Toto the Movie

Starring:

Sid Lucero, Bembol Roco, Neil Ryan Sese, Mara Lopez, Thou Reyes, Blake Boyd, Jelson Bay, Liza Dino, Bibeth Orteza, Che Ramos, Marnie Lapus, Raul Montesa, Carlos Cruz, David Christopher, Lorenz martinez, Sheila Valderrama, and Rafa Siguion-Reyna.

Director: John Paul Su

My  Review of Toto

As I began to search for my blog's password "without surrender-ing," I eventually found it lying dormant in my phone's "notes." Now, I'm back to business!

And what a privilege to open my movie review blog again with a Filipino independent film entitled "TOTO."

Hilarious! Touching! Entertaining!Inspiring!

This is how I would describe this John Paul Su movie that stars one of the young versatile actors we have in the Philippine Cinema today, Sid Lucero. A great revelation of Sid's comedic side that comes out naturally and almost effortlessly. The movie centers on Toto's relentless pursuit for his "American Dream" and tackles, among others, the inner struggles of a dreamer and his journey towards self-fulfillment in the midst of conflicting voices inside and outside. I hardly recognized Bembol Roco who remarkably acts as Sid's father who, in a way, becomes his guiding "inner voices" (conscience).

The movie presents hard facts in life, particularly that of someone who is in the road to recovery after being struck by a tragedy (in this movie, the aftermath of the typhoon "Yolanda"). To do whatever it takes to realize one's dream is the overall theme of the movie. However, as the story of this young dreamer unfolds, it also becomes clear that he is finding his true self in the midst of conflicting personal, social, and cultural values. And to be true to it! Toto is an epitome of a common Filipino who aspires to make his life and that of his family better, unmindful of big personal sacrifices at times, ready to learn to take "one step at a time" (a line that Toto's girlfriend Tessa keeps on reminding him).

The cast ensemble is a big factor why this movie for me is a gem. I found every supporting cast to be very good actor. Bembol Roco and Bibeth Orteza, among others, really shine through. And of course, Sid Lucero, the protagonist, who is known for his dramatic roles, displays his versatility here as a natural comedian. One can't help but laugh at some scenes where a serious conversation is sprinkled with "biro" lines by Sid, one which is very relatable to me as a Filipino. Sid's acting in this movie is for me worthy of best actor awards!!!

There are a few scenes which I found to be long enough for the message to be conveyed. And I think it's a matter of editing. But I leave that to the experts. Because I also found some scenes worthy of praise as regards focusing. I love how the scenes are taken from "inside -out." Two scenes I could remember: the one from inside the locker and the sepulcher.They were brilliant directing for me because it gives a certain perspective that life has to be seen also from inside-out. Well, that is just my little psychological knowledge that is creeping in. What I really want to emphasize is the brilliant positioning of the camera! And for this, I give credits to this brilliant young director named John Paul Su who I happened to meet outside the theater (Robinson's Manila, after the 12:45 screening of the movie today, Dec. 18).

I am convinced that great directors bring out the best in the actors. Given the natural and good performances of the cast ensemble, Direk JP Su convincingly displays his directorial prowess worthy of warm kudos!!!

To touch the audience by successfully pulling off together both funny and dramatic scenes in a matter of seconds and allow the audience to experience a roller-coaster of emotions all throughout the movie while keeping the theme intact is an achievement of a good collaborative effort by the director and the crew. So, to everyone responsible for creating this magnificent, touching, inspiring and hilarious film, Toto, felicitaciones! You make us proud of our very own Filipino Films!

So, I invite everyone to watch Toto and find your own story, and be entertained and inspired as Toto's life's joy, disappointments, failures, and success unravel before you in the big screen. Catch it in Robinson's Place Manila today. Screening time varies every day.

My rating for Toto:          4 out of 5 stars!!!!!!

So long for now. I still have more indie films to catch up.