Movie No. 135. Cinemalaya 2013: BABAGWA
Babagwa (Spider's Lair) (2013)
Director: Jason Paul Laxamana
Cast: Alex Vincent Medina, Joey Paras, Alma Concepcion
This film is timely. It is evident in the narrative that the writers did an expansive research on the topic. There are many things that are noteworthy in the film. First and foremost, the style - using a different actor for the fake identity. The tale of the monkey and the turtle, which all of us are familiar with, somewhat prepares the audience to the film's conclusion. This is being told by an elementary school teacher to his pupils. The teacher is one of the scams' prey. For an audience who pays attention to the planting of this scene, this can be a spoiler. In fact, I predicted the film's conclusion on the basis of this scene. And I was right!
Director: Jason Paul Laxamana
Cast: Alex Vincent Medina, Joey Paras, Alma Concepcion
Synopsis: An internet scammer falls in love with a wealthy old maid while trying to swindle her using a fake Facebook profile.
This film is timely. It is evident in the narrative that the writers did an expansive research on the topic. There are many things that are noteworthy in the film. First and foremost, the style - using a different actor for the fake identity. The tale of the monkey and the turtle, which all of us are familiar with, somewhat prepares the audience to the film's conclusion. This is being told by an elementary school teacher to his pupils. The teacher is one of the scams' prey. For an audience who pays attention to the planting of this scene, this can be a spoiler. In fact, I predicted the film's conclusion on the basis of this scene. And I was right!
Alex Vincent Medina is quite convincing as a reluctant scammer. Joey Paras' acting, while many would perceive to be outstanding, is so theatrical. But he's good, in general, as the scheming mentor to Medina's character. This film could have been great; the director was not brave enough to come up with a non-conventional ending. The ending, though not bad, is a let down for being too safe and almost a cliche!
Rating: 3.0/4.0
Date seen: July 27, 2013
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