January 1, 2025
Vivamax, now called VMX, still releases 1 or 2 new films almost every week of the year, although most of them are mid-length now, running for only 45 to 60 minutes. They have also started accepting advertisements of online casinos and other products within their films.
This year, VMX even had two theatrical releases -- "Unang Tikim" by Roman Perez Jr. and "Celestina: Burlesk Dancer" by Mac Alejandre, both coming out in R-18 and SM Cinema-friendly R-16 cuts. I was not able to watch the second one due to schedule conflicts.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
16. MAMA'S BOY by Paul Michael Acero
15. PILYA by Dustin Celestino (MY FULL REVIEW)
14. KAPALIT by Carlos Alvarez (MY FULL REVIEW)
13. UNANG TIKIM by Roman Perez, Jr. (MY FULL REVIEW)
12. UNGOL by Bobby Bonifacio, Jr. (MY FULL REVIEW)
11. MAHAROT by Rodante Pajemna, Jr. (MY FULL REVIEW)
HERE ARE MY 10 HIGHEST-RATED VMX FILMS OF 2024:
The story of swapping partners is definitely not new in Vivamax in particular, nor even in local cinema in general. However, this one tried something with its stylized storytelling that went for high camp. This way the thoughts of each of these four main characters were also made known to the audience, making the proceedings more interesting. The naughty lilt in narrator Mercedes Cabral's voice as she told her sordid tale sounded like she was telling a bedtime story for adults.
From a typical Vivamax plot about sexual shenanigans in a boarding house, the story actually turned serious as it discussed about real love and just sex. Angela Morena is a veteran in portraying girls who get caught in sticky situations. Angelica Hart turns it her best performance so far as Kayla. Albie Casino may already be typecast in rascal sex maniac roles, but JD Aguas makes an auspicious debut as a good boy dealing with depravity all around him.
The plot was quite complex for Vivamax standards, even needing a helicopter wreck in one scene. Director Perez and his DP Albert Banzon was able to bring out the lushness of the green mountain forest setting, with some impressive-looking overhead drone shots. The atmospheric musical score by Dek Margaja for the sex scenes was very lush as well. On the debit side, the acting of the female ensemble was garish, and Relosa's wig was ugly.
No less than National Artist Ricky Lee wrote this screenplay, so it was not surprising that there were so many complexities in this film's plot, certainly more than the typical VMX film. In the title role, Christine Bermas gave it her all, especially in those crazy, never-before-seen bedroom acrobatics. Victor Relosa and Gold Aceron nailed their challenging closet roles. This was also the first Vivamax appearance of Josh Ivan Morales, best known as the predatory uncle in "Ang Lihim ni Antonio" (2008), still as depraved and beastly as ever.
Like his other Vivamax output, cult director Roman Perez, Jr. never settled for the bare minimum when it came to choosing his shots for scenes in his films. The main setting of a seaside village may sound drab, but Perez and his cinematographer Rommel Andreo Sales employed a lot of artistic camera angles for aesthetic enhancement -- with views from the top, in mirror reflections, or through windows where the warm sun was beaming in.
This film was notable for its well-blocked and well-photographed scenes. care of director Novabos and his cinematographer Alex Espartero. The storyline was predictable. The ending was too rushed, over-the-top, and inexplicable in the legal context, which was unfortunate. Dyessa Garcia did well in her first starring role. Arnold Reyes had a strong screen presence. Tanya Gomez stole the show with her hilarious portrayal of mommy Rosa's greed.
Unlike her previous sullen and drab roles, Sahara Bernales was smiling beautifully here, looking radiant from her very first scene when she boarded ship. More than that, Bernales gives what it probably her best performance in a VMX film, with her relaxed, natural and confident portrayal of Marya. As his usual, Vince Rillon gives another raw yet nuanced portrayal of the lovestruck Lando. Their chemistry together here was off the charts.
The premise about taking a road trip to do soul searching may sound very old hat, but this film actually turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Outside those distracting sex scenes and stilted acting of the supporting actors, the scenes where the three main characters were just driving around and talking with each other were actually good, especially with the easy, natural chemistry among the three main actors -- Ataska, Dyessa Garcia, and unexpectedly, even newcomer Mhack Morales.
Director Lawrence Fajardo and screenplay writer John Bedia devised to present a play within a film. The script of the "El Querido" play was written by Jim Flores, obviously adapted from the classic novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence. This VMX film felt different from others from the very start with its opening credits. This one took its time in setting up its premise and to let viewers into the behind-the-scenes goings-on among director, cast and crew in a theater production.
Rejoice (Ataska) was a lounge singer in a bar, where she performed her original songs. She was married to tattoo artist Marcus (Itan Rosales), who owned the Gemini Link tattoo parlor. One day, after a steamy session of lovemaking, Marcus suddenly collapsed with a severe headache and fell into a coma. When Rejoice checked his mobile phone, she discovered that Marcus had another woman in his life -- Astrid (Angeli Khang).
Writer-director Bobby Bonifacio was able to craft a serious, well-written love story of devotion and sacrifice, albeit in VMX style. The star of this feature is Ataska, not only in drama acting, as well as in singing, guitar, and songwriting. Her emotional songs gave the film its beating heart. Itan Rosales may be out of commission for most of the film, but he still had a lot of action going on in flashbacks. Top-billed Angeli Khang lends her star power in a significant supporting role.
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For my Best of Vivamax films of 2023, click HERE.
For my Best of Vivamax films of 2022, click HERE.
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