Fresh concepts, star combinations and comebacks make current show biz season eventful

The current TV-film season is turning out to be an agreeably more suprising and eventful one, with some productions that make it a point to come up with relatively fresh concepts and star combinations.

Stellar big-screen comebacks are also potent viewer come-ons, like Sharon Cuneta’s “reappearance” after some years in the Cinemalaya film, “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha.”

Film buffs are also interested in the first stellar teamup of Angelica Panganiban and the similarly returning Judy Ann Santos in “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes.”

The title alone conjures up many possibilities related to feisty plot twists and “witchy-bitchy” dialogue exchanges that should click with rom-com fans.

Vhong Navarro (left) and Lovi Poe

For his part, Vhong Navarro has his own sly and winking surprises in store for comedy buffs in his new starrer, “Woke Up Like This.”

Again, his film’s title alone hints at tantalizing twists and twerks—and perhaps gender-bending curlicues designed to tickle viewers’ fun-tasticating fancy.

AJ Muhlach (left) and Phoebe Walker

We’re also particularly interested in the new action-drama film, “Double Barrel,” because it’s being megged by Toto Natividad, who’s also making a comeback.

He’s one of the best in his field, with many standout actions to his name, so we expect his latest production to be an exciting viewing treat, as well.

We see Natividad’s comeback actioner as a sign that the long-moribund Filipino action film is about to experience a revival, thanks in part to the success of TV series like “Ang Probinsyano” and “Alyas Robin Hood.”

When it’s finally completed and shown, the latest “Darna” flick should further boost the long-awaited revival, which could result in the discovery and development of a new breed of young action stars, both male and female.

This early, buff starlets should position themselves to be ready, willing and able to take advantage of this big, action- fueled break, if and when it does come.

Evaluating the current show biz scene based on the hits chalked up thus far this year, we also reckon that rom-coms will be similarly big this year, paced by the unexpected success of “Kita Kita.”

John Lloyd Cruz

Aside from the usual hitmaking stars like John Lloyd Cruz and his bevy of “alternating” leading ladies, therefore, the field is open to younger rom-com and comedy exponents.

Empoy Marquez (left) and Alessandra de Rossi

Like “Kita Kita’s” Empoy Marquez, they could also get their big, starmaking break this season, or in 2018.

But, what will make them stand out enough for producers to gamble on them?

The operative word is gamble, so new talents will have to convince the moneybags and decision-makers out there that they’ve got what it takes to turn their “finger-crossed” investment into—the next, big “sleeper” hit!