Jolo Flores Reviews

20/09/2025

The 2016 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗔 teaser trailer has finally been released online!

🎥 𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁: Erik Matti was originally set to direct "Darna" back in 2014/2015, but stepped down from the project due to creative differences. Angel Locsin was also supposed to reprise her role as the iconic superheroine, but was forced out following a back injury in October 2015.

All developments led to the 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗔 TV series, and the rest is history.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰?

Click here to watch the Darna 2016 MMFF teaser ⬇️:
https://youtu.be/eYAfQEvIzdY?si=rKHW4EMGelH-M0ZJ

17/09/2025

Get ready, cinephiles! Cinemalaya 2025 is here!

This year's full-length film entries sails under the theme "𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘨 𝘴𝘢 𝘈𝘭𝘰𝘯, 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘵 𝘜𝘯𝘰𝘴" with 10 powerful stories about struggle, identity, belonging, and resistance.

These films carry the spirit of independent films at its finest:

1. 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 — Noni Abao

2. 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗡𝗼. 𝟴𝟮 — Tim Rone Villanueva

3. 𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆𝗿𝘀 — Sari Dalena

4. 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 — Dustin Celestino

5. 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 — Nigel Santos

6. 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻 — Jenn Romano

7. 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀 — Cheska Marfori

8. 𝗥𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 — Ryan Machado

9. 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗮 𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀 — Renei Dimla

10. 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗮 — Kevin Alambra

Which of these entries are you most excited to watch?

Cinemalaya 21 will run from October 3 to 12.

15/09/2025

Filipino teleseryes have long thrived on the eternal clash between bida and kontrabida. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙖 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚?

Written and directed by Chris Martinez, Netflix's “𝘒𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺” follows Barbie Forteza as Gigi, a weary employee at a Samgyup restaurant whose life is in shambles. She then stumbles into the bright, color-saturated “Teleserye World” by Eugene Domingo as Mauricia, the film’s over-the-top kontrabida, enrolling her into the Kontrabida Academy, a Hogwarts/Nevermore-like school, where villainy is an art form.

The film itself is unapologetically and wickedly campy, as Martinez treats soap opera clichés not as punchlines but as building blocks for over-the-top cinematic effects. The slaps, flowing gowns, splashing drinks, and thunderous maniacal laughs are all heightened to absurdity, yet it’s in this exaggeration that the film finds its joy.

However, what makes this movie more than just a parody is that it gives a whole new meaning to the word “Kontrabida.” Gigi embraces her kontrabida side not as evil, but as a form of empowerment. She argues that villainy is not about malice; rather, it is about having the courage to fight back when life, love, and society push you down. Her character arc reinforces the message to embrace change to write a new chapter in your life.

Barbie Forteza nails the balance between vulnerability and defiance. You feel and believe in her pain, but you also cheer when she finally embraces her inner kontrabida. On the other hand, Eugene Domingo devours every scene as part mentor, part diva, part terrifying kontrabida with delicious flair.

While this movie is the ensemble of legendary kontrabida icons, they feel more like extended cameos than fully developed mentors. With talents like Celia Rodriguez, Jean Garcia, and a few more iconic actors to name, you wish the film could’ve given them more to do than just providing tips. Nonetheless, I do love the way they paid tribute to the past kontrabida icons, especially the late and great Cherie Gil.

Also, the idea of San Bida University, with Susan Africa as a Bida mentor, is intriguing but underdeveloped. If I were to expand more about this good side of the school, a stronger cast of bida icons could’ve given the kontrabida vs. bida rivalry a sharper bite.

Some supporting characters in the Teleserye World also felt like caricatures rather than fully realized foils. And the arcs follow a predictable path: the makeover, the revenge spree, the love complication, and the climactic rebellion.

The concept of this movie feels like a feature-length "Wansapanatym" film and a sequel to "Maria Clara at Ibarra," where the latter also features Barbie Forteza being transported into another world, with her character undergoing significant development.

Overall, “𝘒𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘢 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺” is a wickedly fun film, mixing camp, satire, and empowerment. While not flawless in ex*****on, the film stands out as a fresh, colorful, and proudly comedy-drama film that teaches us that sometimes, to fight for what’s right, you have to play the villain.

With that being said, I am going to give this movie…

7.5/10 🤷🏻‍♂️ (I mean, it’s alright…)

03/09/2025

LOOK UP! 🦸🏻‍♂️

It's official! The sequel to 'Superman' is entitled "𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄" and will be released on July 9, 2027.

James Gunn, David Corenswet, and Nicholas Hoult both break the news via artworks from Jim Lee, Jorge Jimenez, and Mitch Gerads.

Source:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/man-of-tomororw-super-man-movie-1236350987/

03/09/2025

Another short film review of another entry from the Film Development Council of the Philippines and JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel’s 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝘆𝗼 𝗫𝗫𝗜!

