Talk Back and You’re Dead Movie Review

Let me get this straight. I am a fan of James Reid and Nadine Lustre, it’s obvious if you have read my previous blog posts regarding the poster issue of TBYD. But I will try to be as objective as possible on giving a review about the film, not as a fan but as a moviegoer. So here you go.

The Story Outline

I’ve read TBYD Twice, both Volumes 1 and 2. There’s no denying that I’m a big fan on how Alesana Marie imagined that kind of “Astig na love story” plot. As a fan of TBYD Trilogy, I have a different story line in mind, well that’s pretty much normal to readers. There are scenes on the book that I wish could have been included on the big screen. There are also some scenes on the film that I wish could have been deleted either.

To be honest, I understand why some critics say that the story is ‘kindda’ all over the place. If you have read the book, that’s a good thing because you can really relate and follow the flow of the story, but, we also aim to please those who haven’t read the book yet. The transition per scene or the connection from one scene to another needs improvement.

Say for example – the Christmas Ball Scene: This is a break up scene of Sam and Top. It was when Top found out that Sam is up for a fixed marriage with his best friend, Red. Sam was forced to lie and dump Top rudely to make it easier for Top to move on. There were few scenes in between but no scene has established how Top found out the truth that Sam just lied. There was no confrontation between Red and Top also. If I were the screenplay writer, I would have inserted the scene when Red confronted Top and told him the truth behind the fixed marriage; when Red convinced Top to fight for Sam. This is the scene that could have been included prior to the Christmas Concert scene.

If I haven’t read the book, I would find the scenes jumpy and confusing.

Next time they write a book adaptation, I hope they’ll work on an outline that would cater both the book readers and the moviegoers who haven’t read the book. Yes, we aim to please the fans of the book; we don’t want to disappoint them by staying faithful on the story line. I want that also, but I hope the screenwriter would find a creative way to make it relatable and understandable to the moviegoers as well, all ages.

Take note that the book readers are automatic ticket buyers, so we really have to invest more time on pleasing the non-readers of the book.

On top of everything, the following scenes are my favorites:

(1)    The Beach Scenes

(2)    The Helicopter Scene

(3)    The Mistletoe (who doesn’t?)

(4)    The Napkin Scene

(5)    The touching confrontation role of Sam and Audrey while they’re watching a stage play.

(6)    The Two Years After Scene

(7)    The After Credit Scenes (I know most of you were heartbroken seeing this one)

The Cinematography

There are parts of the film when I feel that the cinematography is same like the cinematography of Indie Films. Although the depth of field on some scenes is commendable like the one when Top and Sam had dinner with Top’s parents – the moment when Mr. Pendleton found out that Sam’s parents are the famous Perez in the business industry; the close up shot / treatment clearly delivered the conflict between Top’s Father and Sam’s Parents. Second is the Napkin Scene, when Top was in front of the Napkin row of a grocery story – that was funny!

The Direction

I think the story line is pretty much dependent on the direction of Direk Andoy Ranay. However there are scenes on the teaser that we didn’t see on the movie itself. Talking about the comments of those who watched this, like the piggyback ride of Sam and Red. That’s just cute.

Since directors are in charge of the post-production of the Film, I think they shoulder the criticisms in terms of the treatment of the story line of their film. Also, with regards to the acting skills of Direk Andoy’s cast, how I wish Direk Andoy pushed Nadine to the limit and inspired her to capture the right emotion or the “Hugot” factor every dramatic scene. He could have addressed the “almost crying” moments of Nadine; if only Direk Andoy pushed and helped her unleash the emotion that could have been better.

My review on the story line is pretty much applicable under the direction section. I think it’s actually a tag team between the director and screenwriter.

The Casting

I have no problem with the lead cast. The four of them justified their respective roles. But I wonder why they put Candy Pangilinan as Sam’s mother and Christopher Roxas as Sam’s father. I didn’t imagine them doing the roles of Sam’s parents. Whenever I see Candy Pangilinan, I see a comedian – that’s her trademark. That’s why when I saw her at the big screen, I couldn’t help but laugh. Christopher Roxas is too small as a father of a long-legged Sam. For Sam’s mother, I actually imagined Phoemela Beranda doing the role. I couldn’t think of anyone to play the role of Sam’s father for now.

The Acting Skills

In Diary ng Panget, it’s Nadine’s moment; but here in Talk Back and You’re Dead, it’s James time to shine. Nadine carried the whole movie in DnP whereas James surprised the audience here in TBYD. So we call it quits.

Nadine’s forte is really romantic comedy. Her comic antics are really natural; it’s not forced as compared to other teen actresses out there. Hers is just so inborn. She can be silly without making us see that she’s just trying hard and I believe she’s more comfortable doing romantic comedy scenes. However, Nadine needs improvement when it comes to drama.

