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Visually stunning, but 'tragic' at its heart.
First of all, I want to say that if you happen to suffer from or deal with mental issues, this movie could be concerning since it lacks trigger warnings and has inconsistent handling of very sensitive material.If you think this is a strangers-to-lovers romance movie that was filmed in a foreign country, technically, you are not wrong. But the core concept of this movie is far from the typical romantic movie you’ve seen. The idea is somewhat tragic: the FL is suffering depression and flew to Switzerland seeking assisted voluntary death (AVD), a morbid activity that’s legal there, and by chance, she meets another Pinoy, and strangely enough, they bond over the mutual understanding of AVD.
Visually, this movie offers the best views of the picturesque natural beauty of Switzerland. During the 1 hour 48 min running time, it almost feels like I’m watching a travelogue rather than a movie. Ironically, while this movie provides your eyes with breathtaking scenery and shows a few experiences you can add to your bucket list, the essence of it is disheartening. The dialogues could’ve been done in a better way, especially when the mental health issue is the midpoint of the movie’s narrative. Even as someone who doesn’t deal with serious mental issues, I found it depressing, especially the often juxtaposed scenes of emotional disarray of two people strolling across beautiful Swiss landscapes like it’s a sweet romcom.
Mental health is a sensitive topic to discuss in any medium, especially when it touches on the idea of ending one's life. While this movie attempted to encourage conversation about this topic, with some reminders of self-love, it wasn't being handled with the right amount of sensitivity. Just when I thought there would be a light at the end of the tunnel, the ending turned out to be gloomier than I expected. Tons of beauty shots couldn't save this movie. The way it romanticizes suicide is a bit problematic. It’s frustrating to see the lack of basic research by the filmmakers on the right approach to a sensitive subject.
In terms of acting, Kylie Padilla handles her character and scenes efficiently. Playing a character with such a significant psychological and existential burden is not easy. Gerald Anderson, on the other hand, isn’t really noteworthy. He has his charms, but they fail to impress beyond that. While Kylie and Gerald show a decent chemistry, their intended romantic dialogues sound contrived.
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A watchable, light drama, but could've been better.
This drama is like Hotel de Luna meets the American dramas Miracle Workers and The Good Place, with a slightly different setting. Even if you haven’t watched the parent story, you can still get the whole idea of this spinoff. The premise is not something relatively new – people stuck in purgatory while waiting to be sent to either heaven or hell – this spinoff tells the story in an almost familiar setting we’ve seen before. The only thing that caught my interest is how they portray Hell, which looks like a paradise and is interpreted as a paradise for all the crime and illegal things.The plots are quite predictable, with not many subplots that will give you surprise and suspense. There isn't much to be impressed with or complain about in terms of character as well. Most characters have their own backstory, but it doesn’t have much depth to make you feel related to the character. FL and ML have good chemistry, which earns this drama a little extra point. Given the hanging finale, I suppose there will be a second season. So far, I enjoyed this drama, but it could've been better.
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Should you give this movie a chance?
If you have seen 'One More Chance', you might want to watch this movie. But don't expect it to be the upgraded version because it might not be what you expect. Popoy and Basha’s flawed relationship in the prequel survived, and this movie takes an observant look at their married life with a subtle focus on the ‘seven-year marriage itch’.The storyline progressed in phases: from the wedding, then fast-forward to the present day. It gives an understanding of what is going to happen next, which is the challenges they are facing of being married. It’s understandable that so much could change their dynamic as a couple after almost 12 years together (they dated for 5 years in One More Chance and married for 7 years in this movie). I’d say that the conflict doubles down on the movie’s realness and is reasonably exaggerated for melodrama’s sake.
Bea and John Lloyd, as usual, deliver a good performance. They are who they should be, as they just perform naturally while giving sincerity to their roles. Their chemistry is undeniable. There are moments that made me smile, sad, frustrated and even made me go “aww!”
Like the prequel, A Second Chance is not lacking in sweet romance, some corny lines, dramatic conflicts and arguments, supportive friends, and a predictable ending – a standard romance-drama formula. The emotional rollercoaster is there, but not enough to leave a lingering feeling or a lasting impact. There are a few things that I think could’ve been done better, but overall, the movie is not bad.
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Feel the thrill of every spike.
