August 27, 2024
Director: Philip King
Writer: Philip King
IT graduate Jared (Paulo Avelino) developed an app called Good Job that aimed to network overseas workers from all countries with potential employers. He thought the best way to invite big-time investors was to pitch his app to VIPs riding his elevator to the penthouse. One day, tycoon Byron (Adrian Pang) expressed interest on Jared's idea. However, he delegated his executive assistant Bettina (Kylie Versoza) to deal with Jared for him.
This film was shot in Singapore, and looked expensive with elegant production values, and an international cast led by veteran Singaporean actors Adrian Pang and Amy Cheng in key supporting roles. Paulo Avelino gave an earnest, down-to-earth and likable portrayal of the ambitious Jared. In only his second film as writer-director, Philip King does very well telling the story from Jared's point of view first, then filling in the missing details from Bettina's side. This style allowed both his charismatic lead stars to shine. 7/10.
Director: RC delos Reyes
Writer: Tonio M. Rodulfo, Jr.
Ever since he was a little boy, Oliver (Paolo Contis) had been trained by his policeman father Danilo Malvar (John Arcilla) to be a boxer. When teenage Oliver was outed as gay, Danilo could not accept him. Ten years later, Oliver (now called Keon) ran a gym. One day, he received an ultimatum to buy the lot for P5M or lose the gym. He decided to take up a suggestion by his friend Daddy Yo (Gian Magdangal) to check out an underground fight club.
This film gave the old "macho dad vs. gay son" conflict a different twist, with Arcilla and Contis doing reliable work as ever. The supporting characters steal this show. The usually brooding Khalil Ramos gave a wild maniacal portrayal of ruthless fight club owner Patron. Intense theater actor Gian Magdangal was so unexpectedly lovable as Daddy Yo. Even those who are uncomfortable with gay storylines will enjoy these characters. 6/10
Director: JR Reyes
Writer: Bel Ilag
Best friends Boying (Nicco Manalo) and Mitoy (Jerald Napoles) decide to break in and rob a convenience store owned by Mang Kanor (Dindo Arroyo). Things do not go according to plans, and Mitoy was arrested and thrown into jail for 12 years. When Mitoy was finally released, he saw Boying was working in a funeral parlor called Libing Legend, owned by a pale guy named Zuma Langit (Butchoy Ubaldo). He has not forgiven Boying for letting him take the fall.
The original "Pagpag" (Frasco Santos Mortiz, 2013) starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla was pretty good teen horror-lite. However, this needless reboot was totally worthless. It was done so badly that Manalo and Napoles, usually reliable comedians, came across as awkward amateurs. The acting of everyone else was either too over-the-top (like Nikko Natividad) or plain stiff cardboard (like Danita Paner). This was a disastrous misfire. 1/10.
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