Catching Up on the 2004 MMFF Movies

I've only chosen three movies to see on screen during the 2004 Metro Manila Filmfest. Now, I'm catching up on them through their video releases.

"Mano Po III: My Love"
A typical retelling of the universal issue of unrequited love down in a Chinese setting. Because it has been done in the same old formulaic style, nothing new was shown in this film. Even Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon seemed too tired to be doing the same roles.

"The Bridges of Madison County" has always been a favorite of mine because it has tackled the issue of love in the old age differently - subtly and not teen-ish. Sad to say here, the lead characters failed to think and act so discreetly. Or maybe because the Vilma-Boyet tandem is so used up already that it needs to take a break - for good! However, the good thing was, it ended perfectly. They did not end up together just to rekindle their pre-empted past relationship. Because they are adults, Lilia (Vilma's character) have set aside her feelings and prioritized her obligations to her family. She just needed to answer the questions on her mind re their failed relationship to get closure.

Commendable here was how Joel Lamangan lessened the political issue in the movie.

Among the trilogy, I still feel that Erik Matti's "Mano Po II: My Home" is still the best. It has strong conflicts and very good characterizations.

For someone like me who love "The Bridges of Madison County", I didn't like how the car scene was executed. Sobrang copycat!

*****

"Spirit of the Glass"
Old. Used. Tried. Tired. Trying hard. Boring. A pathetic excuse for a horror film! With two failed attempts at the horror genre (the other one being "Malikmata"), Joey Reyes should stick to what he do best: romantic comedies and realistic dramas!

*****

"Enteng Kabisote: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko The Legend"
Impressive. An updated version of the "Okay Ka, Fairy Ko" t.v. and movie series that Filipinos loved and followed. It made me miss one of my favorite local actresses, Charito Solis. "Ina Magenta" would never be the same without her.

Everything is good (effects, acting, story) except for Kristine Hermosa who seemed to act as if she's in a Jericho-Kristine teeny-bopper type of films! Grow-up, girl!

*****

"So... Happy Together"
Pampalipas-oras, that's how I would describe the film. If you don't have anything better to do and just want to kill time, watch this one. It's neither good nor bad. However though, let me warn you that 95% of this film has Kris Aquino in it! I don't mean to be rude to her followers but she is soooo bad in the film! In fact, without her, this movie could've worked!

*****
"Sigaw"
Technically excellent! It has provided a everything that would make a film creepy - background, musical score, lighting. Pwede na siyang ihanay sa mga Asian horror movies that are coming out lately. However, it has nothing new to offer in terms of the story. So many non-sensical details have been added just to stretch it to two hours. It has a few shock scenes, though, unlike "Spirit of the Glass" that has none!

*****
"Aishite Imasu 1941"
This movie is another Joel Lamangan attempt to uplift the conditions of the Philippine Cinema yet lacking in substance (as always). He seemed to get more enthusiastic about the idea that the film has and forgetting all the necessary and minute details to come up with a great film. This film was set during the American-Japanese war yet the Americans were nowhere in sight! What the -- ?!

However, this is truly a Dennis Trillo film! He deserves all the awards that he has been getting this awards season. His character was the main focus of the film and the one that saved this otherwise falling down the hill movie. So bakit ba ang pagmumukha nina Judy Ann at Raymart ang nasa poster ng pelikula?!

(Read my other reviews for the last three films here.)