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ALL FILM REVIEWS
‘Smile 2’ REVIEW: The new and improved (and grislier) recipe
While the film unapologetically retains the same formula from the original, the sequence of events in ‘Smile 2’ is more ridiculous and excessive that the horror becomes absurdly amusing.
‘We Live in Time’ REVIEW: Discovering the Beauty of Life, Love, and Laughter
Presented in a nonlinear narrative, ‘We Live in Time’ emphasizes moments of grief and memories of romance, powered by moving performances from Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh.
‘Dayang Asu’ REVIEW: A Hostile Pampanga
In satiating my curiosity about Bor Ocampo through ‘Dayang Asu,’ I’ve found a filmmaker who playfully mixes social realities with a comical and gruesome take. It’s the type of film that validates any excitement for ‘Moneyslapper.’
‘The Teachers' Lounge’ REVIEW: A most stressful scholarly thriller
After more than 40 years of rewrites, Francis Ford Coppola's psychedelic and captivating passion project is finally a reality. But at what cost must one keep reaching for the sun, when even the Godfather can't escape the pull of the ground?
'His Three Daughters' REVIEW: If they weren’t sisters, they wouldn’t be friends
‘His Three Daughters’ uses separation as its central theme and intertwines it with the phenomenon of how death brings families together. It’s consistent with its tone throughout the film, but its ending is its biggest weakness.
‘Transformers One’ REVIEW: An Engaging Retelling of a Friends-Turned-Enemies Robot Duo
Transformers One offers an action-packed animated prequel about friendship, resilience, and betrayal that both fans and casual moviegoers will certainly appreciate.
‘The Substance’ REVIEW: This year’s most visceral cinematic experience
‘The Substance’ is lightning in a bottle, the rare kind of film that exhibits and maintains a rip-roaring, viscera-spewing electricity that sizzles throughout its entire runtime.
‘Ang Panday’ REVIEW: The Faces of FPJ
Ang Panday’ is perhaps the best example that shows how little distinction there is between FPJ’s on-screen hero, who embodies humility, justice, and selflessness, and his off-screen persona, which made him a beloved figure of Philippine cinema.
‘Rebel Ridge’ REVIEW: An enthralling one-man revolution
It’s interesting to note that despite this having sporadic action scenes and being Saulnier’s least violent film to date, ‘Rebel Ridge’ remains a gripping thriller where the threats of violence had as much nail-biting tension as its eruption.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ REVIEW: He’s Back. Good for him!
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ breezes through the usual tricks and charms of its talents. Nevertheless, seeing Tim Burton corral some career-rejuvenating fun in the age of belated sequel-itis still has its rewards.
‘Talahib’ REVIEW: A barren wasteland with no value
‘Talahib,’ just like this film, is a blade of grass in a barren wasteland; it’s there, it exists, but it has no value.
‘Brocka X Bernal’ REVIEW: A Love Letter to Two Legends of Philippine Cinema
Brocka X Bernal is a love letter to the titular two legends of Philippine cinema, from the stars who loved them and for the generations after who might need a reintroduction.
‘The Hearing’ REVIEW: To Be Seen and Heard
‘The Hearing’ builds upon the easy ironies and parallels of its premise to create an immersive legal drama that prioritizes victims of abuse and sexual assault above everything else.
‘Alien: Romulus’ REVIEW: In space, no one can still hear you scream (from stress and anxiety)
‘Alien: Romulus’ features the love and care of everyone involved in not only continuing the franchise but also adding a thrilling experience that pushes the narrative that films are still best experienced on the big screen.
‘Asog’ REVIEW: On the Fruits of Filipino Resistance
‘Asog’ is a transgressive docudrama that defiantly stands up in resistance against the powerful forces of oppression that dominate Filipino society. It’s a reminder of the importance of solidarity and resilience in the face of human tragedy.
‘Lolo and the Kid’ REVIEW: A love letter to parents and grandparents who just want the best for us
‘Lolo and the Kid’ is a love letter to parents and grandparents who want to give what’s best for their children and grandchildren, while recognizing the fact that determining what’s truly best is an entirely separate journey.
‘Balota’ REVIEW: Defending Philippine democracy
‘Balota’ is a story that packs in hard-hitting action, compelling drama, and witty comedy. While its performances shine, the film needed more breathing room to amplify its larger-than-life message.
‘Kantil’ REVIEW: Why you can’t separate the art from its artist
‘Kantil’ is a strong debut film by Joshua Caesar Medroso, but so much has to be said in such a limited amount of time.
‘José Rizal’ REVIEW: A Remastered Filipino Classic
‘José Rizal’ is a classic that the following generations of Filipinos will revere and remember, now in its remastered form.
‘Bona’ REVIEW: Greater than a Catharsis, More than a Woman
Through the newly restored ‘Bona,’ Lino Brocka renders water so sociopolitically volatile and cinematically iconic that even after four decades, its impact is still felt on our skin.