MMFF 2009 Official Movie Entries List (Metro Manila Film Festival)

Cristine Reyes Replaces Heart Evangelista in ‘Patient X’

Richard Gutierrez has a new leading lady for the upcoming horror film “Patient X” and she’s none other than the sexiest woman in the country!

Heart Evangelista is supposed to be Richard’s leading lady for the role but she can no longer continue to shoot the film, specially the physically demanding scenes, because she got ill.

To meet the screening schedule of the movie this upcoming Halloween, GMA Films and Viva Films replaced Heart with Cristine Reyes.

This is the first time that Richard and Cristine will work together for a same project. Even when Cristine was still a kapuso, she hadn’t had the chance to work with GMA’s top actor. And this is the chance and she’s happy that the producers picked her as replacement.

Patient X is a suspense thriller directed by Yam Laranas (Sigaw, The Echo). It is set to premiere this upcoming Halloween.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/29/cristine-reyes-replaces-heart-evangelista-in-patient-x/

Kimmy Dora Gets an ‘A’ Grade from CEB

Getting an “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board these days is like buying a soda from the nearest sari-sari store, it’s easy. But Kimmy Dora is a film that truly deserves it.

Some films get an “A” from CEB and a thumbs down from the critics. Some films get an “A” from CEB, thumbs up from the critics but ended up “flop” at the box-office.

This time, an indie film with a commercial format like Kimmy Dora, which got an “A” from the CEB and a “thumbs up” from the critics, could potentially be a box-office hit.

From the success of its premiere night at SM Megamall last Tuesday, Kimmy Dora is posed to be the kind of film to conquer all – critics, the government incentive program and the movie-goers. It just need to surpass the P100 million mark and a sequel could not be far behind.

This makes Eugene Domingo as the next big comedy star! Her talent in making people laugh shines throughout the film. Furthermore, she is now being labeled as the “Diamond Comedy Queen”!

According to Eugene, “Flattered ako sa mga sinasabi nila, pero mas importante sa akin, aside sa mga titulo, ay ang kumita ang movie namin. Tulungan naman natin ang producer namin na si Piolo dahil nagsugal siya ng malaki for this project. Si Piolo at ang ilang kaibigan ang dahilan kung bakit may Kimmy Dora at gusto naming i-share ang project na ito sa marami.”

Kimmy Dora is now showing in more than 100 theaters nationwide INCLUDING SM Cinemas.

“…it’s a far better comedy than the mainstream establishment has produced in a long time,” Philbert Dy (Click the City)

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/09/03/kimmy-dora-gets-an-a-grade-from-ceb/

‘And I Love You So’ Earns P36.3M in 2 Weeks, ‘Up’ Tops RP Box Office

The Star Cinema romantic movie “And I Love You So” has grossed P36.3M in Mega Manila’s non-SM cinemas in the period of 2 weeks.

In the weekend screening of August 19 to 23, the Bea Alonzo starrer raked in P10.58 million to place third over-all beating the debut weekend of another Pinoy film Love on Line starring Vic Sotto.

Love on Line (LOL), on the other hand, debuted in 4th place with a Mega Manila box office gross of P10.16 million.

Leading the Philippine box office on the same period was Disney Pixar’s “Up”, which garnered a whopping P46.37 million in Mega Manila alone.

At no. 2 is the 3rd week screening of G.I. Joe with a box-office haul of P21.9 million. The action film’s 3-weeks gross is now a remarkable P140,916,591.70 in Mega Manila theaters alone.

Aliens in the Attic debuted in 5th place with P5.41 million while The Time Traveler’s Wife debuted in 6th place with P5.19 million.

Completing the Top 10 are The Hangover (7th), The Proposal (8th), The Orphan (9th) and the Thai movie Ong Bak 2 (10th).

