7.27.2009

What a Journey

Where's my uniform?

This is the first film that I have seen and the only one that required a second viewing (since its first screening had a technical problem). I am a bit compulsive in not deviating from a well-planned schedule. So I have to endure the technological malfunction and the queasy visuals. I was relieved after my second screening for the reason that despite the irrevocable film crash that happened on its first screening, my assessment of the film is much higher for improved visual experience.

Colorum is about Simon (Alfred Vargas), a young cop who inadvertently meets an ex-convict named Pedro (Lou Veloso) while driving his illegal FX taxi along the metropolis. Upon reaching the end route, Pedro still could not direct him to the Oasis Bus Liner. Simon courteously offers to bring him to the terminal. While they are arguing and looking for signs, Simon accidentally hit a man on the street. Fear of getting busted with his illegal taxi, he locked Pedro as advised by his godfather (Archie Adamos) and embarked on a road trip to Visayas to avoid probable incarceration.

So from that premise alone, we are now wary to avoid misfortune. If Simon could have known from the start that Pedro was an ex-convict, he could have made a pass. Before they meet, it was revealed that Pedro is looking for his only son after thirty years of being in prison. He tried to re-establish his relationship but his son obviously stands firm to cut the ties. The interesting feature in Pedro is that he was played by the pleasing and talented comic actor Lou Veloso. If not for him, I would not even care for the character. Since Veloso is the one playing it, the character of Simon could not resist but help. I would certainly do the same.

Alfred Vargas is a good choice for the role and he played the character without superfluities that most mainstream actors are supposedly known. In here, he was still charming and his approach is very minimalist. His competence as an actor is tested upon his pairing with Veloso. The younger-senior combination swiftly coheres upon the progression of the story. It is a good duo even when there are characters that interfere, both actors shine all throughout. Some might be indifferent with the intervention of minor characters; the failed writer, a teenage girl who is seeking for an abortion and a sham religious preacher. But the movie is most likely in the road trip genre and they have a destination. The director also used situational story devices to enhance the journey by creating blocks, detours and even stopovers. The characters themselves are mere situational devices used to show how a created tandem would react in different social contexts. The essence of its entirety is that it will have logic. Colorum has simple aims with the situations they have presented but the add-ons made the film more convincing and engaging.

This is Jon Steffan Ballesteros first venture into film directing. He wrote it together with fellow screenwriters Diana Malahay (Baby Angelo) and Jerry Gracio (Astig, Imoral). Colorum has also its faults. First, I remember one sequence where Pedro’s character in spite of being a sinner and an ex-criminal, he lectures way too much. This is where the saying less is more could have been applied. Anyway, this could be minor but could really make a little or considerable difference. Hopefully, the promise they have shown here will still improve for their future films. Stories are the important element in films. Just like in Colorum, some lessons are learned the harder way.
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Charlie Koon's Rating:

7.26.2009

And the Winners Are...?

Okay... before I post my reviews, I am again upset with how they award trophies for this year's Cinemalaya Film Festival. I have no problem with the Best Film which is Last Supper No. 3 since its one of the films I gave a higher rating. Colorum and Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe also deserves the Jury Prize. But for the rest, I doubt their decision.

1. Best Actress - Ina Feleo
She is not even the lead role in Sanglaan. But I do admire her acting on this film. But its not just right. Tessie Tomas is the lead actress. Do they know how to categorize? I could not find the names of the jury members. I would not be surprised if Laurice Guillen is there. Irma Adlawan (although I think her role as Fe is her comfort zone) or Che Ramos should have won.

2. Best Director - GB Sampedro
The style is too Amoresian, that is why the film is nearly well-made. Why not have Diokno win for its vision of a society without morals. Or even Yapan for evoking the perfect mood and brave usage of mythical creatures. Or even Tarog for its depiction of human condition and the collapse of tribe ritual. But not Sampedro...

3. Best Actress in a Leading Role - Tessie Tomas
Again, she should not win even in the Lead Actress category. Trying to be subtle but she has made an over-the-top dramatic acting performance in the climax. I'm disinclined to praise her.

4. Best Actor - Lou Veloso
It is Alfred Vargas who is the lead actor in Colorum. Maybe if he was in the Supporting Category, Veloso deserves to win. Still questionable category

5. Best Actor in Supporting Role - Arnold Reyes
I don't agree. Lou Veloso should be on this category. Reyes is not as good as Edgar Allan Guzman in the same film. And there are other actors who are more worthy for this award.

