Youth-oriented flick shines light on millennials

Direk Joey Reyes (center) with the cast of “Walwal”

Ace filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes is one of my fave interviewees because he never gives “show bizzy” answers. He tells it like it is, and I totally enjoy our off-the-record chats. If only we could write a book about the explosive stuff that both of us are privy to.

Direk Joey is at the helm of Regal Entertainment’s “Walwal,” which opens on June 27. It is topbilled by heartthrobs Elmo Magalona, Jerome Ponce, Kiko Estrada and Donny Pangilinan. Walwal is a slang term derived from the phrase “walangpakialam” and its English translation is “to get wasted,” from drinking too much booze.

It reminds me of one of my fave quotes by Charles Baudelaire, which goes, “One should always be drunk. That’s all that matters; that’s our one imperative need. So as not to feel Time’s horrible burden that breaks your shoulders and bows you down, you must get drunk without ceasing. But what with? With wine, with poetry or with virtue, as you choose. But get drunk.”

The cool movie will let us in on the inner workings of millennials. It will take us on a crazy journey filled with adventures and misadventures. Ah, to be young and restless. The four naughty hotties remind us that, sometimes, a little madness is necessary in order to survive. Live it up, and go bottoms up.

Here’s my chat with Direk Joey:

How will “Walwal” help oldies understand millennials more? Our movie does not want to judge the younger generation, but tries to understand why they are who they are. We live in very difficult times, where there are too many shades of gray and where right can be made wrong. The movie aspires to show how we cope.

What did you discover about Elmo, Donny, Jerome and Kiko during the shoot? They are working hard to find their niche in the business. They’re dedicated to learn, knowing the competitive nature of the entertainment industry.

What’s your fave scene and dialogue in the movie? The scenes when the boys bond, helping each other out the best way they can, knowing how terrified they are of the world around them.

How do you handle a ham actor? I try my best to squeeze blood out of stone, but if it doesn’t work, I shoot around him and let my editor do miracles.

What are some of your rules on the set? Do your job, but let’s make it fun. And, no excuses.

If your life story would be made into a movie, what would the title be, and who would you want to portray you? “Being Human.” I do not know who in the world would want to portray me, but I know the theme song: Barry Manilow’s “I Made It Through the Rain,” because my life has been one big struggle—and I did not require an umbrella to make it through the storm.

Personal: Daghang salamat to Gary Dujali, for making me feel welcome in his chic boutique hotel Vine Molave and hip bar BKYD Pagadian. Thanks also to my Cebu angel April Rama, Lor Torres, Roy Ucat, DJ Tip Fucoy, King Mauran and Matt for an epic weekend in Zamboanga del Sur.