Sports movies always resonate with audiences, especially with the theme of striving to be the best and the story of the underdog. This movie does exactly that without any major flaws.Instead of making this movie entirely about the volleyball legend Lang Ping, it gives more space that highlights the players during the training and the sports events that the team competes in. The shots and the editing are so impactful, making your attention glued to the screen from the moment it started until the end. The intensity increases steadily.
What amazes me the most about this movie is that the players are playing themselves. Even the young Lang Ping is played by her daughter, who’s also a volleyball player. Without a professional acting background, each player carried out their own story successfully. You can see and feel the honest emotion and reaction in every hardship they have gone through during training and every match they are playing. What’s even more amazing is the fact that players from the USA, Thailand, Japan, and Brazil teams appear in this movie rather than having actors portray them. This is a good approach in sports movies because when a professional athlete plays, the technique and style are more accurate and convincing than an actor who embodies someone’s character. I'm just stating the obvious.
The matches are well executed, as if the movie were a historical re-enactment itself. I can feel the adrenaline rush, as if I’m watching a real match instead of a movie. It makes this movie one of the best sports movies I have ever seen. This is a perfect-10 sports movie.
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There's not much a strong "kilig" can do when the story is weak.
For Rastro / Jathea fans, the news of Glaiza de Castro and Rhian Ramos pairing up on screen again in a film was undoubtedly a cause for excitement. This reunion of the Philippines' first GL pairing had fans eagerly anticipating a well-developed romance, especially after their sizzling chemistry in "The Rich Man's Daughter." However, despite the star power and on-screen appeal of the leading ladies, the film doesn't live up to the hype.The chemistry between Glaiza and Rhian is one of the film's strongest points. Their natural moments of banter and "kilig" make the audience root for their romance. However, even the best chemistry can only carry a story so far. The film suffers from a loose and tangled story structure. The uneven pacing and a confusing flow of events between present-day scenes and flashbacks make it hard for viewers to stay engaged. Another notable shortcomings is its lack of character depth and development. Chicks feels too shallow, while Anne, lacks a properly fleshed-out backstory that could have added layers to her story/conflict. At some point, the concept of a 'manic pixie dream girl' doesn't really carry much weight beyond just being a concept. Without well-rounded characters to invest in, it's challenging to fully engage with the story beyond the surface-level romance. Plus, this film has beautiful locations and sets. But unfortunately, they are not fully utilized to give the visual impact that it deserves.
While Rastro reunion on screen is a treat for the fans and their performances are commendable, the loose storyline and lack of character depth overshadow their efforts. They've done their best with the material given, but ultimately, the film as a whole falls short of making a lasting impact. Overall, "I Fell, It's Fine" is a bit of a letdown for fans or even anyone who seek a more engaging and well-crafted love story.
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A unique blend of horror, but lacking somewhere
This film offers a unique and fresh perspective on Thai horror films by blending two distinct beliefs into one captivating story. It is a rare gem in the horror genre that manages to seamlessly weave Christianity and animism together, creating an engaging narrative. The contrast between the two belief systems adds depth to the story, creating a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual elements that set it apart from other horror films. The integration of both beliefs adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the narrative.The performances in this movie are quite remarkable. James Jirayu and Mean Phiravich deliver compelling performances that bring their characters to life with authenticity. In particular, Mean Phiravich shines with his portrayal of Mae Muang Sopha, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor. Pearwah's performance is equally good, pushing the boundaries of her acting abilities.
This movie has its fair share of strengths, but it also has some weaknesses. At times, the pacing feels a little off and some plotlines may seem repetitive. The story's resolution can feel somewhat anticlimactic. The scary level of the film is also quite mild, which may disappoint viewers looking for a more intense horror experience. Also, the characters' backstories could have been fleshed out more to give us a better grasp of their motivations and actions.
Director Kui Taweewat deserves praise for his ability to produce horror films with a unique flavor that sets them apart from the rest. His skillful direction and vision shine through in every frame. One of the noteworthy features is its exorcism scenes, which are nicely crafted to evoke a similar feeling of Western horror films, with intense moments of tension and suspense.
Overall, while the film may not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, it is a refreshing take on the horror genre that offers something new and exciting for fans of the supernatural. But if you're looking for something really terrifying with a solid execution, this probably isn't it. Still, it's worth a watch for the unique twist it provides.
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Not worth your time.
