MMFF Moviethon Day 2: Unshaken, unrattled, unrolled again
Three reasons we watched Shake, Rattle & Roll 14:
1. Our friend gave it a rave review. Or what passes for a rave review of an MMFF entry: “It doesn’t suck.”
2. All the episodes were directed by Chito Roño.
3. It’s become an annual tradition.
Summary: The first episode stars Arlene Muhlach, Janice De Belen and Herbert Bautista, making it a Shake, Rattle & Roll 1 reunion.
The second episode is like Predator mixed with Orapronobis (Bet you didn’t know that was possible).
The third episode is like Cabin in the Woods without the everything.
Rating: 2.5 stars. (Would’ve been higher if aswang had stolen all the soldiers’ uniforms in the second episode.)
Recommendation: If you have absolutely no expectations, are capable of entertaining yourself, and watch it with friends, you may enjoy it. Otherwise, pass.
Additional award category: Best appearance by a Jonas Gaffud/Mercator model. Nominees: JC Tiuseco, Fabio Ide.
Read our review at the MMFF Moviethon on InterAksyon.com.
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December 29th, 2012 at 12:07
I think this was the worst SRR of all time, and given some of the awful SRRs they’ve churned out in the last few years, that’s saying a lot. It wasn’t scary, and unlike previous non-scary SRRs which at least amused me through unintentional humour, this one didn’t even give me that.
“Pamana” seemed to be gunning for the classic “run around the haunted house” trope from 80s/90s horror films, especially since I believe it was set in that time period and stars three of the original SSR performers. However, it failed as it was basically just running around the haunted house.
“Lost Command” was probably the best of the lot, but that’s not enough. Agreed, why cast Dennis Trillo, Paulo Avelino, Mart Escudero, Alex Castro, and JC Tiuseco if the monsters won’t steal their uniforms? Hee. Also, I still don’t know if those things were supposed to be aswangs or zombies; various reviewers and promos have stated differently. I will just call them monsters.
“Unwanted” was just blah. The “Cabin in the Woods” comparison is also being generous. I’d probably lean more towards “The Mist,” but even that is just too generous. Half an hour going through the rubble meeting forgettable characters and, erm, dildo-looking creatures is just not effective horror. Also, I can’t for the life me see SRR as sci-fi horror.
That anvilicious ending of the film prior to credits, with that “phrase” spelled out for us, was just treating the audience as stupid, as though we didn’t get it.
Chito Roño disappointed me, and I had such high expectations from someone of his directorial class. I also believe the first ep was Ricky Lee penned, another disappointment.
Oh, well, until next year’s SRR: let’s face it, no matter how bad it’s become, it’s now a tradition for me and my friends. I just hope someone brings it back to being actually scary.
December 29th, 2012 at 12:14
Just read your full review after I posted my comment here.
Interesting take on “Pamana.” I never looked at it that way, as some kind of… ermmm deconstruction and perhaps judgment of the horror film industry and especially of the SRR series. Doesn’t make it any less good for me, but it least it has something to it.
““Hindi yan pagkaraniwang hayop,” someone observes for the benefit of the vision-impaired.” –> Bwahaha. I had a very similar reaction when the character says that. I think my exact words were, “Obvious ba?” then started thinking how no one speaks like that in real life these days, especially not some sosy girl in a mall.