ITS TIME
ITS TIME
ITS VADER TIME
ITS TIME
ITS VADER TIME
(sorry, old reference)
It's time for the 2014 roundup! Note: don't take everything from the more whimsical entries seriously.
Top 5 Filipino Films (only 2014 films)
2014 was a year in flux for Philippine cinema. After a landmark year in 2013 where people were watching Philippine films in droves, 2014 saw a change in all that. Some film festivals disappeared from the radar (Cinefilipino and Cinemanila, for example) while other film festivals had their own share of controversy. Cinemalaya in particular drew some flak for its decision regarding streaming media, and there were some concerns about the long term viability of the festival. (The latest bit of rumors tell of Cinemalaya scrapping the New Breed section of the festival, which if true is a tragedy.
Mainstream cinema had record profits this year, with some of the top grossing movies of all time being showcased this year. Norte, and Mula sa Kung ano ang Noon by master filmmaker Lav Diaz were given a limited run in cinemas, unprecedented for films of that length and ambition. The former reaped awards in Locarno, one of the most high profile wins by a Filipino film to date.
In no particular order, my favorite Filipino films of 2014 are:
1. Dagitab - an exquisitely beautiful film that gets better the more it lingers in your mind, Dagitab tells the most words between the lines, where silence resides. It's imperfect in some parts, but the frames that it does right are unforgettable.
2. Mariquina - it's melodrama done right and it hits those emotions like a sledgehammer. Add some great visuals and superb acting all around - it deserves a wider release.
3. Violator - I'm mostly immune to getting scared by horror films, but this one legitimately creeped me out. If only for that, it earns its spot here.
4. Soap Opera - a very nicely done movie, albeit with some faults. It managed to win me over with its charm and clever juxtaposition of fiction and reality.
5. Magkakabaung - this follow-up to Babagwa is nothing short of amazing, tackling social issues through a very personal and emotional story. It's buoyed by amazing performances. I may give it a lot of flak for the camerawork but I can, you know, squint to lessen the shake. (just kidding.)
Honorable Mentions, which include non-2014 Filipino Films are:
1. Shift - had this been a 2014 film through and through, it would no doubt be part of my top five. It's a heartfelt look at today's youth framed through a love story. It wouldn't work half as well if it weren't for Yeng Constantino's powerful performance.
2. 1st ko si 3rd - This one hit me right in the heart. It's a tale about getting old and trying to fall in love again. This one came very close to getting in my top five.
Mystica Masterpiece Award (Awarded by Mystica) - Querido
Guiltiest Pleasure - Querido
While the original longer cut of Mystica's film, Querido, made its debut last year, the six+ hour cut that we all know and love debuted this year. I guess I have to lump these two in together. There will be nothing in the history of mankind quite like Querido ever again. That is, unless Mystica makes another one. Perish the thought.
Best Abs Showcase - Derek Ramsay and Jerald Napoles, English Only Please
I talked to a few female friends about this. Not only does it exhibit some nice abs, the whole scene is funny too.
Worst Use of CGI - Hustisya
THAT MOON. Does it mean Nora Aunor will turn into a werewolf because of it? Well, not really, but that would have been a nicely surprising turn.
Best Wattpad Adaptation - She's Dating the Gangster
I have to give it to this film, it's the best case of "not bad" I've seen in ages. If you HAVE to watch one of these films from this year, pick this one.
Biggest Disappointment - Transcendence
I was so hyped for this, but was ultimately disappointed by the end result. It held so much promise but ended up vaguely supporting a Luddite approach to the world's problems...(?)
Most Uncomfortable Costume - Talk Back and You're Dead
Who the hell wears leather jackets under the burning sun?
Best in Makeup - Jeorge ER Estregan, Muslim Magnum .357
With unlimited foundation and a beard that looked like it was stenciled in, Jeorge Estregan looks exactly the same as he did in his previous other films, making his performance as a tormented ghost in Shake Rattle and Roll all the more convinci-
Wait, what?
He didn't... that wasn't his fil-
...Oh.
Mainstream cinema had record profits this year, with some of the top grossing movies of all time being showcased this year. Norte, and Mula sa Kung ano ang Noon by master filmmaker Lav Diaz were given a limited run in cinemas, unprecedented for films of that length and ambition. The former reaped awards in Locarno, one of the most high profile wins by a Filipino film to date.
In no particular order, my favorite Filipino films of 2014 are:
1. Dagitab - an exquisitely beautiful film that gets better the more it lingers in your mind, Dagitab tells the most words between the lines, where silence resides. It's imperfect in some parts, but the frames that it does right are unforgettable.
2. Mariquina - it's melodrama done right and it hits those emotions like a sledgehammer. Add some great visuals and superb acting all around - it deserves a wider release.
3. Violator - I'm mostly immune to getting scared by horror films, but this one legitimately creeped me out. If only for that, it earns its spot here.
