Yam Laranas’ The Road Movie Review : Yam Laranas sets new record in this new horror movie!

“The Road” is the newest offering of GMA Films and the critically acclaimed Director of “Sigaw/The Echo”, Yam Laranas. According to Direk Laranas, he began to write the story of “The Road” since 2005 and was completed in July 2010 (last year). GMA Films approved this material of Laranas and began the actual filming in July this year.

This is the synopsis:

“The Road” is a story about a twelve-year-old cold case, which is reopened when three teenagers go missing while traversing an infamous and abandoned road. As investigators try to find leads to the whereabouts of the missing teens, they also unearth the road’s gruesome past that spans two decades – a history of abduction, crimes and murders. Although the road is isolated, anyone who tries to pass through it can be sure that he is not alone. Lingering in the dark and desolate pathway is a vengeful ghost who makes sure no one leaves the road – alive!

The Movie

"The Road" is a great example of a thriller-suspense filled, psychologically film that you should watch. I can say that there is this mystery that we as the viewers have to figure out. This movie clearly is one of the best movies that I have ever seen – providing a totally different approach to a horror-thriller-crime genre. What's amazing about this movie is that it lets you know who is this killer right from the start, but then, here’s the twist – what if what you’re seeing 10 years ago is totally different now?

The Actors

I was impressed with the acting of Carmina Villaroel, Rhian Ramos, Barbie Forteza, Marvin Agustin, Tj Trinidad, Ynna Asistio, Derrick Monasterio, Lexi Fernandez, Louise Delos Reyes and Alden Richards.  They created likable, interesting characters that you can believe in. The acting by everyone involved is very believable and that makes it quite harrowing at points. I don't want to give away a single thing about the story but what I can say is that it’s an absolutely one of the most brilliant twist on a story that has been done.

Alden Richards plays here the role of a psycho killer. This boy-next-door stepped up into a better character of an abductor and a psycho killer. You will really amaze on how this cutie shows his emotions on acting even without a single word. 

On the other hand, every scene with Carmina Villaroel adds more shivers up my spines. Even when she has no prosthetics in the movie, just a plain character being the mother of Renz Valerio, who played the young Alden Richards, you will feel very scared with her role. Carmina is truly one of Philippine TV’s important gems when it comes to acting prowess.

My Say

More than the acting of the actors here and the stuff, one great thing that adds to this movie is the attack of the movie. It’s not just the typical ghost horror story that thrills everyone. Direk Laranas promises to treat moviegoers to a fresh new approach to horror.

“Nakakatuwa nga kasi meron kaming listahan ng mga eksenang hindi na dapat isama sa pelikula kasi gasgas na: yung mga tipong hinihila sa ilalim ngkama, yung may tatapik sa likod mo tapos paglingon mo kaibigan mo lang pala, etc.  Sabi ko, ‘pag walang kinalaman sa istorya, wag na nating ilagay.’ Kasi yung audience –lalo na yung mga mahihilig sa horror – alam na nila lahat ‘yan e.  Hindi mo sila mabobola.  At feeling ko nakakahiya sa audience kung ang ipapakita mo sa kanila ay ang mga bagay na napanood na nila,” Laranas said.

The set location was shot in Teresa, Rizal. According to the director, the location is very cinematic and it’s actually the first time that it was used as a location for a film. I commend also the Swedish composer Johan Soderqvist who is assigned for the musical scoring of the movie. The musical scoring adds more

Kudos to Yam Laranas and the staff, for bringing us this seriously difficult project and turning it into one of the cleverest movies today. This movie is anything you want it to be; glossy and superficial, or deep and meaningful. You will surely scream with all your heart out!

So, go to the theater near you, gather your popcorn, and just remember that you may not be alone when you do... Or just dare yourself to watch the movie, alone! If you enjoy serious drama, investigation films, serial killers, great acting, you'll definitely enjoy this movie. This is a must watch for this season! "The Road" will surely scare the moviegoers nationwide beginning November 30, 2011!

RATING: 9/10

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