Film Review: Bliss, a 2017 Philippine Psychological Thriller Film by Jerrold Tarog

Bliss, a Film by Jerrold Tarog Movie Poster
Source: Wikipedia

Title: Bliss
Directed by: Jerrold Tarog
Produced by: Darlene Malimas
Written by: Jerrold Tarog

Starring

• Iza Calzado as Jane Ciego
• Ian Veneracion as Joshua
• TJ Trinidad as Carlo
• Adrienne Vergara as Lilibeth
• Shamaine Buencamino as Jillian
• Audie Gemora as Lexter Palao
• Stephanie Sol
• Michael de Mesa
• Star Orjaliza

Music by: Jerrold Tarog
Cinematography: Mackie Galvez

Production companies:

• TBA Studios
• Artikulo Uno Productions
• Quantum Films

Release date: March 5, 2017 (Japan) / May 10, 2017 (Philippines)
Running time: 100 minutes
Country: Philippines
Language: Filipino
Website: https://www.tba.ph/

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In this ongoing crisis from COVID-19, a virus from originally from China, now a pandemic (already spread globally), the Philippine Government has announced an "Enhanced Community Quarantine" of the whole Luzon last March 17, 2020 ( read: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2020/3/17/-Enhanced-Community-Quarantine--takes-effect-in-Luzon.html ). The Government advised all civilians to stay inside their homes while they combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Given the situation, TBA Studios is offering the Bliss film by Jerrold Tarog free to watch on YouTube so we abiding citizens can watch and enjoy it at our home.

You can watch Bliss film for free below uploaded on YouTube by TBA Studios:

Bliss Film Review:

I find this movie dark, not very dark, just right. The story is okay. It reflects the reality of celebrity showbusiness, mental health, adultery, and matriarchy. It's kind of like Inception film.

I feel it lacks something about this film. It generally falls under a thriller film and that's what it lacks. They're too safe with Iza Calzado (Jane Ciego in the film, the main character). What I mean "safe", they can do a lot of thrilling acts with the character but it's just so limited. The direction is so lite in this film. I expected Jerrold Tarog can do more with Bliss because of his magnificent Heneral Luna film. I was hoping he can apply the kind of great production from Heneral Luna to this film but Bliss is just not that good. The story is good but the production is not impressive. I don't know maybe the actress is rejecting a scene, they're experimenting, or is it because they have a limited budget?

I'm rating this: 4.0 / 10.0

Also, read my film review for Heneral Luna, another film by Jerrold Tarog:
https://worth-watching-videos.blogspot.com/2015/09/film-review-heneral-luna-artikulo-uno.html

Thanks!

-

Otakore Literantadodist
March 20, 2020

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Reference:

• Bliss (2017 film), wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bliss_(2017_film)
• TBA Studios, wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TBA_Studios

Movie Review: Bohemian Rhapsody | 2018 Biopic Film of the British Rock Band Queen

Credit: Bohemian Rhapsody (film) wiki

Title: Bohemian Rhapsody
Directed by: Bryan Singer
Produced by: Graham King, Jim Beach
Actors: Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury (Farrokh Bulsara), Lucy Boynton as Mary Austin, Gwilym Lee as Brian May, Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor, Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon, Aidan Gillen as John Reid, Tom Hollander as Jim Beach
Screenplay by: Anthony McCarten
Story by: Anthony McCarten, Peter Morgan
Release date: October 23, 2018 (SSE Arena) / October 24, 2018 (United Kingdom) / November 02, 2018 (United States)
Language: English
Genre: Biopic
Website: https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/bohemian-rhapsody





Click 'Read more' to view full movie review or keep scrolling down

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Movie Review: Crazy Rich Asians | Directed by: Jon M. Chu

Title: Crazy Rich Asians
Director: Jon M. Chu
Producers: Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, John Penotti
Actors: Constance Wu as Rachel Chu, Henry Golding as Nick Young, Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor Sung-Young, Gemma Chan as Astrid Leong-Teo, Lisa Lu as Shang Su Yi, Awkwafina as Goh Peik Lin ...
Language: English
Release date: August 7, 2018 (TCL Chinese Theatre) / August 15, 2018 (US)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Asian
Website: http://www.crazyrichasiansmovie.com/

Official Movie Poster / Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Rich_Asians_(film)#/media/File:Crazy_Rich_Asians_poster.png

It's been a long time since I posted on this blog. I just can't miss reviewing this film based on a book of the same title written by Kevin Kwan. I wish I read the book first before watching the film version as I used to do. Nevertheless, I'm solved with the film.

