Two refreshing Pinoy movies hit theaters in the last month

"Ang Babae sa Septic Tank" has grossed P36 million in three weeks

What a delight to watch two of the best Filipino films almost back-to-back, as both movies get their respective commercial releases weeks from one another. Earlier this August, the Eugene Domingo-starer "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank" hit the theaters. This week, it was the turn of "Zombadings: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington" at the spotlight.

Both films were part of the roster that was screened at the Cinemalaya 2011 in July. While "Septic Tank" has already proved it can make money--it has amassed P36 million in three weeks so far (not bad for an indie film), "Zomba's" commercial success is yet to be determined. But if everything goes well, the latter film should hold its own.

In a nutshell, I give "Septic Tank" nine stars out of 10. It has instantly become one of my most favorite films of all time (foreign or local), alongside with "Kimmy Dora" (which also stars Domingo). Everyone who knows me or follows me on Twitter would know that I've been raving about the film the moment I got out of the cinema and has forced, err, encouraged friends to see the film as well.


As for "Zombadings," I'd give it a softer 6.5 out of 10, only because I was hoping that the roles of Roderick Paulate and Eugene Domingo (who has become my favorite local actress of all time) got more airtime. And while the lead star, Martin Escudero, is cute, I felt he could have done more.

With these refreshing films, I now fully feel the power of the indie movie industry in the country, which has been touted as the saving grace of Philippine cinema in recent memory. Damn right! I am overwhelmed to know that indie is not anymore just another name for "soft gay porn." I am jumping with joy that indie-produced films are gaining wide acceptance from the mainstream market.
 

Already, I am looking forward for the sequel to both films. For "Septic Tank," I hope they continue showing what happens in the other "scenes" in the movie inside a movie. I think it would be hilarious if they can actually show the scenes that feature "actual penetration" and "death defying stunts."

And as for "Zombadings," I can only hope for  bigger roles for Paulate and Domingo. I do hope, too, that the storytelling be a little faster next time around. And yeah, more sex scenes between Remington and Jigs, please. :)