4. Soap Opera - a very nicely done movie, albeit with some faults. It managed to win me over with its charm and clever juxtaposition of fiction and reality.
5. Magkakabaung - this follow-up to Babagwa is nothing short of amazing, tackling social issues through a very personal and emotional story. It's buoyed by amazing performances. I may give it a lot of flak for the camerawork but I can, you know, squint to lessen the shake. (just kidding.)
Honorable Mentions, which include non-2014 Filipino Films are:
1. Shift - had this been a 2014 film through and through, it would no doubt be part of my top five. It's a heartfelt look at today's youth framed through a love story. It wouldn't work half as well if it weren't for Yeng Constantino's powerful performance.
2. 1st ko si 3rd - This one hit me right in the heart. It's a tale about getting old and trying to fall in love again. This one came very close to getting in my top five.
Mystica Masterpiece Award (Awarded by Mystica) - Querido
Guiltiest Pleasure - Querido
While the original longer cut of Mystica's film, Querido, made its debut last year, the six+ hour cut that we all know and love debuted this year. I guess I have to lump these two in together. There will be nothing in the history of mankind quite like Querido ever again. That is, unless Mystica makes another one. Perish the thought.
Best Abs Showcase - Derek Ramsay and Jerald Napoles, English Only Please
I talked to a few female friends about this. Not only does it exhibit some nice abs, the whole scene is funny too.
Worst Use of CGI - Hustisya
THAT MOON. Does it mean Nora Aunor will turn into a werewolf because of it? Well, not really, but that would have been a nicely surprising turn.
Best Wattpad Adaptation - She's Dating the Gangster
I have to give it to this film, it's the best case of "not bad" I've seen in ages. If you HAVE to watch one of these films from this year, pick this one.
Biggest Disappointment - Transcendence
I was so hyped for this, but was ultimately disappointed by the end result. It held so much promise but ended up vaguely supporting a Luddite approach to the world's problems...(?)
Most Uncomfortable Costume - Talk Back and You're Dead
Who the hell wears leather jackets under the burning sun?
Best in Makeup - Jeorge ER Estregan, Muslim Magnum .357
With unlimited foundation and a beard that looked like it was stenciled in, Jeorge Estregan looks exactly the same as he did in his previous other films, making his performance as a tormented ghost in Shake Rattle and Roll all the more convinci-
Wait, what?
He didn't... that wasn't his fil-
...Oh.
Most Inept DVD Seller - Archie Alemania, Norte: The End of History
Puro torrents na kasi eh.
Most Accurate Depiction of This Blogger as a Moviegoer - Ayala Cinemas' Fire Safety Video
Props to Ayala cinemas for the most accurate description of my supermodel looks and manly physique. Also, the fact that I walk in a calm badass swagger even in disaster situations. I've never seen my own self, as a movie goer, reproduced in such accurate physical detail. Of course, I'm more handsome in real life so there are some flaws to the production, but STILL. That was pretty close.
(to be fair it was an ad that really stuck in my head)
Most Effective Anti-piracy Video - MMFF anti piracy video
If nothing else, it probably made some female and gay pirates WANT to be caught for the sheer possibility of being cuffed (and strip searched, gotta find those hidden cameras!!) by Derek Ramsay.
Worst Movie Song - Sexy Love (She's Dating the Gangster)
I cannot forget the sheer look of revulsion on my partner's face when she heard this song for the first (and not the last!) time. I occasionally sing this to her when I'm feeling a little sadistic.
Hunkiest Alleged Criminal Team Ever - The Bank Robbers from The Janitor
Props to Ayala cinemas for the most accurate description of my supermodel looks and manly physique. Also, the fact that I walk in a calm badass swagger even in disaster situations. I've never seen my own self, as a movie goer, reproduced in such accurate physical detail. Of course, I'm more handsome in real life so there are some flaws to the production, but STILL. That was pretty close.
(to be fair it was an ad that really stuck in my head)
Most Effective Anti-piracy Video - MMFF anti piracy video
If nothing else, it probably made some female and gay pirates WANT to be caught for the sheer possibility of being cuffed (and strip searched, gotta find those hidden cameras!!) by Derek Ramsay.
Worst Movie Song - Sexy Love (She's Dating the Gangster)
I cannot forget the sheer look of revulsion on my partner's face when she heard this song for the first (and not the last!) time. I occasionally sing this to her when I'm feeling a little sadistic.
Hunkiest Alleged Criminal Team Ever - The Bank Robbers from The Janitor
You know they didn't steal from the bank since if it really were them, the bank tellers would all be like "SHUT UP AND TAKE OUR MONEY YOU HUNKY BASTARDS (also take our virginity if applicable)"
Best Actor who played a Dude suffering from Cancer - Joel Lamangan (Violator)
I want more Joel Lamangan as an actor, now na.