There’s this hospital scene of Top when she cried because she thought Top has a cancer. I don’t know if Direk Andoy directed her to just fake the crying and make it funny or she wasn’t able to pull that off during that scene. There were also some dramatic scenes when I was really hoping that a tear would fall on her face but almost all her dramatic scenes were “almost there” except for the Bluemoon Scene and the Final Scene when she found out the truth about her past (btw, Direk Andoy, you should have edited this one).

On a good note, I find it very convincing whenever Sam as Nadine, expresses her love for Top. When she said, “Mahal Kita, Sobra,” I felt like it’s happening for real.

There’s no denying that the chemistry of James and Nadine are to die for. The “Kilig” factor is not teeny bopper, not too cheesy, it’s overloaded with KILIG and ASTIG factor. The way they kissed and hugged each other was very passionate.

For James, what stunned me was when he had a confrontation with his dad while having dinner. I was surprised to see him act that way. Also at the end part, I appreciate the tears that fell on his face when he hugged Sam after 2 years of waiting. However, for me, I didn’t feel that much ‘sabik factor’ when he was finally reunited with Sam. Direk Andoy could have pushed him more on this scene; he could have hugged Sam very tight to feel the ‘sabik factor.’

James needs to double time on studying his Tagalog because there are lines that sound funny when he delivered it. Like this line, “Pwede ba, huwag ka na kumontra, Talk Back and You’re Dead!” I misheard the word “kumontra” with “kumanta.” There’s this awkward scene also when he rescued Aubrey, the action choreography while he was saying “sabi nga nila, maraming namamtay sa akala!” For me, I found it awkward.

Consider these things

While I understand that there are critics who have world-class or cinemalaya story line standards, I also get the point why moviegoers rave about Talk Back and You’re Dead. When was the last time you watched an Action-filled Love Story? I couldn’t recall the last movie that has that story theme; not until Talk Back and You’re Dead. They actually relived that kind of movie pegs. The last time I remembered was the movie of Robin Padilla and Jolina Magdangal.

The next secret ingredient was it delivered the overloaded amount of KILIG and ASTIG-ness, the GANGSTER-FEEL.

Please take note that James and Nadine are beginners in the industry. They don’t have any major Teleserye background yet. Not even an MMK stint. That’s why they haven’t established their own dramatic senses yet. So please, don’t expect too much. Give them time. Besides, a lot of actors started that way. Gerald Anderson had problems with his tagalong and acting before, but later on became one of the best actors of his generation through Budoy. Even Daniel Padilla, he’s not as good as he is today when it comes to acting but because of years of practice, of Teleserye Lead Roles, he already has his dramatic sense already (as per Direk Cathy).

So for critics, please take it easy on them. I am pretty much confident that this 6-month old love team will surprise you in the coming films and Teleserye Scenes and I couldn’t wait to see them grow. Give them chance.

James and Nadine wouldn’t be tagged as the next big thing in showbiz or the break out love team of the year, if people, even the management, don’t see their potential as artists. I am very sure that they will see criticisms as tool to help them improve on their respective crafts. But critics are different from bashers.

Box Office Update

Star Cinema announced that TBYD earned 30 Million, three days after the first-day showing. It’s actually a strong figure considering that they’re competing against the much-awaited Japanese film, Rouruni Kenshin. Days after the announcement, we haven’t seen any update from Star Cinema regarding its running figure. But it wouldn’t be tagged as ‘blockbuster’ if it’s not a ‘blockbuster.’ Just observe the promo difference with Once A Princess.

Although the PHP 100 M of DNP is a benchmark already for JaDine, let me also comment that the play date of DNP was very strategic as compared to TBYD. DNP didn’t compete with any ‘strong’ Hollywood film that time; everyone’s on Vacation Mode, no more classes – which the ever day baon  can be allocated to movie tickets. J

Believe me, there are posts of fans who captured the long lines in Cinemas for Talk Back and You’re Dead. Last Sunday, a fan also posted long lines for TBYD’s Last Full Show in SM North Edsa. There are also Instagram Photo Tags in James and Nadine’s IG Accounts.

It’s also impossible not to consider it a blockbuster since we all saw the Mall Shows of TBYD Casts. I experienced it myself. I thought a STAMPEDE was going to happen anytime soon because of the crazy fans. Plus, it’s trending every day, consider that FREE PROMOTION.

Though comparison is inevitable, we cannot compare TBYD to the gross figure of other films since they are just starting their career. Let me repeat, JaDine is just a 6-month old love team; they don’t have Teleserye to hone their skills, regular shows and endorsements to increase their popularity and artist-recall.

Whether or not they hit or breach a PHP 100 M Mark (which I believe and pray they would since it's still showing), there’s no denying that they are on their way to stardom, and true enough, they are the next big thing in showbiz. That wouldn't change the fact that there's no stopping the JADINE Tandem. I suggest that people should also backtrack on how they idols started. Same thing goes with JaDine.  Likewise, they are the Break Out Stars of 2014. I could never be prouder. 

Talk Back and You're Dead, still showing in 120 Cinemas Nationwide!

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