This 20-minute collegiate short documentary, directed by Xydel Vie Saldaña, highlights a young Cebu-based graffiti artist who has transformed city walls into vibrant canvases of freedom and defiance. It’s a portrait not just of an artist but also of a philosophy: art that is temporary yet alive, rebellious yet hopeful.

Now, the name “𝘚𝘯𝘢𝘧𝘶” might sound like a cryptic tag, but its origin is disarmingly casual. In the documentary, he admits that the moniker still carries a shadow of his real name, a reminder that every artist’s mask still ties to the self beneath.

His work is symbolic, with his recurring character (a skull crowned by a rising sun) becoming his signature as it captures his worldview in a single image: mortality is definite, but hope always breaks through.

One of the most engaging parts of this documentary is Snafu’s reflection on context. He’s dabbled in museum exhibits, but graffiti, he insists, is different. Galleries demand silence, hierarchy, and gatekeepers; the street demands nothing. Anyone passing by can see, interpret, or ignore. “𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦,” he explained. And his art breathes in that accessibility.

While the visuals showcase his work in raw urban settings, his commentary elevates it from being “mere vandalism “ to a practice of democratic art — an argument that this documentary delivers without being heavy-handed.

The documentary does not limit him to being “𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘪 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵.” Instead, it showcases his other talents, such as painting and sculpting, as well as his efforts to mentor and support other creatives. In these moments, the rebellious tagger transforms into a mentor and community-builder, highlighting the idea that art created on concrete can forge connections that are as enduring as those made through any framed piece.

This short film knows how to make its mark without lingering too long; it leaves viewers with memories of the sound of spray paint, the striking image of a skull-sun, and a lingering question about how we determine the value of art. For Snafu, the objective isn’t merely performance — it’s about making an impact.

Overall, “𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗳𝘂” peels back the stereotype of graffiti as vandalism and presents it as a living, breathing dialogue with the city. It’s a story of art not just as resistance, but also as hope — an ode to walls that refuse to stay silent.

With that being said, I am going to give this short documentary…

8.5/10! ⭐️ (Wooooh!)



To stream JuanFlix's Piling Obrang Vidyo XXI, click here to follow the steps ⬇️:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CRH6Ng7Nb/

The film festival runs until Sunday, September 7, 2025.

28/08/2025

This is my first time reviewing a short film entry, and I decided to give it a shot by streaming through 𝗝𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗙𝗹𝗶𝘅!

Now, the Film Development Council of the Philippines and JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel bring you Piling Obrang Vidyo XXI, where young and aspiring filmmakers get their chance to step into the spotlight and showcase their stories. This film festival runs only from August 25 to September 7, 2025 (and I’m glad that I got to catch up!)

One of the short film entries that I decided to watch first is from the Senior High School category entitled “𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝘁” directed by Jeron Amit — a clever comedy-drama that turns the stress of a school film contest into something both playful and unexpectedly thoughtful.

This short film follows two rival student groups preparing for the 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹: 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘔𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, led by Cia, who embraces collaboration and allows her team to improvise; and 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘴, led by Ian, an accomplished but domineering perfectionist.

What makes this short stand out is its structure — it feels like a branching interactive video game. Early on, the film teases: “𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦…” and from there, viewers are pulled into two versions of the same competition.

The split is not just in tone; even the color grading shifts — brighter for Cia’s warm, cooperative team and desaturated for Ian’s rigid, stressful approach.

Anyone who has experienced group-making projects, no matter what school year level you are, will find this short film relatable (Even I went through that process during my college years! 😄) From brainstorming sessions to chaotic shoots, it captures the push-and-pull of leadership: 𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭?

There’s also a surprising level of atmosphere here — helped by the inspired use of instrumental tracks of upbeat OPM and pop culture references, nailing the mix of sentiment and comedy this short is going for.

Of course, one flaw that I noticed as I watched this short film is that in some parts, the audio occasionally suffers (the mic picks up distracting wind), but these hiccups remind us that real student films can sometimes be messy, imperfect, and very human.

The short builds towards the awards ceremony, where the “two endings” collide. In both endings, one particular group walks away with Best Picture, but there are two different reactions in each ending. By presenting both outcomes side by side, this film nudges the audience to rethink what success actually means.

In the end, the short leaves viewers with an open-ended challenge: 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦?

Overall, “𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝘁” is not just a film about filmmaking — it’s about choices, leadership, and how the process shapes people more than the result. It is earnest, witty, and brimming with student-film authenticity, capturing the highs and lows of collaboration with both humor and heart.

With that being said, I’m going to give this short film…

8/10! ⭐️ (Woooo!)