Just like Cinema One Originals last year, the awards are always and will be questionable. They have to raise the standards more higher. I hate to think if it is politically motivated and run by padrino system. But I hope they will be more detach or else, winning in the next coming years is not that worthy to have. Charlotte Rampling's character in Swimming Pool could be partly true. Sarah Morton said: 'Awards are like hemorrhoids. Sooner or later every asshole gets one.'

7.21.2009

Cinemalaya Pre-Review and Predictions






Quick Updates:
I have just finished watching all ten films for this year's competition. Hopefully I could post my individual reviews by the end of the week. For now, I will just post the ratings (objective as possible) and bets. (You don't have to believe it okay)

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Charlie Koon's Ratings:
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Colorum by Jon Steffan Ballesteros
Dinig Sana Kita by Mike Sandejas
Mangatyanan by Jerrold Tarog
Nerseri by Vic Acedillo Jr.
Astig by GB Sampedro
24K by Ana Agabin
Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe by Alvin Yapan
Last Supper No. 3 by Veronica Velasco
Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno
Sanglaan by Milo Sogueco
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Charlie Koon's Bets:

Best Film - Mangatyanan
Best Director - Pepe Diokno (Engkwentro)
Best Actor - Romalito Mallari (Dinig Sana Kita)
Best Actress - Che Ramos (Mangatyanan)
Agree?
Top 3 Films in the Box Office - Astig, Dinig Sana Kita and Last Supper No. 3

7.16.2009

Cinemalaya Cinco!

Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on July 17-26, 2009.
The opening film will be Manila, a film directed by Adolfo Alix Jr. and Raya Martin. It stars Piolo Pascual with Rosanna Roces, Angelica Panganiban, Alessandra de Rossi, William Martinez, Iza Calzado, Baron Geisler, Jon Avila, Jay Manalo and the legendary actress Anita Linda. There are also special participations from John Lapuz, Katherine Luna, Aleck Bovick, Menggie Cobarrubias and Marissa Delgado.

It is open for public viewing, for free I think (but I doubt if you'll be able to see it if you're 'the others'...). Its a first-come-first-serve basis (line up at around 12nn... joke!) and the film will start at 7:30pm. I remember my experience with the premiere of Independencia last June 12, a little bird told me that the free viewing can only accomodate 20-30 (for 'the others') people. The other tickets were already reserved (at around 150-200 tickets) for the rest of the crew and their friends. I lined-up at around 3pm for the 6pm release (not typical of me lining up). Good thing there was another screening after 8pm just to accomodate 'the others'. But I was able to join the 8pm screening (the early bird, catches the worm). Anyway, if you're not that lucky, the commercial release of Manila will be next week, July 22, 2009 at selected cinemas nationwide. Star Cinema is the official distributor of the film.

Ten films will compete in the full-length category. Click on the titles for my reviews. These are 24K by Ana Agabin; Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe by Alvin Yapan; Astig by GP Sampedro; Colorum by Jon Steffan Ballesteros; Dinig Sana Kita by Mike Sandejas; Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno; Last Supper No. 3 by Veronica Velasco and Jinky Laurel; Mangatyanan by Jerrold Tarog; Nerseri by Vic Acedillo Jr. and Sanglaan by Milo Sogueco. For schedules, click here.

Aside from this, the first Cinemalaya-NETPAC competition will premiere nine films. These are Aurora by Adolfo Alix Jr.; Baseco Bakal Boys by Ralston Jover; Bayaw by Monti Parungao; Boy by Auraeus Solito; Handumanan by Seymour Barros Sanchez; Karera by Adolfo Alix Jr.; Latak by Jowee Morel; Prince of Cockfighting by Yeng Grande and Walang Hanggang Paalam by Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos.

Special Screenings will also be held for the following films: Independencia by Raya Martin, Melancholia by Lav Diaz and Serbis by Brillante Mendoza.

For the LGBT community, a special screening will be held for recent full-length films. Click on the title for my reviews. These are Dose by Senedy Que; Heavenly Touch by Joel Lamangan; Jay by Francis Pasion; Quicktrip by Cris Pablo; Selda by Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos; Thank You Girls by Charliebebs Gohetia and The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela by Olaf de Fleur Johanneson.


