Bar Boys (Movie Review)

I can't remember watching this much number of Pinoy films within a week. But I'm not complaining. The selection of movies showcased by the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino are all worth the money and the time. The latest one I've seen is Bar Boys, written and directed by Kip Oebanda.

Bar Boys is the story of four friends and the arduous pursuit of their dreams while facing the many curveballs life threw at them. Set in the backdrop of a Law School, the film brilliantly captures the travails of law students. Torran (Rocco Nacino) is the ambitious and overconfident one, whose audacity almost put in jeopardy his academics and carefree life with threats from so-called brothers. Christian (Enzo Pineda) is the well-off member of the group, who constantly deals with the pressure of his Dad's expectations, and struggles to keep a relationship going amidst the grueling demands of law school. Meanwhile, Erik (Carlo Aquino) comes from a poor family, but he is blessed with a very supportive family and a father who encourages and believes in his dream, especially during times when he doubts himself. Rounding up the group is Joshua (Kean Cipriano), the only one who failed to enter Law School, who often felt out of place and out of touch with his friends, but remained steadfast in pursuing a different dream. 

The distinct qualities that set apart the four main characters made the actors shine individually and compliment each other. Carlo proved yet again that he is a very effective and reliable dramatic actor. Rocco was very loveable and stole most of the scenes with his smartass and funny lines. Enzo showed depth and provided a lot of layers to his role. Kean, on the other hand, could have been given more to work with because his co-actors had very engaging subplots and clearer character journeys. Nevertheless, Kean made sure his presence was felt in the scenes alloted to him, and added a flavor that made the group of four all the more interesting.

The writer succeeded in creating not just memorable characters, but relatable ones that the audience can easily identify with. In the intense confrontation scene that pitted Enzo and Carlo with each other, with Rocco caught in the middle -- I found myself saying, I am Rocco in that situation, trying to keep the barkada from falling apart. It's the same feeling I felt after watching Mga Mumunting Lihim a few years ago. In fact, the film also reminded me of some of my favorite 90's films like Dead Poets Society and School Ties.

Even if the story was set in Law School, the journey of the characters was very involving that the audience cried when they stumbled, and cheered when they achieved victory. The film also elicits a lot of nostalgia and fond memories of college. Who among us have not encountered a terror professor who could make our knees buckle the moment they call our names? Who hasn't been desperate to consider doing really stupid stuff just to earn a passing grade? Whether you used to be a Law student or not, it was in campus that you forged life-long friendships. And sometimes, it is there that you meet people who start out to be annoying, but end up changing your lives (like the character of Atty. Hernandez in the movie, played by the Odette Khan, who took a break from yaya roles and channelled Annalise Keating).

Bar Boys is a well-written, well-directed and well-acted film that deserves to be seen in cinemas even after the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino ends its one-week run. We should be making more Pinoy films like this. It's definitely one of my favorites this year! 

Patay Na si Hesus (Movie Review)

One might find its title blasphemous. But this film, whose pivotal scene is a dysfunctional family crying over the death of Hudas instead of Hesus' funeral, does not attack religion nor disrespect any catholic dogma. On the contrary, it is a funny, heartwarming roadtrip movie that is so relatable and inspiring.

Told mostly in Visayan, Patay Na Si Hesus revolves around Iyay (brilliantly portrayed by award-winning Kapuso actress Jaclyn Jose), a single mom who recently found out that her estranged husband (the titular role, Hesus)  passed away. Her desire to attend Hesus' funeral is met with reluctance, even repudiation, by her son Jay (Melde Montañez) and lesbian daughter Jude (Chai Fonacier).  Only her youngest son Bert (Vincent Viado), afflicted with Down Syndrome, shares Iyay's enthusiasm to travel on the road and see their deceased father. What follows is a series of outrageous detours and wacky adventures that seem to impede them from reaching their destination, yet, surprisingly,  pull them closer as a family.

Inside the cinema, the audience's reaction to PNSH is very heartening. This film should be the yardstick of pinoy comedies in the future. More so, the film also celebrates the strength and significance of single moms in raising their children, no matter how dysfunctional they are. By the end of the film, the future seems uncertain for the three siblings, each with their own crosses to bear. But their single mom serves as their rock; she consistently takes the wheel throughout the journey. She is completely in charge of her family.

I missed seeing PNSH when it was first shown at the QCinema Film Fest in 2016, where it won the Audience Choice Award. That's why I am thankful that the pioneer Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino chose it as one of the twelve feature films in the weeklong showcase of outstanding Pinoy movies. I wouldn't be surprised if the box office returns of Patay Na will gain more traction through word of mouth. It's one of the best comedies I've seen in recent years!