(We are running this guide to help moviegoers plan their holiday cinema tour. The 40th Metro Manila Film Festival runs from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7, 2015.)
MM (Muslim Magnum) .357
Sam Pinto (left) and Jorge Estregan
Directed by Jun Posadas; stars Jorge Estregan, Sam Pinto, Jerico Estregan, Roi Vinzon, John Regala, Efren Reyes Jr., John Arcilla, Clarence Delgado
This is a remake of the 1986 action flick “Magnum .357,” which was top-billed by the late National Artist for Film Fernando Poe Jr.
Jorge Estregan reprises the role of Lt. Jamal Razul, a seasoned police agent who specializes in undercover work and tracking down syndicate leaders. He faces cold-blooded henchmen in his pursuit to rescue Ameerah, a Muslim princess kidnapped by a notorious crime group. Lieutenant Razul aims to uncover and catch the real culprits before Ameerah’s clan wages war on a rival family that they believe was behind the abduction.
Online reports quoted Estregan as saying that “MM .357” is a tribute not only to Poe, known as the king of Philippine movies, but also to the Muslim community. The film, he said, will highlight Muslim customs and traditions, as well as Filipino martial arts. Allan Policarpio