Our MMFF 2013 movie marathon aims to show support to the local film industry and to provide you, our dear readers our own, independent insights about the entries.

In all honesty, we didn’t expect much from ‘Pagpag: Siyam Na Buhay,’ a Star Cinema and Regal Films production, which stars the hottest love team of today, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo better known as KathNiel with support cast that include Dominic Roque, Miles Ocampo, Matet De Leon, Shaina Magdayao and Paulo Avelino.

It turned out to be a good horror flick, better than the previous entries from Regal Films and even from Star Cinema. As a matter of fact, it did surpass our expectations.

While a unique film, strange to the local Filipino viewers may solicit ‘wows’ from the Filipino movie goers, familiarity with the subject matter, if executed well, could actually turn out better — and that where PAGPAG’s strengths lie. It tackles the very familiar theme of ‘pamahiin’ or superstitious beliefs about deaths and wakes, things that are believed by our forefathers long ago but still raises questions from many of us. Added with a youthful flavor and its stars’ chemistry, a lot of shocking scenes, characters’ conflicts plus a good twist, PAGPAG successfully got our nods.

It is hard to point out all the strengths and the weaknesses of the film, yet, we’ll try to name the obvious for your reference.

Not to mention the lead characters’ chemistry for that’s been tried and tested, the two are a strong force of the film. Aside from the fact that they are the very soul of the film as well, these teen stars are actually now better actors.

Padilla, with due respect to his onscreen ‘angas’ and charisma can actually make the people stick till the end of the film by merely portraying the role. His comedic timing is perfect and he delivers his lines, almost naturally. Though his role here isn’t challenging enough for a best actor trophy, Padilla did good as an actor.

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