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has now grossed P357.83 million in 9 weeks. On the other hand, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has now grossed P191.73 million in 6 weeks.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/28/and-i-love-you-so-earns-p363m-in-2-weeks-up-tops-rp-box-office/

Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano & John Lloyd Cruz - ‘In My Life’

In My Life is the final title of John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano and Gov. Vilma Santos‘ upcoming movie from Star Cinema.

Formerly known with the working title “A Mother’s Story”, the movie highlights the comeback of the Star for all Seasons in the silver screen. Even before they started shooting the film, it has been controversial because of the report that there will be a lips-to-lips “kissing scene” between John Lloyd Cruz and Luis Manzano who will portray a gay couple.

Vilma plays the overweight Shirley who owns a pet cat named Kiki in “In My Life.” Luis Manzano and Dimples Romana play her son and daughter. John Lloyd Cruz is Luis’ gay lover. She wears a fat suit in the movie, giving her a totally different look from all the movies she had done.

Aside from the movie, ABS-CBN will air a one month television special called “In My Life” prior to the premiere of “In My Life the Movie.” It will feature Vima’s career as a multi-awarded actress, a showbiz icon, a well-loved politician and a loving mother.

The fourth week will feature behind-the-scenes exclusive features on the making of the film and the three-week shoot in New York. It will be the final episode culminating in a live press conference to be held at the Dolphy Theatre.

In My Life is directed by Olive Lamasan and co-written by Raymond Lee and Senedy Que. No playdate is announced as of yet.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/04/13/vilma-santos-luis-manzano-john-lloyd-cruz-in-my-life/

Patient X - Teaser Posters

Two teaser posters of the highly-anticipated Yam Laranas horror movie - Patient X - were revealed.

Patient X is an upcoming horror movie from GMA Films and Viva Entertainment starring Richard Gutierrez and Heart Evangelista.

Images courtesy of Yam Laranas.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/24/patient-x-teaser-posters/

Kimmy Dora - Official Poster and Promotional Photos

Spring Films released the official poster and promotional stills from the upcoming comedy movie “Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kyeme.”

Kimmy Dora is Eugene Domingo’s first starring role on the big screen. Also starring are Dindong Dantes, Zanjoe Marudo, Baron Geisler, Meriam Quiambao and Ariel Ureta under the helm of Bb. Joyce Bernal.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/18/kimmy-dora-official-poster-and-promotional-photos/

Star Cinema’s ‘And I Love You So’ Banned in All SM Cinemas?

Star Cinema’s latest offering “And I Love You So” starring Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay and Sam Milby is now showing in all theaters nationwide EXCEPT SM Cinemas.

The Laurenti Dyogi romantic drama had a very successful premiere night at the Trinoma Mall Cinema in Quezon City last night, August 11, 2009.

In the past, SM Megamall Cinemas (particularly Cinema 9 and 10) were the venue for all Star Cinema movie premiere nights. But why Trinoma Cinema this time?

SM Megamall Cinema 10 was supposedly the venue for the movie’s premiere night as announced by Star Cinema through its multiply site but the site’s content says otherwise (see Google search result below).

Watch the report of Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino Tuesday night on Showbiz News Ngayon making it very clear that And I Love You So is opening today in more than 100 theaters nationwide EXCEPT SM Cinemas. They announced the list of theaters where the public can watch the movie and not even 1 SM cinema was mentioned.

The two hosts did not make any comment regarding the matter. When Boy Abunda mentioned “…EXCEPT SM Cinemas”, Kris Aquino could only mutter “Oh, Oh.”

SM Supermall is an avid sponsor of various GMA shows. Their condominium is being endorsed by Darna star Marian Rivera. Is the network war behind this matter?

Star Cinema, on the other hand, said they will release an official statement regarding this matter any time from now.

Here’s the video clip:

Oh My Girl (OMG) Earns P10.3 Million on its 1st Week

The star-studded comedy movie “Oh My Girl” from Regal Films managed to rake-in P10.3 million in Mega Manila on its first week.

