The MMFF 2018 in a nutshell

Kim Chiu (left) and Eric Quizon in “One Great Love”

Out of the eight entries in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), I was able to watch five of them at our Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) screenings. We gave an A grade to “Rainbow’s Sunset” and “Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles,” while “One Great Love,” “Fantastica,” “The Girl in the Orange Dress,” “Mary, Marry Me” and “Aurora” were graded B.

Even if you are not exactly a fan of local movies, why not check out any of the MMFF entries in the spirit of Christmas? The annual film festival is already part of Pinoys’ Yuletide tradition. So, join in the MMFF frenzy and show that love is “homegrown,” indeed.

Here are my musings about the entries:

Gloria Romero ought to win the best actress award for “Rainbow’s Sunset.” Eddie Garcia and Tony Mabesa more than deserve to be named best actor awardees. I was totally blown away by the superb acting of the three veteran performers. The movie will hit you in all the right spots.

“Jack Em Popoy” costars, from left: Maine Mendoza, Vic Sotto and Coco Martin

Even if it’s the first time for Coco Martin to work with Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza, the formidable trio has chemistry. “Jack Em Popoy” successfully merges three genres: action, drama and comedy. Bravo for its perfect combo!

It was quite amusing to watch Coco Martin perform in “Eat Bulaga.” It can only happen in the movies since Coco isn’t a Kapuso. Expect the hilarious outtakes of Vic, Coco and Yaya Dub in the film’s closing credits.

For an actor of Jericho Rosales’ caliber, his unchallenging role in “The Girl in the Orange Dress” seems like mere “playtime” for him. Suffice it to say that Echo still delivered.

Jericho and Jessy Mendiola are eye candy, all right. But they don’t gel well. There’s no spark in their matchup.

Without intending to, Dennis Trillo upstages JC de Vera in “One Great Love.” Whatever role that Dennis portrays, he always nails it.

For the hopeless and hopeful romantics, the film’s “hugot” lines will come in handy when Cupid strikes again.

The visuals of “Aurora” are well-done. The haunting movie captures the deglamorized side of Anne Curtis. She’s even more beautiful sans froufrous.

Vice Ganda (left) and Dingdong Dantes in “Fantastica”