Lastly, there is another sidebar called Indie Ani: A Harvest of Recent Full-length Features. Click on the title for my reviews. These are 100 by Chris Martinez; Agaton & Mindy by Peque Gallaga; Alon by Byron Bryant; Bente by Mel Chionglo; Concerto by Paul Alexander Morales; Confessional by Jerrold Tarog; Ded na si Lolo by Soxie Topacio; Fausta by Felino Tanada; Forgotten War by Carlo Marco Cruz; Imburnal by Sherad Anthony Sanchez; Kamoteng Kahoy by Maryo J. delos Reyes; Kolorete by Rouello Lozendo; Litsonero by Lore Reyes; Manong by Arnold Argano; Motorcycle by Jon Red; Next Attraction by Raya Martin; Padyak by Aloy Adlawan; UPCAT by Roman Olivares and Yanggaw by Richard Somes.


Charlie Koon Recommends:

Two films that have gotten my attention in my one year of film reviewing are Alon and Independencia. Alon is directed by Byron Bryant and is the highest rating I have given so far (4.5/5) and is my top film of last year. The last time I saw an exceptional film was Kubrador by Jeffrey Jeturian. Its hard to praise any art film just for the sake of being different or too experimental. Cinematic Integrity is the most important of all. If you will ask me, I prefer a well-made story than style. Alon excelled in having a rich and well-knitted narrative and well-researched characters. This is a superior work. It could penetrate your soul; as this film conveys love on its simplest form. I admire Mark Gil's performance. He's subtle. He's got style. He's just an outstanding actor.
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In terms of being a good technician and crafting a film with a lot of promise, Raya Martin is the man to beat. Take note, I did not like Indio Nacional and Next Attraction. Raya Martin impressed me with his unique approach towards storytelling. And it is mostly all about our Filipino heritage. There are flaws in this film like Sid Lucero's obscure acting style and way too lyrical dialogue executions. Its just not right. But Alessandra shines all-throughout without any effort with her minimalist acting approach, it looks very natural. The overall creation of an artificial backdrop did create a bit of controversy. For me, its what he intended to do in the first place and the execution was too obvious for us to validate its synthetic appeal. The important aspect is that, Martin's got balls to do this stuff and this film could be a turning point of his increasing maturity as a filmmaker
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Special Mention:If you love comedies, I recommend Ded na si Lolo directed by Soxie Topacio.

Ticket Prices:
Regular Tickets are priced at 100 pesos while students can buy for only 50 pesos.
Day Pass are priced at 300 pesos. (5 screenings per day)
Festival Pass are priced at 1000 pesos. (All screenings)

Let’s Switch Souls

Am I still... Me?

Villa Estrella could be best described as a mainstream montage, a papier-mâché piñata of Rico Maria Ilarde’s lesser known films. Numerous reference are seen in this film that has been employed from the mysterious lady coming out of the water of Sa Ilalim ng Cogon, the water element also present in Shake Rattle and Roll 2k5 segment ‘Aquarium’. The religious iconography, gun chasing incidents and twist obsessions of Altar is quite perceivable as well. I have seen all of these films. I could say that Ilarde is not only inspired to make horror features, making a credible name in the genre, but also has the skills both as a technician and a storyteller. Villa Estrella is an entertaining suspense story with a dash of romance and horror twists.

Altar could have been a good commercial release but unfortunately it did not happen. But I could still be right in what I said in my review of the film. It is easy to discern independent filmmakers who could be really useful in the mainstream film industry. This is especially for their artistic skills to be employed and blend it with film economics, you could never complain. I also felt the same way with the indie director Jade Castro’s romantic film Endo, the director of the mainstream romantic film My Big Love (although I was not able to record or write what I have said in that). Ilarde’s artistry surely did not suffer and have made really bold moves especially in his recent film.

Ana (Shaina Magdayao) is an advertising agent who is suffering from an abusive father played by John Estrada. She is forced to make up with Alex (Jake Cuenca), the son of his best buddy played by John Arcilla. They are business partners and his father is convinced that the reconciliation with her and Alex could be beneficial since the collapse of their finances. Unfortunately for Ana, she has a steady boyfriend Dennis (Geoff Eigenmann) who convinces her to elope one night but due to the promise Ana gave her deceased mother, she opted not to leave his drunkard and abusive father. Not surprisingly, that was a wrong move for Ana because by the next day, Alex has planned to taken her with him in the undeveloped resort they had named Villa Estrella.

Ana suddenly feels terrible about the place mostly for the peculiar attention being given to her by the Mang Gusting (Ronnie Lazaro). He tells her of her childhood and with her supposedly closeness with Andrea, her missing daughter. Ana is quite withdrawn from her past and insists Alex for them to leave the place but he resisted. As the night is going near, Ana familiarized herself with the place and befriends the startling and enigmatic Giselle (Maja Salvador).