‘Malee’ is probably the first Thai horror film I’ve watched that features a sapphic storyline. While combining sapphic love, Manora dance, and horror seems like a refreshing departure from the usual tropes seen in the genre, unfortunately, everything is just all over the place.The most important thing about a horror film is the suspense buildup. Without a solid story progression, the fear and horror the film tries to deliver surely won’t work. And this is exactly what this film failed to deliver. The poor script and the lackluster acting from its cast are this film's major downfall. The first 40 minutes of the film are slow and dull, failing to build any real tension or suspense. Additionally, the jumpscares in the film fall flat, lacking the necessary build-up and payoff to truly frighten viewers.
As a big horror enthusiast who also follows GL, I’d say this film is ultimately a bland horror movie with nothing memorable to offer. Definitely not worth your time. 'Malee' may have had the potential to be a standout Thai horror film with its intriguing concept and sapphic backstory, but the film simply fails to fully explore and develop any plot point properly, leaving everything seeming underdeveloped. And if you’re a GL fan who would watch everything with sapphic/WLW elements regardless of the quality, I advise you to at least set some standards and just skip this film.
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Doesn't live up to the expectations
When it comes to horror movies, audiences are always on the lookout for something that will send chills down their spine and keep them on the edge of their seats. 4 Graveyards is a film that promises to deliver a mix of horror, drama and comedy, but it doesn't live up to the expectations.This movie is divided into four different stories with different concepts and directorial teams revolving around the idea of a grave—Djinn, Miracle, Never Rest in Peace, and Children’s Graveyard. In anthologies, there’s often one story that stands out more than the rest, and I have to say, the 4th part, ‘Children’s Graveyard,’ is the one that really grabs my attention. Unfortunately, it feels like it’s a tad too late to recover from a slow start. While each story has its own unique hauntings, the script and the overall plot progression are underwhelming. Thus, I found it challenging to fully engage with the film as a whole.
The reason this movie caught my attention in the first place is its inclusion of religious elements from both Islamic and Christian beliefs, which is a refreshing angle we rarely see in Thai horror. Unfortunately, while this could have added a unique twist to the plot, the execution is rather disappointing. Another issue with this film is its lack of impact. While it does have its fair share of horror elements, they fall short of leaving a lasting impression. The frightening experience doesn't quite reach the level of creepiness it deserves, and the film fails to create that sense of dread and suspense that is crucial for a successful horror movie. I sat through the entire film without a single flinching. Plus, the CGI is pretty subpar.
Despite its shortcomings, one redeeming quality of this film is the solid acting performances from the cast. Each actor really brings their character to life in a believable way. However, even the stellar acting cannot fully compensate for the film's other shortcomings.
To sum it up, 4 Graveyards is a decent horror film, but it lacks suspense and overall impact. Some people may find some enjoyment in this film, but if you're a die-hard horror fan like me, it may be best to look elsewhere for a truly terrifying experience.
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A fairly satisfying remake of a classic Thai horror.
This is the 6th remake of the classic Thai drama, but the first being produced for the big screen.One of the standout features of this film is its production quality. It's undeniable that it's pretty uncommon to find a horror movie that pays such close attention to detail. The film has pretty good editing too. The transitions from scene to scene are quite seamless and manage to captivate the audience's emotions. So far, Kantana's projects have rarely let me down in terms of production and technical aspects. The costume design and hair and makeup are impressive too. You can see the detail to reflect the era as accurately as possible. And for me, the great production aspect always deserves an extra point. I would rate it lower than 7.5 if it wasn't for the production.
One more great thing about this film is the amazing performances by the three main actors. Their acting prowess truly shines. Nune Woranuch fully showcases her potential as Khun Lantom, creating a unique version of the character. Nune's beauty is ageless—how does she manage to look so stunning even as a ghost? At the same time, Gap Thanawet and Goy Arachaporn really show off their acting abilities, proving they can take on any roles with ease.
However, despite its great production and performances, this remake really struggles with its story and pacing. Turning a full-length series into a 90-minute film could be a challenging task for the scriptwriters, but they did manage to pull it off pretty well. Still, the limited time frame and the rush to build emotions might leave the story feeling a bit lacking. The first half is a slow burn, and the dialogues come off as a bit too careful before they finally gain momentum towards the end. And with only three characters steering the story and the main focus on Chev and Rossukon, it can feel a bit draggy.
In conclusion, the 2025 version is a fairly satisfying remake of a classic Thai horror drama into a big screen. While it may not be perfect, it's still quite well done.
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What the heck?!
