AN OUTSTANDING RIP-OFF

Honestly, when I first saw the trailer of “Sundo” I had goose bumps instantly. I really loved Topel Lee's previous horror films in the past two years and I became enthusiastic to see the new offering from GMA Films. According to its press release, “Sundo” is a suspense/thriller film. Not a horror film? I went inside a dark and cold cinema in Megamall without high expectations. The audience was really quiet and I never heard a single wail from the crowd. Indeed, “Sundo” is not a screaming horror film. For me, it is just a beautiful knock-off of the Final Destination trilogy.

The movie opens with a statement about a belief that people who are about to die are fetched by the ghost of a loved one. Romano is a soldier who became comatose after being injured in a combat. When his condition becomes copacetic, he learns that he can now see the spirits being dispatched to fetch those who are about to pass away. Because of that, he never leaves his house in Baguio hiding away from the ghosts. He’s eventually changes his mind when an erstwhile friend named Louella offers to take his blind sister Isabel to Manila for treatment and end the fight between their families. On their way to Manila,they were joined by two neighbors and a hitchhiker who happens to be an aspiring actress. Before reaching a scary tunnel, Romano has a nightmare that spares them all from a fervent destruction. However, the grim reaper is furious and wants to them to pay. Their death is their payment. How will they overcome the rage of the evil reaper and outlive the steadfast warning of death in their lives?

I can't promise that “Sundo” will scare you to death. It's not that scary at all. But the premise is new to me because I have never heard about the superstition. But after watching the film, I was really ambivalent if I enjoyed it that much. I just couldn't avoid from comparing it to the Final Destination movies. They really copied almost everything starting from the concept and even the brutal killings. So it wasn't an exciting experience for me. The twist is kinda cool though and it's not too Shyamalanish. Hands down to the skillful lens of Topel Lee! He is really amazing. I really love the tunnel scene with Romano and the spirits. The cinematography of the film is phenomenal. Who is J.A. Tadena? Coz I wanna shake his hand and congratulate him for a wonderful job. Excellent photography J.A.!!!! Yes, the sound and the haunting musical score also have this eerie touch.

Mr. Robin Padilla who plays Romano is undoubtedly one of the best actors in the industry. I can feel his fear just by looking at his eyes. I'm not a fan of Sunshine Dizon but she amazes me in her role as Louella. That scream from her is unforgettable. I love it. Rhian Ramos continues to surprise me in every movie she's in except in I.T.A.L.Y. She plays Isabel and she is so natural. This girl has a lot of potential to be the next big superstar. You know what? I think for the first time I like Katrina Halili. It's nice to see her being dead in a movie. It's cool to see her being tortured. Ha ha ha!!! Her role here is truly perfect. Mark Bautista is also good but Hero Angeles captivates me more. I just missed his cute face. Hero is a fine young actor and he must continue pursuing his acting career because his face is just delectable on the big screen. By the way, Jaclyn Jose is being at mentioned during the opening credits with a special role. I think I didn't see her in the film. I wasn't able to see a glimpse of her shadow.

“Sundo” is a pretty suspense film but you'll definitely shake your head in the endif you've seen all the Final Destination movies. It's OK to re-create a Hollywood film as long as there's a unique Pinoy twist in it. It's just not enough. I'm still recommending the film if you have enough time and budget. Gosh, the cinema prices now are too expensive. No wonder the piracy is booming. Please don't watch the pirated copy because Sundo is filmed mostly in dark and I bet you won't see a single ghost in the bootleg DVD. Wait for the Original DVD soon.