Writers John Paul Abellera and Adolf Alix Jr made a good task in layering drama, romance and horror in the film. But I could still feel the artistic voice of the director Ilarde in evoking a credible assailment on this kind of genre. His images are somewhat predictable but the imagination of a suspenseful atmosphere and the logic behind the mysterious evil spirit residing at the soiled swimming pool is totally understandable.

Ana has suffered emotional trauma and it is quite easy to be convinced why she forgets her past. But when unexplained things happen, almost all the people in the Villa feel the intensity and mystery, well except for Alex. He could have focused too much with his undying love, he could have been possessed. In the middle of the chaos, Dennis harps in to save Ana but gets troubled with the lost of his friend. At least he’s still optimistic and logically finds his friend near the backyard. But he soon falls in a deep dungeon where he finds a little sneaky secret that could unlock all the ambiguity of the resort.

It’s a bit fun though when you think about the ending. Could it really be possible? I mean, it’s so cool if you will ask me, it could really lead to a catfight. And yet again, Alex will always be dumbfounded and literally has no instincts that someway or somehow; all the things could have been altered. Villa Estrella is a commendable film and the money you allocate for this will not be wasted. But to the most discerning eyes, the film is not all out scary, so watch out for this factor as the film has fused in other genre devices from drama to romance and even comedy.


Charlie Koon's Rating:

Lucky Bastard

Are my eyes big?

Pitik Bulag (Blind Luck) is a film by Gil Portes, the helmer of the wholesome and socio-political film Mga Munting Tinig (Small Voices). The only aspect of the film that could be a trademark of Portes is its technicality. It is almost mostly dull, could be best described as a stagnant pond infested by dengue plagued mosquitoes. But the story is quite interesting, well-maneuvered and has freaking logic. If I would gauge a film’s superiority choosing from the writing and style, I would definitely go with the writing. It is the hardest of all in film creation. But don’t get me misquoted for this. Pitik Bulag is just quite efficient and adhered to its genre without loosing its common sense.

Angelo works as an extra in film productions. He idolizes Fernando Poe Jr. like a mentor. He believes that he will be a good action star someday. This self-promise convinced him that he will go far and thus he marries his girlfriend (Paloma). Years have passed, they still live in a bungalow house and Angelo has no stable job. His wife works as a ticket clerk in one of the dilapidated movie houses in Carriedo, Manila. One day, Angelo travels to a friend’s house to borrow money. But in a surprising twist of fate, he was almost rundown by two fast vehicles and discovers a loot bag full of money that fell from the owner type jeepney. Shaken by the incident, he transfers all the money into his bag and runs off, leaving his wallet behind as a clue to his identity for the robbers to track down.

The screenplay by Eric Ramos is said to be inspired by a bank robbery incident that happened recently. It’s good that the inspiration they got has been pumped-up with a well concocted narrative. The incidents happening to Marco and the succeeding chases have logic and the stretch it made to the inspiration does not deliberately look half-baked. This is the problem with most films that gets inspiration from real-life. They just stop from that inspiration without compounding on the story with story devices. The craft of writing will always be admired as this is the foundation of any movie making. Writing for films is way too different with literary writing. It is already established and what the filmmaker can do is to play with it.

Portes previous films are unyieldingly wholesome; he could have explored the darker arena of humanity. Sex will always be relevant but that is not the entire point of the film and the film is not in anyway pornographic. The human condition in this film is translated just like how other films represent our country. Angelo happens to get a big amount of money and does what his idol would do. Of course not with the guidance of his leading lady which is his wife. They provide some amount to the families of the victims of the bank robbery shoot-out; obviously we could not trust our police. The gangs of bank robbers relayed in the film have police backups. That could be quite feverish since we see two sides of the authority. The hope we get is with another police inspector who is quite smart to know the misrepresentations and obscure principles of police officers.


True to its genre, Pitik Bulag does not end well. But the story has woven every bit of its inspiration to a good form without questioning the logic of the entire narrative. Angelo’s wife is the hope for redemption of the film. As long as you do well, you will be admired. In Angelo’s lifetime, it is true what his wife told us about him. He could have not been a film hero like Flavio in Ang Panday, in real life; he is the superhero. Portes did not give us an artistic approach or the vigorous inclination some filmmakers have in terms of being a technician. But the story approach he has made in Pitik Bulag deserves its merits.


