Movie Review: The Road

Last November 24, GMA 7 held its first exclusive screening for their newest Pinoy thriller film “The Road” at the posh Cinema 1 of Newport Cinema in Resorts World Manila.

Present in the special screening are GMA 7 executives including Atty. Felipe Gozon himself, Kapuso artists Tim Yap and Aljur Abrenica, special guest the Megastar Sharon Cuneta, and the movie’s young casts Barbie Forteza, Alden Richards, Lexi Fernandez and Renz Valerio, director Yam Laranas, and selected movie bloggers.

     The Road, according to its press release, will take movie fanatics to a whole new level of horror where there is no room for clichés and predictable outcomes, but only for a mind-boggling and hair-raising thrill ride.

Although I am not really a big fan of Pinoy horror flicks simply because more often that not, it turned into a comedy film because of bad acting and poor movie production (special effects), I don’t want to miss this one because it is a Yam Laranas movie.

The only Pinoy thriller or horror flick that gives me the shiver are “Nasaan Ka Man” by Cholo Laurel, “Dagim” by Joaquin Pedro Valdez and “Bulong” by Yam Laranas which I still believe is far scarier than its Hollywood version “The Echo“.

Described by international film critics as “creepy to the extreme” (KillerFilm.com) and a “beautifully shot supernatural tale with incredible effects and great scares” (Bloody Disgusting),  The Road  is a story about a twelve-year-old cold case, which is reopened when three teenagers go missing while traversing an infamous and abandoned road.   As investigators try to find leads to the whereabouts of the missing teens, they also unearth the road’s gruesome past that spans two decades – a history of abduction, crimes and murders.   Although the road is isolated, anyone who tries to pass through it can be sure that he is not alone.   Lingering in the dark and desolate pathway is a vengeful ghost who makes sure no one leaves the road – alive!

Known for his unorthodox brand of film-making, “The Road” director Yam Laranas (Sigaw/The Echo) promises to treat moviegoers to a fresh new approach to horror.

“Nakakatuwa nga kasi meron kaming listahan ng mga eksenang hindi na dapat isama sa pelikula kasi gasgas na: yung mga tipong hinihila sa ilalim ng kama, yung may tatapik sa likod mo tapos paglingon mo kaibigan mo lang pala,  etc.    Sabi ko, ‘pag walang kinalaman sa istorya, wag na nating ilagay.’ Kasi yung  audience  -lalo na yung mga mahihilig sa  horror  –  alam na nila lahat ‘yan e.   Hindi mo sila mabobola.    At  feeling  ko  nakakahiya sa  audience  kung ang ipapakita mo sa kanila ay ang mga bagay na napanood na nila,” Laranas said.

As for my own opinion, the movie is well directed. One thing that I like about this film is its cinematography and its hauntingly beautiful musical scoring  created by Swedish composer Johan Soderqvist who received international recognitions for his score in the 2009 horror-thriller, Let the Right One In.

 The only thing that bothers me though is the inclusion of Barbie Forteza. Her acting is a big disappointment for me. I know that she is one of GMA 7’s precious talent but this girl needs more acting workshop. The other two Kapuso tween stars Lexi Fernandez and Renz Valerio also needs to improve their acting skills. Also, a runner-up to poor acting is Rhian Ramos. Why am I saying this? Because they lack that needed emotion during the scary part of the film. I can’t enjoy a horror movie if the one acting it can’t show how scared he/she was. But watching Barbie Forteza’s acting is a torture for me. I do hope she wont turned out to be another beautiful face in the movie industry. But I will give her the benefit of the doubt because she’s still young and maybe she can still improve her acting.

But the movie also offers good actors and one revelation for me is Alden Richards. He did a great performance here. Only 19-years-old but he showed a promising start and I would surely look out for more projects for him. Hopefully, GMA 7 builds him up because he has the looks and talents for a future matinee idol or leading man.

Also did great for her role is Carmina Villarroel who plays the wicked mom of Alden Richards. As much I wanted to share my favorite scene from the movie, I don’t want to be a spoiler and will just let you decide once you saw the movie. All I know is that Carmina Villarroel’s scene with the equally-talented Marvin Agustin is the one you should watch out!

Over-all, I was entertained. Although I easily figured out the killer (but that’s just me), I still give director Yam Laranas the credit for a job well done. The Road has a good story, although it wasn’t as gory as I was hoping it should be, it has the right amount of creepiness except it fails when Barbie Forteza showed up in the scenes. And may I add that I love the movie posters they created. Very good artwork.

“The Road” stars Carmina Villarroel, Marvin Agustin, Rhian Ramos, Barbie Forteza, TJ Trinidad, tween stars Alden Richards, Louise delos Reyes, Derrick Monasterio, Lexi Fernandez, Ynna Asistio and Renz Valerio.

Also starring in the film are John Regala, Lloyd Samartino, Gerald Madrid, Allan Paule, Dex Quindoza, Ana Abad Santos and Ms. Jacklyn Jose.

Opens this coming November 30 in theaters nationwide.

And here’s a personal video message from the Kapuso tween stars promoting “The Road”: