Thursday, March 15, 2012

Movie Review: Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang



Written and Directed by: Richard Somes

Screenplay by: Jerry Gracio

Produced and released by: StarCinema, Skylight Films

Starring: Erich Gonzales, Derek Ramsay, Mark Gil, 
Epy Quizon, Mon Confiado, Tetchie Agbayani

Synopsis

Coming from a tragic past during World War II, Corazon (Erich Gonzales) only wanted one thing in life- to conceive a child. A loving wife to Daniel (Derek Ramsay), she wishes that their five-year marriage be blessed with a baby. But fate has not been helpful as all her efforts at conception seemed futile.

Together with Daniel, they leave town in search for a woman who could possibly help her. She is given a statue of San Gerardo, the patron saint for pregnant women, and was told to keep her faith no matter what happens. Her devotion pays off when she finally bears a child.

On the day of the child’s birth, they found the baby dead. Corazon’s world is shattered. She has kept her faith but her child was taken from her. Corazon’s anger envelopes the town in horror as a child dies each night.

REVIEW

After the success of Yanggaw, Director Richard Somes has fully evolved from an indie film-maker towards a promising mainstream horror-suspense director through Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang.

What more can I say? As an avid horror fanatic, I really must say that this film is the best Pinoy horror film made by an independent film-maker. What's great about Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang is that it brought the genre onto a whole new level.


The plot may at first be slow since the film is trying to establish the story of Corazon and Daniel as a hopeful couple wanting to have their own child. But, what is great with Director Richard is that the slow phase at the start is a progressing scheme that will lead you the conclusion on why did Corazon became an "aswang" on the latter.

Director Richard Somes took the first hour of the film to create an atmosphere wherein viewers could have a better grasp on the film's premise on becoming a "Monster" or "Aswang" that you wouldn't thought you would be. Its not about those scary and wild creatures with bloody faces and sharp teeth. Its more so of the societal problem. On how the society and even the people create monsters within themselves and to their fellowmen. It has a psychological approach to horror that has been creatively crafted in one film. I really commend how Direk Richard combined all these elements and thus, coming up with a very beautiful masterpiece.

The film's strength also lies in its wonderful Cinematography. I love the whole texture of the film. The texture blended well with its Production and the 1946 timeline setting. Its old and very Pinoy. I love the village scene and even the plains and forests. The 1946 timeline was consistent all throughout and is very evident in their lifestyle, houses, clothing and even the dialects used. Production cost my not  be evidently high and costly, but generally, the film is consistent. Prosthetic-wise, it's good but it needs more improvement on some aspects. Nevertheless, the film scared me at some point though scary scenes are somewhat minimal.


The sound engineering and musical scoring was also good. It added on the film's aura and appeal. I just had a little problem on the lights used during night scenes. It is so bright. I expected it to be somewhat darker just like the technique Direk Richard used in filming Yanggaw. On some point, night scenes were like staged production and less realistic. 

Acting-wise, I'm pretty impressed with the casts especially Erich Gonzales, who really did shine in this film. Erich's versatility as an actress has fully evolved in Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang. She deserves an award for her epic performance. I'm glad Erich has been given this big break. On the other hand, being the universal leading man, Derek Ramsay also showed his acting prowess and complimented well and effectively to Erich's character. Derek has also shown great performances in this film. Notable performances from Tetchie Agbayani and Mark Gil, Mon Confiado and Epy Quizon also contributed to the film's strength. 

There are a lot of Aswang films that have been shown on theaters, but Corazon: Ang Unang Awang is very unique among them all. This film gave a clear personification on how are monsters created in the society. The film will give you a great but open ending. An ending that might be a birth of more questions for its viewers... 

Just a piece of advise, don't look at this film as a horror one... More so, treat this film on a realistic basis... an in-depth approach to the creature we called "Aswang".


RATINGS: 5 STARS









Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Movie Review: Unofficially Yours




Synopsis

The story is about a man who had a one night stand and eventually fell in love with a woman who doesn’t want to fall in love. John Lloyd Cruz plays the role of Macky Galvez who is unluckily having several failed relationships. While Angel Locsin plays the role of Ces, a modern-day woman who is afraid of commitments. And when their worlds collide a funny and sexy love story began to bloom.

Casts

The cast includes Tetchie Agbayani, Edgar Allan Guzman, Edgar Mortiz, Ian De Leon, K Brosas, Boom Labrusca, Melissa Mendez, Hyubz Azarcon, Mel Kimura, Panying, Dana Martinez, Dannielle Martinez, Patrizha Martinez. 