"Hala Bala" tells the story of a police officer who sets out to track down a notorious drug lord, only to find himself trapped and tangled up in a haunted forest. The film's premise sounds promising, but unfortunately, the execution falls short of expectations.One of the main weaknesses of this film is its storytelling. The narrative is confusing and seems a bit out of place. The plots driving the story forward feel disjointed and without a clear end goal. One moment it's about chasing a bad guy, then it shifts to some cannibal, cult thing, and suddenly it dives into spirit possessions. The various twists and turns in the story seem to come out of nowhere. This lack of direction makes it hard for me to become emotionally invested in the characters and their journey.
In addition to the poor storytelling, this film also suffers from weak character development. The main protagonists - the cop and his wife, are not given enough depth or backstory to make them compelling leads. Other supporting characters are also underdeveloped, making their presence in the film feel pointless.
Despite these shortcomings, there are at least two positive aspects of this film—the actors' performance and good production values. Ter Chantavit and Nychaa Nuttanicha deliver solid performances in their respective roles. Their acting talent shines through, but even their skills cannot elevate the film to a more impressive status. And the well-shot scenes and good cinematography only do a little to compensate for the film's weak storyline and character development.
In conclusion, Hala Bala fails to live up to its promising premise. For viewers looking for a suspenseful, thrilling, and compelling experience, this film may not be the right choice.
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A lighthearted approach to a sport flick.
Unlike other sports films that lean heavily into dramatic, tear-jerking moments, this film takes a more fun and humorous approach as it follows Kim Woo Jin, a volleyball coach who has never won a single match in his career, guiding a team of underdog and substitute players who are dealing with their own struggles both on and off the court in pursuit of that one victory.While the film may not offer groundbreaking storytelling, and the overall plot pretty much follows a predictable sports movie formula, it still manages to entertain with solid acting from Song Kang-ho and Park Jeong-min, plus its great camerawork, and high production values.
As the first Korean film that centers on women’s volleyball, this film, like many Korean sports flick, is visually impressive, particularly during the game scenes. The fast-paced action and athleticism of the players are captured in stunning detail, making the volleyball matches exciting to watch. Featuring Korea’s volleyball stars, the matches in the film bring an extra layer of realism. Although the title itself gives away the ending, the tension and emotional highs of the sports scenes manage to keep audiences on edge until the end.
One main issue of this film is its weak character development. And while the film does a decent job of setting up the motivations of the characters, the supporting cast is not given much backstory and conflict punch, resulting in less emotional depth. If they had explored the theme of teamwork a bit more, it could've turned this film into a great one.
In conclusion, "One Win" may not win any awards for originality, but it's a fun story with great production values that make it a worthwhile addition to the sports drama genre. While it may not leave a lasting impact, this film still manages to deliver a satisfying conclusion that will leave audiences feeling uplifted.
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A Fresh Take on Food-Centric Drama
In the world of entertainment where mukbang shows have been popular, "Mom's Recipe" took the idea and mixed it with some travelogue and acting, making it a lighthearted, refreshing concept drama that explores more than just food.The series takes viewers on a journey of Cheng and Sri, a college sweetheart couple who just recently got married, through their daily lives, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of balancing their married life, work, and family. As they explore the world of cooking together, they also discover more about each other and themselves.
"Mom's Recipe" follows a unique format where each episode highlights a specific menu or dish that plays a significant role in the characters' lives. It goes beyond the kitchen to explore the emotional and personal connections we have with food. Each dish featured in the series is not just a meal but a story, a memory, a tradition. By intertwining food with heartfelt narratives, the drama invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with food and the role it plays in their lives.
Aelm and Esther are the heart of the show. They bring Cheng and Sri's story to life with their great performances. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, capturing the essence of a couple who are not only partners in love but also in life. Cheng and Sri's dynamic feels like that of a real couple, complete with inside jokes, shared memories, and mutual support. The way they interact feels genuine and relatable, giving the show a sense of authenticity that is often missing in similar dramas.
Overall, Mom’s Recipe is a delightful blend of food, love, and life, offering viewers a refreshing take on the food-centric drama genre. Through its charming characters, engaging stories, and mouth-watering dishes, the series captures the essence of love, family, friendship, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
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A dull remake, but at least Toni and Pepe add some color to it.