Crazy Rich Asians are literally about crazy rich Asians. The film isn't just about portraying the characteristics of rich Asians but also weighing the views of characters on their life and family. Would you prioritize your passion for your career and ambition? Or the old family tradition and maintaining their grandiose position in the society?

Supporting casts are also effective on bringing comedy to the film. I didn't expect Ken Jeong will be in this film too (sorry I didn't pre-read anything about this film).

The film is not just about drama and comedy, It also showcases the wonderful places of Singapore. Surely, this film will boost the tourism of Singapore.

I'm rating this film: 7.0 / 10.0

Thanks!

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Want to buy the book? Buy book 1 or the complete trilogy below: 

 

-
Otakore Literantadodist
September 04, 2018

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Reference:

• Crazy Rich Asians (film), wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Rich_Asians_(film)
• Crazy Rich Asians (book), wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crazy_Rich_Asians

Film Review: Haunted Forest (2017) | 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival

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Haunted Forest Official Movie Poster;
photo grabbed from Wikipedia

Title: Haunted Forest
Director: Ian Loreños
Film Editing: Jeps Gallon
Executive Producer: Lily Y. Monteverde, Roselle Y. Monteverde
Music by: Francis Concio
Cinematography by: Rommel Sales
Film Editing by: Tara Illenberger
Cast: Raymart Santiago, Joey Marquez, Jane Oineza, Jameson Blake, Maris Racal, Maris Racal, Jon Lucas, Beverly Salviejo, Jerald Napoles
Country: Philippines
Language: Filipino
Release Date: December 25, 2017
Genre: Horror







WARNING: some part of the review may contain spoiler...

Ito ang una kong pinanood sa walong entry na kasali sa 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival. Nae-excite ako kasi nakakatakot ito as the title implies - Haunted Forest. So yun nga, may horror scene kaagad sa una pero hindi pa naman siya ganoon na nakakatakot. Pagbigyan na natin baka patikim palang talaga iyon kaya hindi pa siya kasindak-sindak.

Sa mga sumunod na eksena, dumating si Joey Marquez para mag-inspect sa nangyaring krimen. Ang role niya ay Police Chief. As expected matatawa ka sa gagawin niya, expected from a comedian, na-deliver niya naman iyon at natawa ako.

At may mag-ama, bagong uwi lang galing Maynila. Para silang LQ (lover's quarrel), basta may mapait na kwento sa likod ng pag-aaway nila. Tapos nakilala naman nung anak na dalaga ang mga kaibigang lalaki ng pinsan niya. Wala sa katauhan nung mga lalaki na iyon ang pagiging probinsyano character nila. Mas narinig ko pa ang pagiging slang nila e na mala-amboy.

Nagkaayaan sila. Naligo sila sa ilog. Tapos yun nga, nakursunadahan na ng Sitsit yung babaeng taga-Maynila. Sa mga sumunod na mga eksena, nagumpisa na yung mga "nakakatakot" na eksena. May quote talaga yung "nakakatakot" kasi hindi talaga nakakatakot yung mga eksena e. Parang pilit o kaya "okay na yan" effects. Year 2017 na, wala po bang improvements regarding sa special effects?

Pati pamagat ng pelikula, pilit o kaya "okay na yan". Hindi solid yung pamagat para sa istorya. Malaking porsyento ng istorya hindi naman nangyari sa kakahuyan. May parte na masasabi nating "Haunted Forest" pero hindi solid Haunted Forest ang takbo ng istorya.