Charlie Koon's Rating:

The Curious Case of the Hippest Job on the Planet

The Devil has an Accent
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I remember in one of the interviews of Andrei Tarkovsky where he gives advice to young filmmakers. He said that nowadays, anyone could make a film. But he stated that if you are beginning to be serious about the craft, you must not separate the work, the film, from the life they live. Assuming Ned Trespeces has heard or have read about this interview, he could be be at ease for what he did with My Fake American Accent. But there is a follow-up to Tarkovsky’s sage advice; that cinema is a very difficult and serious art.
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To be cool about it, My Fake American Accent is not a bad film. I actually enjoyed it. Am I bluffing all along with all the lenient ratings I gave to most ‘entertainment’ films? But with this film, which I happened to enjoy on a purely subjective basis, will not be praised even for its sanguinity of the lives of our beloved business process outsourcing practitioners. Its enjoyment is too cautious to be self-indulgent.
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My Fake American Accent comprises of different episodes into the lives of technical support representatives. Seva (Mailes Kanapi) is the strict team lead. Her team comprises of her goth and rebellious daughter Samp (Cherry Mae Canton), the military dropout Buster (Miro Valera), the nerdy but chic ex-Palanca award winning writer Astrid (Tracy Abad), the laid-back Meryl (Martin dela Paz) and the newbie Eric (Jonathan Neri). I just noticed that when I watched last year’s call center film Loving You, their names are really cool. Is this part of the culture of having fashionable names? Eric is still a newbie so he has yet to conceive a spectacular moniker. It’s not only with the names that they are so hip, but they also represent the trendsetters of our generation from the branded shoes and gizmos to the apparel.
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The episodes give limelight to each of the characters. I noticed that at some point, their life in the industry has something to do with a failure or perhaps a frustration. Astrid for example is a failed writer (so she says so). She re-ignites the passion in the craft and submits a draft of her work to a bitchy TV writer. The same with Meryl (not his real name) where he gives up bartending for a job that he has no passion but is incredibly excelling. Despite the terrible attitude of Seva, there is an instance wherein the indifference her daughter Samp has for her subsides. Eric is a newbie from beginning until the end. The episode on Buster gives us an idea of the crimes happening at night. Despite the warnings, these people are really fond of dressing up and looking their best. It’s quite funny because they are not really being seen.
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My Fake American Accent has something to say about the director’s job before he shifted career to filmmaking. The call center type of job has obtained too much hype and it reflects on film. The opportunity it gives though is somewhat questionable. It’s like a drop-off workplace for people who endure frustrations and failures. Just like what I have said, the film is more of an exercise and it could be enjoyed for casual appreciation. If they could have pumped up the story more or even incorporate film styles that would elevate it into a film that could still be a more pleasing viewing experience and still be honest with your own chronicles as an agent.
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Charlie Koon's Rating:

7.15.2009

Brutus

Brutus is a film directed by Tara Illenberger about two kids smuggling logs from the mountains. It is a journey that opens their eyes to a world that is ruled by greed and torn by political conflicts.
Brutus will be shown at Indiesine starting July 15, 2009.

7.14.2009

Muted Atmosphere

Brownout Fever

Baby Angelo is an interesting film that represents real life situations. It’s deliberately restrained, making the entire tableau a reflection of the ordinary lives of middle-class Filipinos. The setting is nearly dark and hazy; a palette that could equal anything that is uncertain. And these are the lives that we are bound to see. Monotonous daily activities do not alarm these people and why should they; monotony has no cause for alarm. Thanks to the unborn fetus found in the nearby dump area; they are now warranted to ember the long dimmed lights of their lives.

Baby Angelo is directed by Joel Ruiz with his co-writer Abigail Aquino. The film is not entirely about Baby Angelo, who is already dead at the start of the film. Baby Angelo is the fetus found nearby the Genevieve Homes owned by the pious and extremely organized Mrs. Nora de Guzman (Ces Quesada). There are certain police protocols where they should submit affidavits and Mrs. Nora asks the help of her nephew Bong (Jojit Lorenzo) to interview all the tenants. Bong is a happy-go-lucky guy who is married to Lisa (Katherine Luna), who is glued to their apartment for unexplained reasons.

Well, they are the focal characters in this film. There is a tendency wherein you might get confused as to where the film is heading. Since the apartment is nearly full, there’s a bunch of intertwining stories within the narrative. It’s a clear indication that one way or another, people we are living with has an influence in our lives. Its not only limited to our relatives or immediate families but also to our neighbors. Given the chance to engage with others, there is a tendency to digress with the warmth of a connection.

