VERDICT:
Directed By:
Jade Castro
Written By:
Raymond Lee, Jade Castro, Michiko Yamamoto
Cast:
Mart Escudero, Janice De Belen, John Regala, Roderick Paulate, Eugene Domingo, Lauren Young, Kerbie Zamora
Very dramatic; focuses on morality.; heavy on social and gender equality -- NOT!!!
This is not the typical homo film where you expect characters to fight on and promote gay rights and social equality. Instead, it's the sort that would make you forget that there was even a division in the first place.
Remington's Fate
The story begins with the young Remington tirelessly teasing and spiting every gay person he meets. He meets his match when a very depressed gay curses him to become what the lead character spites the most - a homosexual. It wasn't after 15 years that the hex slowly turned true, at the exact time when a serial killer that targets queers is out on the loose.
It wasn't the search for the killer that is the focus, but Remington's struggle to prevent himself from becoming gay. And he was losing the fight in a hilariously convincing way.
Character Performances
I must say, I did not expect much from Mart Escudero. I was not very impressed with his teeny-bopper style of acting a few years back. But he made me turn 360-degrees with his impressive acting in this movie, not so much as his witty approach to the role. His comedic timing was superb. He uttered gay-lingo in absolute fluency which made me wonder... hmmm...
And of course, Mart has been backed up by the stellar performances of Roderick Paulate, John Regala and Eugene Domingo.
Looking and listening at John Regala will make you realize that he is the type of actor who does his research. He acted and spoke in the manner very typical of a father who makes money from home. (He also had the Quezon province accent right!)
Roderick Paulate is funny in his own right, although his way of speaking is very much like his "Petrang Kabayo" days. I like it when he literally shakes in anger, with eyes bulging from the sockets.
Eugene Domingo's acting, on the other hand, was superb, especially when she had no words to say -- she dominated the scenes with just her facial expression and timely actions. Freakin' awesome, Uge!
It was witty for the writer and director to drown out the words of Daniel Fernando's character. The prejudice is evident; no need to rub it in. We don't need to hear it over and over. The focus was on Remington resisting a life of homosexuality, period.
What of the Verdict?
So if I think the movie was great, how come there are only 4 laughies and there are 1 snoozy???
It was funny enough, until the Zombadings actually came to life. The movie quickly reverted to the slapstick comedy we are so used to (and I am so tired of). The remaining quarter of the movie was actually boring. I actually expected more from the appearance of the Zombadings -- after all, that's the title.
The Zombadings rising from the grave, their dark silhouette against the sky, quickly reverting to the Charlie's Angels poses could've been very funny. But alas! I have seen the teaser/trailer one time too many to actually enjoy this scene.
Oh well.
Still, the plot is surprisingly refreshing. This is the gay movie where you won't get tired of listening to gay rants and squeeks. It is an entertaining watch for women, men and those in between. If you are looking for a feel-good weekend movie that is truly Pinoy at heart, there is no better choice.
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Comments, anyone?