Directed by: Cathy Garcia-Molina
Under STAR CINEMA

REVIEW:

You may see a similar formula of "No Strings Attached" and "Friends with Benefits" in this film, but undeniably, UNOFFICIALLY YOURS is by far, one of the best Pinoy Romantic Comedy that has truly exceeded the "conservative mark".

The whole film really works for me. I mean, its not an extraordinary film but its a good one. Even though its plot may not be original, but the attack of the story is very Filipino. I can see a whole new flavor of RomCom Formulas that are not so typical in Pinoy films nowadays. Finally, a semi-liberated film with rich of values and learning is now on birth... thanks to this film, its great casts and to Direk Cathy's artistic mind. 

Unofficially Yours is utterly entertaining and dramatic on the end part. The progression started as Mackie (John Lloyd) and  Cess (Angel Locsin) enjoy each other's company through several sexual intercourse and a casual treatment with each other. But, when their destinies met in the same work place. Their whole journey has just begun...They resume their sexual trysts, with the agreement that there are absolutely no strings attached and that they are forbidden to fall in love with each other. Mackie however starts to fall for Ces, whose strong personality soften as Mackie starts being so nice to her.

The film's formula is very effective in making this film at par from any other Pinoy RomComs. Aside from its courageous and liberated approach to the concept of Pinoy love nowadays, the charm of its two great casts: John Lloyd and Angel has effectively brought "kilig" to its audiences across all gender. Supported with talented characters such as K Brosas, Edgar Allan Guzman, Melissa Mendez, Tetchie Agbayani and the Martinez Siblings, you'll never get bored the entire film.


Cinematography-wise, the love scenes are artistically and professionally done in a way that it wouldn't look like an R-Rated Film. Transitions and editing is fairly smooth. I also love the film's Sound Engineering. 


The main strength of this film lies on the Acting prowess of the casts especially John Lloyd and Angel. Direk Cathy has brought the best within every characters in the film. 


The film may at some point sound cliche, but the film is very relatable. Unofficially yours is a film that will entertain you and teach you a lesson in the end. It may not appeal to the conservative belief of others, but its realism formula made this film a blockbuster hit.


I am not a fan of Pinoy RomComs but I did not regret watching Unofficially Yours.




RATINGS: 5 STARS





Thursday, March 8, 2012

Happenings at SM City Davao this March 2012



Lots of great things and happenings to look forward to this March at SM City Davao.


The Opening of Cyberzone at THE ANNEX, SM City Davao
March 9 - 11, 2012

Cosplayers!!! 
Watch out for the Parade, Meet and Greet, Cosplay Cafe, Cosplay Got Talent, Walk-in Cosplay, Photo contest, Interactive Mini Games and more!

To get to the new Cyberzone at the Annex, take the bridge way from 
the Level 2 of SM City Davao.


Be updated with the latest gadgets and trends only here at the SM Cyberzone.

Week-long Sale for Araw ng Dabaw
March 12 - 18, 2012


Celebrate life in the City as SM City Davao brings you the Week-long Araw ng Dabaw Sale. Up to 70% off on great selections mallwide. See you there!





Auditions & Celebrity Mall Shows
March 2012



TV 5 Auditons for Kanta Pilipinas
March 10, 2012


The Kapatid Network brings you their new Talent Search: KANTA Pilipinas as it calls out for Audition to all aspiring singers here in Davao and nearby places. Get your applications forms now at all Astrovision outlets or download it www.kantapilipinas.com. Prepare your singing piece and head on to SM City Davao on March 10, 2012.


JAMICH and Daniel Padilla LIVE at SM City Davao
March 16, 2012


Daniel Padilla, one of ABS-CBN's hottest stars is set to jazz up Araw ng Dabaw afternoon with JAMICH at SM City Davao's Event Centre.


Jamich, the real-life couple and one of the hottest Pinoy Youtube sensation, will send love chills to all their Davao fans on March 16, 2012 at SM City Davao's Event Centre.


Get a chance to meet Daniel and dance with Jamich, LIVE on March 16, 5PM at the SM Event Centre. Admission is FREE!



For all Dong-Yan Fans out there!!!

Brace yourselves as the Kapuso Network brings two of its high-caliber artist, MARIAN RIVERA and DINGDONG DANTES, for their new show, MY BELOVED at SM City Davao Event Center this March 17, 2012. 




Celebrate Life in the City at SM City Davao, where we all come together!

For inquiries, please call 297.6998. Don't forget to LIKE also our 
Facebook Account: SM City Davao.