Oh My Girl is topbilled by young superstar Judy Ann Santos and Songwriter/Comedian Ogie Alcasid. It was lambasted by critics for poor depiction of an exhausted storyline.

For the weekend of July 29 to August 2, The Proposal leads Philippine box-office with a haul of P22.87 million. Following at no. 2 is the 3rd weekend screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince getting P14.1 million. The 6th Harry Potter Movie already grossed P177.76 million in 3 weeks.

Oh My Girl debuted at no. 3 while the suspense movie Orphan settled for no. 4 with weekend haul of P4.3 million.

TOP 10 PINOY MOVIES OF 2009
(As of August 11, 2009)

1. You Changed My Life - P230.44 million
(Star Cinema and VIVA Films)

2. Bestfriends Forever (BFF) - P107.6 million
(Star Cinema)

3. Tenement 2 - P86.45 million
(Star Cinema)

4. Love Me Again: Land Down Under - P66.8 million
(Star Cinema)

5. When I Met U - P65.7 million
(GMA Films)

6. Sundo - P50.08 million
(GMA Films)

7. Villa Estrella - P47.17 million
(Star Cinema)

8. Status Single - P11.47 million
(VIVA Films)

9. Oh My Girl (OMG) - P10.3 million *
(Regal Films)

10. Ded Na Si Lolo - P6.14 million
(APT Entertainment)

==========================

11. Manila - P700,130.64
(Star Cinema)

12. Sumpa - P272,168
(Yellow Media Productions)

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/11/oh-my-girl-omg-earns-p103-million-on-its-1st-week/

32nd Gawad Urian - 2009 Nominees

The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino has already released the list of nominees for the 32nd Gawad Urian for excellence in filmmaking.

Once again, Indie films dominate this year’s set of nominations.

Here is the complete list of nominees for this year’s Gawad Urian:

Best Picture

Jay (Cinemalaya)
Serbis (Centerstage Productions)
Hunghong sa Yuta (Brothers of the Sacred Heart Youth Ministry)
Melancholia (Sine Olivia)
Boses (Casa San Miguel)
Imburnal (Cinema One Originals and Creative Programs)
Yanggaw (Cinema One Originals and Creative Programs)

Best Director

Francis Xavier Pasion (Jay)
Brillante Mendoza (Serbis)
Arnel Mardoquio (Hunghong sa Yuta)
Lav Diaz (Melancholia)
Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil (Boses)
Sherad Anthony Sanchez (Imburnal)
Richard Somes (Yanggaw)
Tara Illenberger (Brutus)
Adolfo Alix Jr. (Imoral)

Best Actor

Baron Geisler (Jay)
Julian Duque (Boses)
Ronnie Lazaro (Yanggaw)
Coco Martin (Daybreak)
Paulo Rivero (Daybreak)
Timothy Mabalot (Brutus)
Perry Dizon (Melancholia)
Neil Ryan Sese (Huling Pasada)

Best Actress

Gina Pareño (Serbis)
Jaclyn Jose (Serbis)
Judy Ann Santos (Ploning)
Mylene Dizon (100)
Angeli Bayani (Melancholia)
Rhea Medina (Brutus)
Boots Anson Roa (Lovebirds)
Anita Linda (Adela)

Best Supporting Actor

Coco Martin (Jay)
Julio Diaz (Serbis)
Yul Servo (Brutus)
Roeder Camanag (Melancholia)
Archie Aleman (Baby Angelo)

Best Supporting Actress

Tessie Tomas (100)
Katherine Luna (Imoral)
Tetchie Agbayani (Yanggaw)
Aleera Montalla (Yanggaw)
Flor Salanga (Jay)
Agot Isidro (Huling Pasada)

Best Screenplay

Richard Somes and Dwight Gaston (Yanggaw)
Francis Xavier Pasion (Jay)
Armando Bing Lao and Boots Agbayani Pastor (Serbis)
Lav Diaz (Melancholia)
Arnel Mardoquio (Hunghong sa Yuta)
Froilan Medina and Rody Vera (Boses)

The names of the persons nominated for the technical awards below will be given at a later date.

