“Pandanggo sa Hukay” did right by getting Iza Calzado

Pandanggo sa Hukay

Sometimes, all it takes is a good performance to salvage a not-so-good movie. In the case for Sheryl Andes’ Pandanggo sa Hukay, having Iza Calzado as the lead is the best thing going for it. I had high hopes for the movie. Its premise (a midwife braving the odds to make it to an important interview) […]

“Belle Douleur” is a charming love letter

Mylene Dizon and Kit Thompson in Belle Douleur

When director Joji Alonso said during the gala night of her Cinemalaya entry, Belle Douleur, that it was time to do something for herself, we felt the movie was going to feel like a carefully written love letter. While watching Belle Douleur, you can feel the precision and conscientiousness in every scene, dialogue, and the little details. […]

“Tabon” is not done baking

Christopher Roxas stars in Tabon

Xian Lim’s directorial debut, Tabon, was brimming with potential and could have been an addition to Cinemalaya’s roster of impressive thriller flicks. But it felt like it’s taken out of the oven way early. A lack of proper build up seemed to have kept its potential concealed, pretty much like its title’s supposed meaning. There was […]