To stream JuanFlix's Piling Obrang Vidyo XXI, click here to follow the steps ⬇️:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CRH6Ng7Nb/

27/08/2025

I first heard about “One Hit Wonder” when it premiered on Netflix last week on August 21. And thought I’d give it a watch this week as its premise sounds promising.

This is not just another Pinoy romance film, it’s also a love letter to Pinoy pop culture and OPM nostalgia.

The first thing you will notice in this movie is not the plot — it’s the vibe. Writer and director Marla Ancheta will not only drop us into the late ‘90s setting, she’ll also soak us in it with cassette tapes and ballads.

The film’s plot centers on Sue Ramirez’s Lorina and Khalil Ramos’ Entoy, two singers who are one step away from their big break.

Sue Ramirez has a scrappy fire on stage, the kind of singer who pushes through nerves with raw energy. There are some moments where her character feels a bit of stage fright — there’s a reason behind that as you’ll watch the movie — but she is always reminded that she has the courage to face her challenges especially when it comes to thinking and making decisions of her career path.

Khalil Ramos plays a quieter foil in Entoy, a voice that doesn’t demand attention but wins it anyway. His arc proves that you can still achieve your dreams even when your partner is not around making music with you. He, too, shows raw emotions during some dramatic scenes.

Put the two leads together and you get the kind of duet that feels more like conversation than competition.

Veterans like Gladys Reyes, Lilet Esteban, and Romnick Sarmenta lend the weight to the industry side of things, while Vivoree adds youthful energy to the music’s dynamic. Even Entoy’s band gave the two leads a brotherly bond aside from musical collaboration. The ensemble helps color the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s period world.

The movie will show you the risks of achieving fame. You could feel the pressure not only on the two leads but also on other supporting characters. These risks let Lorina and Entoy think carefully regarding their path to stardom, even when it means one of them couldn’t achieve it.

Ancheta makes up for sincerity as she writes with affection for dreamers who measure success not just by fame, but by the courage to put their voices out there.

But like many jukebox romances, the movie struggles when the music fades. The story beats are predictable — career temptations, miscommunications, and the standard lovers’ quarrel. A few scenes cut so abruptly that it feels like the radio dial was turned too fast.

The romance trope is as simple as the rest of the other Pinoy romance films: they cross paths and slowly stumble into romance, though the development of their relationship felt a bit rushed. Nonetheless, the chemistry between Sue and Khalil’s characters is on point.

“One Hit Wonder” is not a chart-topping reinvention, it’s a B-side you stumble back into years later and realize you still know the lyrics. It’s an easy gateway into the warmth of Pinoy pop nostalgia, and also a karaoke night wrapped in a love story: familiar, a little cheesy, but it’s worth singing as you jam into the music.

With that being said, I’m going to give this movie…

7.5/10! 🤷🏻‍♂️ (I mean, it’s alright…)

18/08/2025

I can’t believe I laughed the freak out loud! 🤣😆

It’s been over three decades since “The Naked Gun” set the gold standard for slapstick parody, and now a new generation of Police Squad has arrived, with the badge now pinned on Liam Neeson.

This film is directed by Akiva Schaffer (Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers) and produced by Seth McFarlane (Family Guy, Ted), and they revived one of the beloved comedic franchises, proving that absurdist comedy can still fire on all cylinders when played with a straight face.

The plot revolves around Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr., son of the late and great Leslie Nielsen’s bumbling and chaotic cop, who must succeed in his father’s footsteps to prevent the closure of Police Squad as he combats a sinister tech mogul.

One of the challenging questions for this fourth installment was: Can a “Naked Gun” movie still land in today’s landscape of meta humor and ironic detachment? Schaffer and the rest of the filmmakers answer with a resounding yes by sticking to what worked in the first place: Sight gags, wordplay, and pratfalls all delivered at a breakneck pace.

The film’s secret weapon is Neeson himself. While many may know him as a serious actor famous for his action thrillers, he truly shines in the "new version" of the character. He fully embraces Drebin Jr.'s unwavering cluelessness, transforming even the simplest lines and moments into comedic brilliance. His deadpan intensity makes him an unexpectedly perfect heir to the Drebin legacy.

Pamela Anderson portrays Beth Davenport, a true-crime novelist who adds surprising warmth to the chaos of her budding romance with Drebin Jr. She grounds the film in a way that a few expected by being earnest, charismatic, and often humorous. Fun fact: She was offered but lost to a role that was ultimately played by Anna Nicole Smith in “The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult” back in 1994.

Meanwhile, Paul Walter Hauser proves a worthy comedic sidekick, balancing clumsy charm with actual heart. And Danny Huston chews scenery as the film’s tech antagonist, grounding his menace to give the farce some genuine (and funny) stakes.