Tsaka buti na lang at hindi rin "Sitsit" ang ipinamagat nila. Hindi kasi iyon ang alam kong "Sitsit" na kwento ng matatanda. Yung "Sitsit" kasi na alam ko e yung kapag napagabi ka ng uwi, mag-isa kang naglalakad sa daan at may sumitsit sayo, sabi sa kwento, wag ka raw lilingon sa likod kung saan narinig mo yung sitsit. Kapag lumingon ka raw ay kukuhain ka raw nung "Sitsit". At para raw malayuan ang "Sitsit", kailangan baliktarin raw yung damit para hindi ka na masundan.

Tungkol sa "Sitsit" na ginamit nila, e parang basta lang tinawag na Sitsit at nilagyan ng kung ano anong capabilities para kalagim-lagim yung eksena niya. Pero wala e, hindi tumalab yung scare effect.

Sa kalagitnaan ng panonood ko, nagdadaldalan na lang yung ibang nanonood sa sinehan at may narinig pa ako, nagpapatugtog ba naman ng song sa phone. Imbes na mabadtrip ako sa attitude nila e hinayaan ko na lang. Baka hinihintay na lang nila matapos yung palabas.

Kung gusto manood ng nakakatakot na palabas ang mga anak ninyo na bata pa, pwedeng-pwede sa kanila ito. Hindi sila mato-trauma sa takot kapag napanood nila ang "Haunted Forest". Note, PG-13 siya.

Ito ang grado ko sa pelikulang ito: 1.5 / 10.0

Salamat!

Movie Trivia:

- walang napanalunang award ang Haunted Forest sa MMFF 2017.


-
Otakore Literantadodist
January 08, 2018

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Reference:

• Haunted Forest, IMdb - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7248324
• Haunted Forest 2017 film wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_Forest_(2017_film)

Movie Review: Thor - Ragnarok (2017)

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I used GMovies app to buy my ticket to watch Thor: Ragnarok

Title: Thor: Ragnarok
Director: Taika Waititi
Producer: Kevin Feige

Cast:

• Chris Hemsworth
• Tom Hiddleston
• Cate Blanchett
• Idris Elba
• Jeff Goldblum
• Tessa Thompson
• Karl Urban
• Mark Ruffalo
• Anthony Hopkins

Music: Mark Mothersbaugh
Cinematography: Javier Aguirresarobe
Country: United States
Language: English
Release date: November 3, 2017
Running time: 130 minutes

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Official Thor Ragnarok Logo Title
Photo Credits: https://www.popcorn.asia/thorragnarok

There's more comedy in this film than the prequel Thor films. And I like it. I was very entertained. I can see a lot of audience laughs at the scene of the characters. It's not that too serious. It's just right comedy and fits the plot.

Korg. Don't be deceived by his physical appearance. Sorry to spoil you but he's the funniest character in the film :D
Photo Credits: https://www.popcorn.asia/thorragnarok

Also, a praise for the OST of this film. It sounds retro. It blends with the colorful design of the title.

From left to right: Hulk, Thor, Valkyrie, and Loki
Photo Credits: https://www.popcorn.asia/thorragnarok

Some moviegoers said there's still a last end credit scene aside to the mid-credit scene. I regret missing the last one because my bladder is going to explode. The film length is more than two hours long. So take ease with drinking your softdrinks when watching this film. You wouldn't want to miss the funny and important scenes.

My rating for this movie is: 4.3 / 5.0

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Thor Ragnarok Movie Promo

Input this promo code with your GMovies app to get 100 php. off when you watch Thor: Ragnarok - promo code: THOR

Also, to complete your movie experience, don't forget to snag this Thor: Ragnarok tumbler at Movie Snackbar:

#MovieSnackbar #merchandise #Thor #ThorRagnarok #LimitedEdition #tumbler #MarvelStudios #MarvelCinematicUniverse I'm rating #ThorMovie #Ragnarok 4.3/5.0 Full #MovieReview soon at https://worth-watching-videos.blogspot.com

A post shared by Otakore Literantadodist (@otakore) on Oct 28, 2017 at 9:18am PDT

Thanks!

-
Otakore Literantadodist
November 03, 2017

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Reference:

• Thor: Ragnarok, wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor:_Ragnarok
• Thor: Ragnarok, IMDb - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3501632/combined