MMFF 2016: Vince Kath and James Review

MMFF 2016 really offered quality this year with Vince, Kath and James. Being an entry from a big film production makes me really wonder what is different in this film that it made the cut. I was not expecting much from this film as I just got fed up from recent rom-com films offered this year (except Always Be My Maybe) for its pretentious cliché and unbelievable plotting. What surprised me the most after watching the film is that, I know this could stand the test of time in the current generation of carefree millennials.

It centered among three main character, Vince (Joshua Garcia, who is great in this movie), Kath (Julia Barreto, which is a revelation showing evolving craft in acting) and James (Ronnie Almonte, who needs more acting workshop enough to justify any future projects for him). The characters are well-written except for some supporting characters who just pop-up and completely gone the next with no layer or in-depth at least. Yet, what carry the film and put it on the pedestal of good rom-com film is that, despite being predictable, the film manages to infuse great characterization and impeccable acting (Ronnie Almonte, kind of put the three down yet serviceable at least).

Vince, Kath and James is a rare feat which linearly play the structure in an organic way without resorting to implausible death, sickness or stupid decisions made by main character. The natural rapport and effective chemistry among the leads not just amplify the kilig factor on the film but make you feel love is in the air again.

I am giving this film an 8-glaring smiling emojis out of 10 so go watch this for those who want to be in love and have faith on whatever you believe to be in love.

***MMFF Prediction

> Joshua Garcia might be in the run for Actor Nomination

> Barreto Might snag an acting award too.

> Maris Racal might be in Supporting Actress category. She is fun and bubbly but sometimes over-the-top.

MMFF 2016: Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2 Movie Review

Following the success of the first Ang Babae sa Septic Tank film last 2011, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough, my review for this MMFF 2016 entry is at least to say, the most unconventional comedy in the history of recent festivals. Gone is the day that a comedy should stick to slapstick jokes, crude humor and brainless wit for a refreshing, self-aware and on-point satire of the current rom-com porn in the Filipino film industry. Septic Tank 2 brings back the original cast with Khalil Ramos as replacement for JM De Guzman, where the director Rainier (Kean Cipriano) and Jocelyn (Cai Cortez) meet up with Ms. Eugene Domingo to talk about her comeback film “The Itinerary.”

With the lines, “What do I know, I’m just an actress” and other puns, Eugene Domingo effortlessly carry the film all throughout until the intimidating finale. This is the point where I get to check on the “meta” of the film itself. The comedy comes from self-awareness and proving that what’s popular and accommodating to mass film consumers are just an escape act to get by. In the end, the film depicts a crucial examination on how Filipinos tend to not appreciate artfully made entertainment just because it is not palatable enough to get them out of the dream-state of thin hope and expectations.

Kean, Cai and Khalil provide subtle background to the out-of-the-world suggestion and vision of Eugene Domingo. She wants to have that grasp on the current trend of rom-com films tackling subjects of heartbreak and love with a lot of stupidity and unrealistic provision which sells movie tickets and greata box-office returns. (Hi current rom-com films, please stop it and be more realistic.)

All in all, it is a delight to watch this film and no wonder the other entries might turn up good as well. Watch this as soon as you have the chance because you would surely love the 3 levels of hugot lines. MMFF 2016 is a needed change for our films right now. I am so glad I watched this.

Rating: 9 out of 10 munchable cookies.

***Best Actress to Eugene Domingo

***Best Supporting Actor to Kean Cipriano

MMFF 2016: Be Excited to Watch

This year's MMFF 2016 made a drastic move of choosing quality films over commercially viable ones. In fairness to the new Committee, I really applaud what they have done because we can see their desire to make a change. Let us be united on the coming opening day of the film festival so that we could truly celebrate the quality of Filipino films.


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