I can’t remember the last time I saw a movie during the Metro Manila Film Festival. It’s not that I hate Tagalog movies. I just think that most Tagalog movies just recycle shit over and over. Actors and directors change, but everything stays the same. See one movie and you’ve practically seen what every other movie in its genre has to offer. But sometimes, a Tagalog comes along and I just know it’s… special. In the case of this year’s MMFF, it’s Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After (Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure).
See, the very first movie I saw inside a theater was “Super Wan, Tu, Tri” that starred Iskul Bukol‘s stars and legendary Filipino comedians, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon. They instantly became my entertainment heroes. I ate up all their succeeding movies and their legendary TV sitcom, Iskul Bukol. I was a sucker for their slapstick and toilet humor. I guess I wanted to watch this movie out of nostalgia.
The film may be standard digital-effects MMFF fare, but the old school Tito, Vic and Joey comedy is there, front and center. That’s good enough for me. It’s also a hoot to see some of the TV show’s cast reprise their roles. Seriously, I freaked out when I saw Ritchie D’Horsie alive. I thought the dude’s dead, yo. Also, Sharon Cuneta reprising her role as Tito and Joey’s sister is a pleasant surprise.
I would’ve like it better if the story focused more on the reunion of the characters instead of being a poor man’s version of an Indiana Jones movie, but I don’t really care. Seeing my childhood heroes together, once again playing the characters they created more than 30 years ago, makes me a happy Tagalog movie watcher.
hmmm I was meaning to watch this too. I mean shake rattle and roll vs iskul bukol is kind of a no brainer. XD
damn, i have to see this when it gets to the dvd stalls somewhere here.
vic sotto's hair is uber gray.
happynewyear baddie!
my father being a TVJ fan ever since, didn't like this movie. yeah they should've concentrated more on the reunion.
im a fan too, and seen all starzan movies.
i've been fantasizing a grand movie starring TVJ and Dolphy with Eddie Garcia & Gloria Romero for the longest time.
@Redbaks: You're fantasizing about who?! LOL
@Bulitas: happy new year!
@Sorbiebabie: I actually want to watch Shake Rattle n' Roll too. Heh.
I just realized I published this on Three Kings Sunday. Appropriate, no? Heh.
Wow you still remember the first movie you saw in a theater? Or am I the only one who doesn't? :o
@Abby: Well, yeah. But hey, I think I was already 7 by that time.
Given the chance, I would love to watch this too. I'm just concerned on the volume of people watching MMFF movies, masyadong marami, takot pa naman ako sa parang may stampede na eksena :P
I definitely watched ISKUL BUKOL on the big screen, and it still is top-of-the-line funny.
Just an addendum to Iskul Bukol triviaholics: Vic Ungasis (Ungas as in Tagalog for jackass + Onasis as in Jackie Onasis = Vic Ungasis) and Mang Temi (his name means Mr. Black since he's darker than the other characters and a word play for Tagalog itim). Since Bing Angeles has rested in peace in 2001, Myca from GMA-7's gag show Bubble Gang will play his daughter as Temita (Temi and Ita pinagsama).
Anyway, my problem with the Iskul Bukol movie was that it was a Vic Sotto movie pretending to be an Iskul Bukol movie.
I think Tito, Vic & Joey owe us a real Iskul Bukol movie.
@Clarinda: I agree. It was a Vic Sotto adventure-fantasy movie with Tito and Joey as supporting characters.
gandang pelikula nila tito,vic at joey..
i would like to ask the contact number of mr. ritchie reyes known as ritchie d'horsie. he's my godfather. i'll just want to inform him that STEVE BUTCH P. LESTOR died last feb 6. my father and ritchie are close friends. my father's interment will be tomorrow 16th feb. 2pm @ sibul, san miguel, bulacan. here's my contact number 09182641685
I really miss the Philippines. I used to live there and hopefully will go back soon.