I did laugh at a lot of the movie’s jokes and gags, but some didn’t stick the landing, especially when they’re stretched into modern tech satire. And while this movie may be about continuing the legacy, some longtime fans might feel it doesn't fully recapture the chaotic brilliance of Leslie Nielsen's originals. Plus, I felt the runtime as this movie is 85 minutes long, but I guess it’s enough for all the laughter.

Overall, this isn’t just a reboot — it’s a love letter to comedy, reminding us how fun it is to laugh at something proudly, stupidly silly.

With that being said, I’m going to give this movie…

8/10 ⭐️ (Wooooo!)

Paramount Pictures

18/08/2025

Forever our OG General Zod 🙌🏻 Now we'll all kneel before him.

RIP 🕊️

Terence Stamp, the English-born actor celebrated in the 1960s for “Billy Budd,” “The Collector” and “Far From the Madding Crowd,” later known for playing General Zod in the “Superman” films and starring in Steven Soderbergh’s “The Limey,” died Sunday. He was 87.

https://variety.com/2025/film/news/terence-stamp-dead-superman-1236491435/

15/08/2025

I watched this movie on Netflix yesterday after hearing about it.

Now, I may not usually go for rom-coms, but I decided to give it a try in seeing “My Oxford Year,” which is based on the novel by Julie Whelan. It stars Sofia Carson (Evie from Disney’s Descendants) and Corey Mylchreest.

The story revolves around Anna, an ambitious American student, who goes to Oxford to pursue her dreams. Her journey shifts when she meets Jamie, a charming English tutor with a secret that changes everything.

Carson and Mylchreest had great chemistry right from the start. Sure, some of their lines and scenes are classic rom-com cliches, but they still pull it off. Also, there are times you’ll want to yell at them to get a room.

I honestly got bored during the first half and even found myself yawning. It just felt like the usual rom-com setup where a girl meets a guy in awkward situations and they fall for each other. But once the second half kicks in, things change.

The movie quickly shifts from a light rom-com to a more emotional drama. Some of the heavier scenes feel rushed, so the big emotional moments don’t hit as hard as they could.

Even with my criticisms, the movie does convey some valuable life lessons. It reminds us that not everything lasts forever, we should cherish every moment, actions matter more than words, everyone handles grief differently, and avoiding pain also means missing out on joy.

Still, “My Oxford Year” feels like a cup of cocoa: comforting, sweet, and bittersweet by the end. It’s not the most profound romance out there, but if you want beautiful scenery, good chemistry, and a story that touches on sadness without getting too heavy, it’s worth a watch. You might want to have some tissues handy.

With that being said, I’m going to give this movie…

6/10 🤷🏻‍♂️ (I mean, it’s alright)

13/08/2025

I watched KPop Demon Hunters last month on Netflix.

The reason why it took me longer to write a review out of it was because I was processing how much of a masterpiece this is (and yes, that also includes jamming into their soundtracks 😅🎵🎶).

The story revolves around a world-renowned K-Pop girl group Huntr/x - composed of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey - balancing their lives in the spotlight with their secret identities as demon hunters.

There’s so much about this movie that I fell in love with!

Firstly, the animation. It is very heavily inspired by the Spider-Verse films but it fuses K-Pop music video marathon with a modern anime action reel. Every fight scene moves like choreography – clean beats, dramatic silhouettes, and lighting cues that feel ripped from a concert stage.

Secondly, the soundtracks. It’s the story’s spine. I love how they used each of the soundtracks not just for us to jam with our earphones and headphones on, but also how they used them as a weapon to protect the world from demons. When the girls perform, the songs advance character arcs and plot beats.

Their main soundtrack “Golden,” which is my personal favorite soundtrack, isn’t just a hype track; it’s an emotional checkpoint for a character finding her voice and bringing out her true self.

Thirdly, the voice cast performances. Credit goes to them for making the group feel like more than idols. Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo gave Rumi, Mira, and Zoey distinct personalities — funny, vulnerable, and occasionally prickly — while K-drama veterans like Lee Byung-hun and Kim Yunjin brought weight to the supernatural plot threads.

The result of their performances? You care about the girls when the stage lights dim and the demons close in.

And of course, who else can’t get enough of The Saja Boys led by Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu? Their song “Soda Pop” really had everyone grooving their shoulders, despite the true nature of this boy band.

Without spoiling of course, my favorite moment in the movie is set during the climax, where the girls really give their all in battling demons.

Overall, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is what happens when you respect pop as an art form rather than a guilty pleasure. It’s flashy, funny, heartfelt, and just self-aware enough to wink at its concept without undercutting it. Indeed, this animated film is a love letter to all K-pop fans and animation lovers. You will probably be humming the songs all the way home.
With that being said, I am going to give this movie…

10/10! 🌟 (Perfect. Everything. Down to the last, minute details 💯)