The entire ensemble is mostly natural in their acting approach. It’s easy to notice that despite the fragmented scenarios, we could still feel the authenticity of the characters’ humanity. Bong and Apple (Diana Malahay) are the only two who could babble their longings and aspirations. Lisa on the other hand deals with Bong’s irresponsiveness with restrained annoyance. We have another character that has delicately painted a personality that has deeper manifestations of the yearning to be of being appreciated. This is Nora, a religious mother whose claws control ownership of the apartment and yet she gets a cold shoulder from his rebellious son Ike (Cedrick Lamberte). Her relationship also with his prim and suave husband Noel (Mark Gil) has this insinuation of a wrinkled situation. With a positive outlook in life, she starts to have a modest confidence in herself and fixes her elderly look into a lovely and sophisticated demeanor.

Baby Angelo is courageous to show these ordinary people’s lives and how they fulfill their routine obligations. Their days are occupied in cleaning the streets like the senile Mr. Chiu (Dante Baloi). Karaoke filled nights for the ladies residing at Unit 1-F. And these we see into lifeless color without any glamour. We are bound to see life without thrill and are quite disjointed without a predictable intention. Could we really exist without feeling that we are living? Questions will always be raised and somehow in the end, our existence, no matter how fruitful our lives become, will always appear ordinary. But we struggle to make our lives vibrant. This could be possible if we find true happiness within our midst. The death of the innocent serves as an insighting stimulus and through this, the characters realize the banality of their lives.
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Charlie Koon's Rating:

Drowned in Cholesterol

Funny Bread?

I am quite sure that Litsonero is a film that drowns in its own grease. The grease is the filmmaker whose prime purpose is to indulge himself in his pledge that this type of film would be really remarkable. If there is a time wherein eating is just for the sake of eating, this is the best film that could lead to that. Like food that has no flavor, not even a pinch of pepper, Litsonero bored me to death.

Since the film is talking about food, we could easily relate even with our own dining experience. Imagine a time wherein you are so hungry. Hence, you will munch unto anything that looks edible. The only food offered is your grandmother’s bland porridge with flavorless crackers on the side. This is the entire taste of the film. Well, its still food. But we need to acknowledge that the food is not great and has no taste. It even counters the conflict of the film in terms of cuisine ingenuity.

Fidel (Paolo Contis) is a fashionable and hunky chef who works in Macau. He receives a letter from his grumpy and distressing mother Viring (Maricel Laxa) forcing him to go back in the province for the death anniversary of his father. He was convinced and soon arrives in the province. One night, they had the usual beer drinking with his whiny uncle Pinoy (Michael de Mesa). Pinoy belittles Fidel’s cooking abilities to the extent wherein they had a bet that Fidel would not be able to cook the demanding and extremely mouth-watering lechon. Fidel takes the bet with a consequence that if he loses, he will not go back to Macau and be an assistant in Pinoy’s bakery.

Litsonero is not all stale. Lore Reyes infused some romantic spices to this nearly bland film. Fidel is rearing to win the bet and convinces Mang Carding (Jun Urbano), a semi-retired litsonero expert, to train him in the cooking of the lechon. Through his apprenticeship, he had a glimpse of the shy and poised daughter Carmen, (Karylle) which will be his love interest along the story. Their love chemistry is quite engaging. They hang-out in the farm and lie on the grass for their rendezvous. Fidel has a sophisticated approach towards food. He is more westernized just like the sight of champagne, fruits and bread.

Mother and son interactions are also tackled in the film. Thoughts could be more pondered with the obligations of sons to their parents. They are somewhat touching this topic but backs off. Fidel could have slated his points but Viring retorts in the cliché way of dealing with this deep thoughts. Isn’t she also a daughter? They are nearly synthesizing some important thoughts; they could have expounded for better insights. Tiyo Pinoy is the typical Filipino who is impulsive, cynical and has claustrophobic views of living life in general. And mind you, he could get away with everything with the use of sneer humor.

Litsonero is too self-indulgent. You might like it just like eating for the sake of living. But the art of food has come a long way. There are even shallow sentiments that have been tackled without too much significance to make the story look well-developed. It remains in between two poles; middle is the sign of tastelessness. Anyway, they appear to have enjoyed making the film. Going back to the main objective of Sine Direk, this is to show their artistic side without dwelling much on the profit and all for a good cause (charity event). I think by now they know that the film itself lacks the artistic worth they ought to really have. If they just want to improve, a little pump up could be done as this film looks stale.



Charlie Koon's Rating:
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