The movie Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles is one ambitious film. For years, the people behind the project were talking about it and you can see in the film output that the hard work paid-off.

 

Last night, my friend Maire and I made it to the last full screening of Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles in Gateway Cinema. As they say, when real-life horror hunts you, better relax and watch a movie!

I am happy that a lot of moviegoers chose to watch this Filipino over the other foreign films. The cinema is almost full when we sat in our designated seats. When I saw the cast line-up, I already expected that I am about to watch a comedy-horror film… well, more on the comedy part.

^ Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles Full Trailer with English subtitles

If you are expecting to know the history of the aswangs, you will not see it here. The story is more situation-driven film although you can see the character development is more on Makoy (Dingdong Dantes) and Mang Nestor (Joey de Leon).

 

It was nice to see Joey Marquez and Janice de Belen here, who both made a mark in making horror films during the early 90’s. Joey’s look in the film reminded me of his Shake, Rattle and Roll ‘Undin’ episode and Janice de Belen never fails to impress. I got scared of her performance in Pridyider but she made me laugh this time. Her character reminded me of some Filipina mothers or wives that are naggers. I love her shirt too!

 

Ramon Bautista as Bart is one of my favorite characters in the film, although I was expecting to hear more pogi banats from him. Kunsabagay, baka ma-outshine niya si Dong. Hehe 😀 I love the ‘special appearance’ of a cigarette, candy and tsitsirya brand in this film.

Veteran kontrabidas like Roi Vinzon, Mike Gayoso and Roldan Aquino appeared in the film. Former action stars given hope to appear in the limelight again. =)

 

Lovi Poe as Sonia is a beautiful and strong pregnant woman. She fits the role perfectly. Every Filipina mother will do everything to protect her child. LJ Reyes and Cris Pastor as the female aswangs did great too. In short, casting was perfect! Even the supporting characters were good!

 

Dingdong Dantes as Makoy is well-played. I am a fan of Dingdong since his TGIS days and I salute the fact that he took risk in making this project happen since he is also one of the producers. He did direct one of the episodes in the drama trilogy film ‘Angels’ and this is a good move as a producer. I hope he continues to produce and direct films. I can see that he is passionate as far as filmmaking is concerned.  I heard that he’s planning to produce an action-comedy film for Marian Rivera. Sounds good to me! =D

The cinematography is great (although it can be ‘really dark’ in some scenes… pero gabi nga pala toinks) and I love the sound effects. The look of the tiktiks (cgi) is just ok. I think they can do better or a scarier version of it.

 

Overall, I can say that Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles is a feel-good film with a lot of Filipino mix to it – maliban sa atay, bawang, asin at puso, you will see a number of metaphors in this film. Watch the movie to figure out what I mean.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of this film! Thumbs up! Ayos na ayos! I’m sure this be appreciated by film festivals abroad. We can make it werkkk, noypi!

PS: Sana magkaroon din ng ‘Bart: The Aswang Killer’ na si Ramon Bautista ang bida. Lubus-lubusin na ang pagiging action star! <3

Have you seen the movie Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles? What can you say about this Erik Matti film?