Best Production Design

Melancholia
Yanggaw
Jay
Baby Angelo
Serbis
Hunghong sa Yuta
Ploning
Imburnal

Best Cinematography

Yanggaw
Serbis
Jay
Huling Pasada
Ploning
Melancolia
Boses
Imburnal
Adela
Brutus
Hunghong sa Yuta

Best Editing

Jay
Huling Pasada
Serbis
Yanggaw
100
Motorcycle
Ploning
Imburnal

Best Music

Boses
Concerto
Ploning
Imburnal
Brutus
Yanggaw
Kolorete
Hunghong sa Yuta

Best Sound

Hunghong sa Yuta
Serbis
Ploning
Yanggaw
Boses
Adela
Melancholia

The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino is composed of:

Rolando Tolentino, dean of the UP College of Mass Communication (Head)
Bienvenido Lumbera, National Artist for Literature
Nicanor Tiongson, former artistic director of the CCP and former chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board
Mario Hernando, Sunday Malaya editor and MTRCB member
Miguel Rapatan of the De La Salle University
Butch Francisco, columnist and co-host of Startalk
Lito Zulueta, Inquirer lifestyle editor and professor at the University of Santo Tomas
Benilda Santos, professor at the Ateneo de Manila University
Tito Valiente, professor at the Ateneo de Manila University

The awards night of the 32nd Gawad Urian is set for September 19 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/07/32nd-gawad-urian-2009-nominees/

11th Cinemanila International Film Festival

The 11th Cinemanila International Film Festival is happening in Bonifacio Global City on October 15 to 25, 2009.

The 11th Annual Cinemanila International Film Festival kicks off a brand new decade in its new home – Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. This year’s festival will once again showcase the best foreign and local films from internationally recognized artists and upcoming talents all over the world.

Aside from parallel competitions for full-length, short and documentary films, there will be distinct exhibitions, tributes, marathon showings, outdoor screenings and other special events. Master Classes, seminars and workshops will also be held during the festival and will cover subjects and issues on independent filmmaking. Directors, producers, critics and actors throughout Asia, Europe and North America will be invited to attend this 11-day event at the Bonifacio Global City.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/05/11th-cinemanila-international-film-festival/

Piolo’s ‘Manila’ Earns P700K

Distributed by Star Cinema, premiered in Cannes, opened Cinemalaya, great promotions with matching Bench billboards, what went wrong?

Manila is a two-part indie film that features Piolo Pascual, who is also a co-producer for this film, and is helmed by critically acclaimed directors Adolf Alix, Jr. and Raya Martin. The film is inspired by Ishmael Bernal’s 1980 movie Manila By Night and Lino Brocka’s 1979 masterpiece Jaguar.

It had its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival in France. It’s also the opening film for the 2009 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. It was distributed by Star Cinema in 17 selected theaters, mostly in Mega Manila. And when it comes to promotion, no less than Bench helped with its billboards.

It’s box-office haul was P700,130.64. It grossed only P200,000 on opening day. Some theaters that averaged as low as P5,000, made it a first day, last day opening.

So what went wrong? Perhaps the film is not commercial enough? Perhaps it only caters to the highly intellectual movie-goers? Or perhaps a black and white movie is perceived “boring” by Pinoys.

It may be a flop at the box-office but come awards night next year, it could be one of the contenders. Quality doesn’t always translate to box-office success, you know, and vice versa. Transformers 2 were a critical flop but it became a monster hit. Boys Don’t Cry and Monster’s Ball were box-office flops but they are Oscar winners.

And as for Piolo, as first time producer, we can only say “charge to experience.” At least he had the courage to make an art film rather than a mediocre comedy like Oh My Girl (I’m really frustrated with this movie).