Best Actress who played a Lady suffering from Cancer - Zsa Zsa Padilla (M)
One of the best I've seen of her since... I don't even remember.
Saddest Telephone Call - Mariquina
Everyone who has watched the film knows what I'm talking about. It's like the love of your life stabbing you non-fatally, then she makes out with your best friend. In front of you.
Favorite Superhero Adaptation - X-Men Days of Future Past
Everyone who has watched the film knows what I'm talking about. It's like the love of your life stabbing you non-fatally, then she makes out with your best friend. In front of you.
Favorite Superhero Adaptation - X-Men Days of Future Past
Note I said "favorite," not "best." I know, I know, Guardians of the Galaxy IS the better movie. But as a big X-men fan the thing they did at the end really made me happy. It made me cry tears of joy, for fucks sake.
Most Entertaining Masala Film - Singam II (2013)
I love Singam II. It's way more fun than the first, it never drags despite being 2 1/2 hours long and the opening song is addicting. Sure Suriya may not be as high profile as Singham's Ajay Devgn, but I loved his charisma in this one, as compared to the relatively disappointing Singham Returns.
Favorite Romance Film - Her
There is no doubt in my mind. This was an amazing film, and one of my favorite films of the past few years. It's for the awkward romantic in all of us.
Corniest Line - Querido (Part 2)
"Table ka ba? Kasi ang sarap mong patungan eh."
I'll leave that line to speak for itself.
Most Accurate Depiction of Medical Jargon in Cinema - Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2
As a doctor, I can vouch for this. I try to explain as clearly as I can to patients. However, other people who are a bit full of themselves use jargon, which sounds like the trombone sounds from the adult characters from Charles Schulz' Peanuts.
Most Nangangawit Muscles Ever: The arm muscles of the middle couple in The Ordinary Things We Do
Gotta hand it to those peeps, that's dedication for the sake of art.
Worst Gun Handling - Megan Young (Bang Bang Alley)
I was legitimately scared at how our former Miss World held that gun in her hands. But since she is for world peace and guns are the farthest thing from that, I guess it's justified... right?
I was legitimately scared at how our former Miss World held that gun in her hands. But since she is for world peace and guns are the farthest thing from that, I guess it's justified... right?
Pretentious Emo of the Year: Fabian (Norte)
At least Miles from #Y wasn't pretentious. 'Destroy everything' mukha mo. Ayan tuloy.
Most Asshole Family of the Year - the family from Edna
Poor, poor Edna. Her words at the end sting all the more.
Best Action Film - The Raid 2: Berandal
Fantastic choreography, fantastic camerawork, a simple story that doesn't feel cheesy or overbearing, The Raid 2 is not only the best action movie of the year, it's the best action movie of the last ten years, period.
Fantastic choreography, fantastic camerawork, a simple story that doesn't feel cheesy or overbearing, The Raid 2 is not only the best action movie of the year, it's the best action movie of the last ten years, period.
CARITAS/UNICEF Donate-a-Shirt Award for Longest State of Undress - Kid Lopez, Querido
Please, donate shirts to this man. He might die of exposure. OUR SHIRTS... SAVE LIVEEEEES.
Favorite Documentary - Jodorowsky's Dune
This one was also a shoo-in. Wonderful from start to finish, partly in thanks to Jodorowsky's manic enthusiasm about his one great project that never materialized.
This one was also a shoo-in. Wonderful from start to finish, partly in thanks to Jodorowsky's manic enthusiasm about his one great project that never materialized.
Best Movie We Didn't Get to Watch
1. Barber's Tales - We couldn't watch this because of a combination of very few screenings, traffic and little buzz about the film, which is a DAMN SHAME. Films like this need more attention.
2. That Thing Called Tadhana - thanks to a sold out screening, I didn't get to watch this. There's always time for next year, however.
3. Whiplash - This movie had a limited release. Again a damn shame since everything I've been hearing about this movie has been amazing.
Best Movie We Didn't Watch because no subs yet
Kawaki (a.k.a. The World of Kanako. The trailer makes it out to be a twisted candy coated experience from the director of Confessions. Plus Koji Yakusho, who is always a plus.)
1. Barber's Tales - We couldn't watch this because of a combination of very few screenings, traffic and little buzz about the film, which is a DAMN SHAME. Films like this need more attention.
2. That Thing Called Tadhana - thanks to a sold out screening, I didn't get to watch this. There's always time for next year, however.
3. Whiplash - This movie had a limited release. Again a damn shame since everything I've been hearing about this movie has been amazing.
Best Movie We Didn't Watch because no subs yet
Kawaki (a.k.a. The World of Kanako. The trailer makes it out to be a twisted candy coated experience from the director of Confessions. Plus Koji Yakusho, who is always a plus.)
That's all I can think of. See you guys next year!
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