Cinco(2010)

Cinco Theatrical Poster

*****

In what was supposedly planned as Duckpin Bowling Sunday Night, me and my friends ended up watching a local comedy horror flick in the nearest theater (though we were still able to play a round of an intensely competitive duckpin bowling. ^^). Cinco is a Tagalog feature-length-slash-collection-of-short film released by the giant Philippine movie outfit Star Cinema. 'Cinco' is the spanish word for the number 'five' and it is adopted by the film as its title because of its episodic format in which it is consisted of 5 mini-movies or episodes which has little or almost no connection with each other. That being said, let's get on with the film. (Since I evaluate films on an out-of-five basis, I'll be rating it through this manner: 1 Kahuna Burger is awarded for each good episode.)


Episode 1: Braso (Arms)
This opening episode lacks in substance and everything else. It's just plain horrible. Those three men don't look like fraternity neophytes but instead a bunch of idiot transvestites. There were probably a few funny moments but the episode as a whole sort of got caught somewhere in the middle of trying to be scary, trying to be funny(or silly) and trying to be self-assured. Well at least it tried.

Verdict: 0 Kahuna Burger


Episode 2: Paa (Feet)
This is easily the best among the five episodes. The director made a really good job on this one. It's a horror that is stylistically captured and it fit very well within the context of Philippine society.The excellent use of space and camera movement, the not-perfect but convincingly good acting by the lead character (played by Jodi Sta. Maria), the complex character psychology, a well delivered narrative, the religious allusions in a purely Filipino backdrop, and the no-nonsense approach in the whole visual illustrations were all consistently established making it effectively terrifying.

Verdict: 1 Kahuna Burger


Episode 3: Mata (Eyes)
This horror suspense episode is distinctively complex and mystifying indeed. Among the five episodes, this one avoids any comic effect and put a particularly satisfying focus on the intricacies of the narrative. It may lack an original and self-defining attribute but nonetheless it succeeds in providing an entertaining experience through visual and technical motifs.

Verdict: 1 Kahuna Burger


Episode 4: Mukha (Face)
Let me get this one straight. This is the worst among the five episodes. The awfully awkward camera works and editing, the lame and painfully terrible acting from the lead character (played by Mariel Rodriguez), lack of complexity in terms of plot and character depth, and a dull musical score are several reason why this episode fails at all level.

Verdict: 0 Kahuna Burger


Episode 5: Puso (Heart)
Scary is the last word to describe this episode but I have to admit that it is, at the very least is, amusingly satisfying. And though it relied heavily on conventions and stereotypes, other plot elements were able to put it together. And I have to say this: Pokwang is essentially a better actress than Mariel Rodriguez. The former is more convincingly better than the latter.

Verdict: 1 Kahuna Burger


This blog post is dedicated to Alex, Yvette, Jerold and Angie. :)



Rating: 3 out of 5 Kahuna Burgers