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/03/piolos-manila-earns-p700k/

‘Yanggaw’ and ‘Jay’ are the Best-Reviewed Pinoy Movie of 2009

Indie films Yanggaw and Jay are the top-rating Pinoy films for 2009 so far while When I Met U, Love Me Again, Status Single and Oh My Girl (OMG) are the worst in mainstream.

On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest, movie critic Philbert Dy of Click the City gives a rating to indie and mainstream Pinoy films based on its quality of production. For the year 2009, around 30 Filipino movies had a regular screening so far. Here is the list of these films with the corresponding rating (mainstream movies are in bold):

Yanggaw - 4.5
Jay - 4.5
Kamoteng Kahoy - 4
Dose - 3.5
You Changed My Life - 3.5
Villa Estrella - 3.5
Ded Na Si Lolo - 3
Manila - 2.5
Bente - 2.5
Sundo - 2.5
Baby Angelo - 2.5
My Fake American Accent - 2
Best Friends Forever (BFF) - 2
Tenement 2 - 2
UPCAT - 1.5
Status Single - 1.5
Padyak - 1.5
When I Met U - 1.5
Love Me Again - 1.5
Litsonero - 1.5
Pasang Krus - 1.5
Fuschia - 1.5
Padre de Pamilya - 1.5
Oh My Girl (OMG) - 1.5
Dalaw - 1
Heavenly Touch - 1
Pitik Bulag - 1
Big Night - 1
Tutok - 1
Sumpa - 1

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/04/yanggaw-and-jay-are-the-best-reviewed-pinoy-movie-of-2009/

Love On Line (LOL) Publicity Photos and Full Trailer

Check out some promotional photos and full trailer of the upcoming romantic comedy from OctoArts Films, MZet TV and APT Entertainment, Love on Line (LOL).

Love on Line pairs the comedy prince Vic Sotto with Thai model/veejay Paula Taylor. Also starring are Melissa Ricks, Matt Evans and Jose Manalo.

It will open in cinemas nationwide starting August 19, 2009.

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/08/04/love-on-line-lol-publicity-photos-and-full-trailer/

Heart Evangelista and Richard Gutierrez to Star in ‘Patient X’

Richard Gutierrez will reunite with Heart Evangelista, this time on the big screen, via the horror movie “Patient X.”

Patient X is a joint project of GMA Films and Viva Films and has a target date of October 28, the Halloween season.

Yam Laranas of The Echo (Sigaw) returns to the country to helm Patient X under a script by Aloy Adlawan.

Carla Abellana to Star in Her 1st Movie ‘Ang Nanay Kong Aswang’

The Rosalinda star is set to be launched on the big screen via the Regal Films movie “Ang Nanay Kong Aswang.”

Rosalinda is now climbing the tv ratings chart and Mother Lily Monteverde is once again “striking while the iron is hot.” Before the month of July ends, the Regal Films matriarch made an agenda to start the shooting of “Ang Nanay Kong Aswang,” Carla Abellana’s launching movie.

Ang Nanay Kong Aswang was supposed to be a project for Ai Ai delas Alas and rising comedienne Eugene Domingo. Both were not able to commit to the project. So the role for the infamous vampire mom is still open. However, the role of the Aswang’s daughter is given to Carla Abellana and the directing job for the said horror-comedy movie is assigned to Joel Lamangan.

Who do you think will be Carla’s mother in the movie? Annabelle Rama perhaps (reprising the monster mom kind of role)?

And I Love You So - Star Cinema

In celebration of Star Cinema’s 16th year anniversary comes an extraordinary story of everlasting love…

And I Love You So is an upcoming romantic drama starring Derek Ramsay, Sam Milby and Bea Alonzo.

Synopsis:

Lara (Bea Alonzo), a preschool teacher and owner, is widowed five months after she married her boyfriend of five years, Oliver (Derek Ramsay). Several months after his death, she meets Chris (Sam Milby), a young man also suffering from the loss of his spouse. They become friends and help each other move on. But as their friendship grows, their unmistakable attraction for each other grows.

Also starring Candy Pangilinan, Nikki Gil and Coney Reyes. Directed by Laurenti Dyogi, And I Love You So hits cinemas nationwide on August 12, 2009.

Teaser Link: http://perfect10movies.blogspot.com/2009/07/and-i-love-you-so.html
Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/07/07/and-i-love-you-so-star-cinema/

Wapakman - Teaser

Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao and Fil-Am wresting champion David Batista will face off, not in a boxing or wresting arena, but in a comedy action movie “Wapakman”.

Pacman is starring in the said comedy movie with Batista, and another internationally renowed Filipino-American, Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls.

Batista will play the role of Pacman’s mortal enemy while Nicole Scherzinger, on the other hand, will be Pacman’s leading lady in the movie.

According to Pacman, his character in the movie has a superpower, similar to the characters in the hit comedy movie “Kung Fu Hustle”.

He said, “May superpower ako, tapos may mga anak ako. Marami akong anak in that movie.”

About working with Scherzinger, he said “Masaya at karangalan kong makasama ang isang Fil-am na sikat din.”

Wapakman is being helmed by Topel Lee under Solar Films. It is set to hit theaters in December this year.

Video link: http://perfect10movies.blogspot.com/2009/07/wapakman-teaser.html
Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/07/01/wapakman-teaser/

Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) - Cinemalaya 2009 Finalist

Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) is the first Filipino film to have a deaf actor in a lead role.

Dinig Sana Kita is a touching love story between a Deaf boy who loves to dance and a troubled rocker girl who abuses her hearing. One lives in the world of solitude and silence, the other in noise and fear. Crossing paths in a Baguio camp that mixes Deaf and hearing kids, both find that they have more in common with each other including a love for music.

The movie is one of the 10 finalists in the 2009 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, which runs from July 17 to 26 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City.

Starring in the movie are Zoe Sandejas, Robert Seña, Lorenzo Mara, Mica Torre, Adrianna Agcaoili, Cherrie Velarde-Mactal and Romalito Mallari. It is written and directed by Mike Sandejas.

Video Link: http://perfect10movies.blogspot.com/2009/07/dinig-sana-kita.html
Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2009/07/02/dinig-sana-kita-if-i-knew-what-you-said-cinemalaya-2009-finalist/

Star Cinema’s 2009 Line-Up

ABS-CBN’s film outfit, Star Cinema, has released their movie line-up for 2009.

Apparently, this line-up was shown during the premiere screening of Land Down Under in the US. Please take note that titles, cast and schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

JANUARY

Love Me Again (Love Down Under)
Starring Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual

FEBRUARY

You Changed My Life
(A Very Special Love Part 2)
Starring John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo

MARCH

Estrella
(teen horror movie)
Starring Shaina Magdayao, Maja Salvador, Jake Cuenca, Geoff Eigenmann

APRIL

And I Love You So
Starring Sam Milby, Bea Alonzo and Derek Ramsay

MAY

Amnesia
Starring Bong Revilla and Toni Gonzaga

JUNE

The Man I Loved
Starring KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual

AUGUST

T2
Starring Maricel Soriano and Mika dela Cruz

SEPTEMBER

A Mother’s Story
Starring Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano and John Lloyd Cruz

OCTOBER

Priest
Starring Angel Locsin and Aga Muhlach

NOVEMBER

A Love Affair
Kristine Hermosa, Jericho Rosales and Carmen Soo

The following projects have no tentative date and/or working title yet:

1. RPG - first 3-D animated movie
2. Claudine Barretto movie
3. Judy Ann Santos romantic drama movie
4. Angelica Panganiban/Gabby Concepcion movie

Source: http://www.starmometer.com/2008/12/27/star-cinemas-2009-line-up/