangan, and the story undoubtedly fits his politics. Subtlety has never been one of Lamangan’s virtues, but here, it’s as if he was envisioning that only 7-year olds will be watching his movie: everything is spelled out, leaving no room for the imagination. Halfway through the movie, I felt like walking out, but I stuck through it hoping things will get better. It got even worse.”
Verdict: Proceed with Caution
May 12, 2013
SCL