When it comes to film remakes, there's always a level of expectation that comes with revisiting a classic. However, not all remakes live up to the hype. In the case of this remake, the film falls a bit short of expectations.Toni Gonzaga and Pepe Herrera are undoubtedly talented actors, known for their versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. However, even the best acting can only take a film so far. The direction and storyline of the remake are somewhat lackluster, leaving much to be desired in terms of creativity. While the film may not be a carbon copy of its predecessor, it also fails to bring anything significantly new to the table.
While there are elements of local humor sprinkled throughout the film, it doesn't quite hit the mark in terms of fully embracing the culture and nuances of the Philippines. Viewers may find moments to enjoy in the film, but overall, it may leave them wanting more in terms of a truly localized experience.
Overall, the remake turns out to be rather dull. While the charismatic duo brings some much-needed color to the film, it's not enough to save it from its shortcomings. For fans of Toni and Pepe, the remake may be worth a watch simply for their performances. However, for those looking for a memorable and impactful cinematic experience, this remake may not be the answer. It's a movie to enjoy in the moment, but one that won't leave a lasting impression.
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Talking and communicating are two different things.
This movie is not about the deaf culture; it’s a story of a mute-deaf couple. They are two people who are different in many ways, yet they fell in love and got married. Two people with different perspectives on life, struggling to keep their marriage. The premise of this movie is ironically showcased that there’s a huge difference between talking and communicating by showing people who are mute and with hearing impairments suffer from a lack of communication in their marriage, just like any normal couple would. In other words, poor communication is a problem between people, and it has nothing to do with one’s disability.Janine Gutierrez and JC de Vera succeed in showing the emotional struggle and tension of two people in a troubled marriage. The facial expression, their gestures, and the way they express every emotion are good, showing the beauty, pain, and chaos of love where no spoken words exist. However, ML and FL do not appear to be as fluent in sign language as those who are deaf and mute and who have ‘spoken’ with sign language their entire lives. It’s understandable that they are actors who learn sign language for the movie, but if you're going to portray a character with a certain condition, at least make it convincing. Even the child actors playing as their children signed more fluently. So, ML and FL succeed in one part and lack in the other. I feel like if they had actually cast PWD actors in lead roles, it would have made this movie better.
This movie has good plots, but the storytelling pace is inconsistent. The present day and the flashback are vaguely moving back and forth without much change in appearance to distinguish the different timelines. There are some loose-end plotlines as well, making the flow go flat toward the end.
Above all, I praise this movie for its ingenuity and authenticity while presenting the complexity and conflict that we often see in everyday life without really focusing on the disability. It’s one of the rare depictions we’ve seen on the big screen. However, the execution is rather flawed, and the good concept alone is not enough to make it a great movie.
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Is 365 days enough for someone to move on?
First of all, I give this movie a clap for Bela Padilla for being the woman on screen and behind the camera. It’s worth noting that she is a triple-threat actress. This movie shows how she brilliantly conveys all emotions with her acting and visual direction.The premise is not something that we haven’t seen in a romance genre movie before, but it's still something you can enjoy despite its clichés. The movie moves at a nice pace with two different tones. The first half is filled with the weightiness of grief and pain, letting the melancholy mood sink in immediately as the movie opens, which, in my opinion, managed to draw the audience in and invite them to stay in the emotional depths of the movie. The second half has a lighter mood and slowly turns into corny romantic plots, but the transition seems abrupt, and it alters the seriousness of the movie. The back-and-forth change in tonality slowly affected the story flow and the emotional rollercoaster this movie intended to give. It’s kind of a bummer to me. There are also some loose ends that detract from the overall quality of this movie.
Here are two aspects of why I think this movie deserve a 7. 1. The cinematography. The indie-like camera work boosted all sorts of emotions this movie has to offer: love, happiness, pain, loneliness, heartbreak, despair, and encouragement. 2. Acting. While the emotional rollercoaster is not crazy enough, the acting is what stood out the most. Bela did an excellent job portraying a bereaved lover, showing the genuine and realistic way that grief is expressed through character and narrative. Even though JC Santos is not the ML and he didn’t have many scenes he shared with Bela, this tandem still managed to show their good chemistry and make you feel the sweetness they were showing from their few scenes together.
The movie subtly makes the point that letting go and moving on are two different things. It also showcased the guilt in moving on. It’s okay to keep old memories without necessarily erasing them, but knowing when to let go is crucial to healing. Time heals everything, as the saying goes. However, a person's willingness to truly let go of the past and go on, no matter how painful it was, is what matters most.
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