Mixed results for AiAi and Eugene

DOMINGO. Went dramatic in “Barber’s Tales.”

Anna Bartolome, teacher: “One actress who’s hell-bent on reinventing herself, from comedienne to serious actress, is AiAi de Alas. However, her Cinemalaya starrer, ‘Ronda,’ wasn’t as well received as her comedic starrers. Critics were mixed in their reviews of her dramatic portrayal.

“Eugene Domingo similarly turned dramatic and fared better in ‘Barber’s Tales,’ earning plaudits for her performance. Unfortunately, moviegoers were less enthusiastic, preferring the actress to tickle their funnybones than making them weep. This proves that moviegoers prefer comediennes to stick to what they do best—make them laugh.”

Other notes:

Marlon Dagarag, businessman: “I was prepared to see the supporting players of ‘Dementia’ fare not as well as its star, Nora Aunor. I was wrong! Jasmine Curtis-Smith was a revelation, as were Bing Loyzaga and Lou Veloso. The film  benefits from its good casting choices.”

Bem Mendez, nurse: “It’s a pity that Judy Ann Santos hasn’t made a film for quite a while now. What’s keeping her from doing one? It’s a good thing that she is seen regularly on TV as host of reality and game shows. But, for her followers, there’s nothing better than seeing her on the big screen!”

More Cinemalaya entries

Samuel Adapon, student: “For next year’s edition, how I wish Cinemalaya increases its number of entries in the Director’s Showcase, from five to 10—that way, its Best Picture award can become truly prestigious. I also hope that Cinemalaya would give chances to other directors and not showcase the same filmmakers repeatedly.”

Jenny Molino, televiewer: “Can’t ABS-CBN give its resident teleserye theme song singer, Angeline Quinto, a rest? I don’t know if it’s only me, but her birits are already painful to my ears! For a change, why not tap ‘The Voice Kids’ runnerup, Darren Espanto, instead?”

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