It’s been a few weeks since the eight full-length movies included in the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival were announced. Some were met with delight, some with dismay, but the question remains: which movies do I watch?
Read through our rundown of #MMFF2017’s “Magic 8” to decide which ones to catch—and to make sure you don’t walk into the cinema unprepared!
Mood: I want to be spooked
Haunted Forest
Produced by Regal Films
Directed by Ian Loreños
Starring Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal, and Jon Lucas
This horror flick follows the story of Aris, his daughter Nica, and the strange events unfolding in the haunted forest near their hometown. It plays on the very human fear of dark, unexplored places and folklore monsters. The movie is headlined by four popular young stars, including Hashtags members Jon Lucas and James Blake.
Mood: I want some adventure
Gandarrappido: The Revenger Squad
Co-produced by ABS-CBN Star Cinema and VIVA Films
Directed by Paul Soriano
Starring Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, and Pia Wurtzbach
The film revolves around Vice Ganda’s character Gandarra, a superhero living on Earth who teams up with other aspiring heroes to save the world from an alien invasion.
This one might not feature Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr., but it does have Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach returning to the big screen.
Mood: I want to LOL
Meant to Beh
Produced by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions, and APT Entertainment
Directed by Chris Martinez
Starring Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta
The newly renamed Meant to Beh explores the failing marriage of Ron and Andrea Balatbat, and their kids’ mission to get them back together. It serves up family drama with a side of Filipino comedy.
Fans of Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta won’t want to miss the pair’s big screen reunion after Okay Ka, Fairy Ko nearly 30 years ago.
Deadma Walking
From T-Rex Productions
Directed by Julius Alfonso
Starring Joross Gamboa and Edgar Allan Guzman
Deadma Walking is based on Eric Cabahug’s Palanca Award-winning screenplay. It’s about two gay best friends, a terminal illness, and a plan to create the ultimate funeral. Real-life buddies Gamboa and Guzman headline the movie, which gives an added bit of realism to the on-screen friendship.
If you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, this is it.
Mood: I want that kilig feeling
Siargao
From Ten17P
Directed by Paul Soriano
Starring Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith
Siargao is a movie about young love, living for the moment, and finding one’s self, set on the island that has been dubbed the world’s 5th best surfing destination. If you like white sand beaches and a good romance, this is definitely one to see.
Apart from the official trailer, the production company has also released a YouTube video entitled “Our Love Letter to the Island”, in which the cast and crew talk about how visitors can do their part and help #PreserveSiargao.
All of You
(Originally Almost Is Not Enough)
Produced by Quantum Films and MJM Productions
Directed by Dan Villegas
Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay
What happens when a couple has differing ideas on love?
You’ll have a chance to find out in All of You, featuring the comeback of the Jennylyn Mercado-Derek Ramsay love team from the successful 2014 movie English Only, Please.
Mood: I wanna burst out into song
Ang Larawan, The Musical
Produced by Culturtain Musical Productions
Directed by Loy Arcenas
Starring Joanna Ampil, Rachel Alejandro, and Paulo Avelino
The movie, set in pre-World War II Intramuros, follows the lives of the sisters Candida and Paula, their ailing father, and a mysterious, highly sought-after painting.
The screenplay was written by National Artist for Theater and Literature Rolando Tinio, based on one of Nick Joaquin’s plays entitled “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino.”
Ryan Cayabyab and the Philharmonic Orchestra produced original music for the film.
Celebrated singers and actresses Joanna Ampil and Rachel Alejandro stars as the two female leads.
Mood: I’m in fight mode
Ang Panday (2017)
Produced by Star Cinema and CCM Productions
Directed by Rodel Nacianceno
Starring Coco Martin
It’s a remake of the FPJ classic “Ang Panday,” but actor and director Coco Martin aims to bring something new to the franchise.
The actor is making his debut as director under his real name, Rodel Nacianceno. The storyline is set in present-day Tondo and follows Flavio III, a descendant of the original Panday, who battles an old, resurrected enemy of their bloodline (hopefully for good this time).
Martin is expanding the universe into an all-around experience for the entire family by introducing a mobile game app with the movie.
Tip: #MMFF movies typically run at SM Cinema, Robinsons MovieWorld, and Ayala Malls Cinemas. Book your tickets online with your PayMaya card in the days leading up to December 25!
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