It's been a while since we've seen Mark Wahlberg on screen, and yes, he's been sorely missed. We loved his previous movies and also the reality shows with his family. But now, it's going to be him, Michelle Dockery who plays Madelyn Harris (as an FBI agent) and a multitude of Hollywood actors in mix (note Topher Grace) who's going to tell the gripping story of "Flight Risk".
While it may seem like a simple story, it's got a lot of intricate things done to make this appear like a smooth ride, but as anticipated, it wouldn't be one. As expected with a Mark Wahlberg flick, he's going to incorporate that Swedish-Irish physique to good use. He made Topher Grace and Michelle Dockery's character miserable for most of the film, but you've got to see how that happens. This also tells the story of how politics, the mafia, corruption and air travel should not be in one place, but you will root for the lead and want this person to survive this ordeal.
This is the kind of movie that would sometimes make you squirm on your seat, a think that may happen a few times because no matter how they intended to fortify their procedures, there's bound to be some mishaps in between. The only enemy here is complacency, because once they do, it may spell the end, or is it?
This film is like a character actors dream project. Super love how they portrayed the three lead roles, and the little funny quirky things they also inserted to bring a little humor. But do expect action, fight scenes with Mark Wahlberg is always so satisfying.
Flight Risk is being distributed by Black Cap Productions in the Philippines but is under Lionsgate internationally. It shows in cinemas today, so make sure you head on leading theaters to see it.
Watching TOPAKK on the silver screen was the best decision I've ever made this Metro Manila Film Fest 2024 season.
Why you'd ask? Simple, it wouldn't feel the same if I'd watch this simply on digital or streaming platforms. It gives a different vibe, of almost 2 hours of intense, violent, brutal, savage, rough and aggressive scenes all put together by Director Richard Somes, same guy who brought you OTJ, Ekis, and more eccentric action films in Philippine cinema. You've got that a bit expected yeah, but the topic, intimacy of describing PTSD in a structured military environment and how people suffer all throughout their life is something else to think and talk about... this was a venue to know more about it and they've managed to put that in the story.
Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero in one film concept wise is quite crazy (and is not the sole reason why this is called TOPAKK). Their stellar performances in different projects alone is something that would inspire an "actors actor". While Arjo carries good looks, this movie gives him major rawness. The closeups filled with his small freckles on screen was noticed, and absolutely lovely to see aesthetically since this is a bit dark, dingy and gloomy especially on the last scenes at the steel warehouse. I would gladly compare his role to John Wick, but again, very raw and local. You could see how he showcases his struggles, which I'd bet be better with a dog (for maybe a sequel). His acting chops are unquestionable, being Best Lead Actor at ContentAsia Awards was evident. He evolves wherever he gets into a role, and you'll admire his tenacity to live, not just for himself but for others.
Julia Montes is an action star. Gone are the crying drama princess roles she's been in the past years, because she is as intense as anybody on that set. Her knack for conversations complemented each and every single time she'd want to take revenge, throw a punch, smash someone's f4ce on the metal platforms just to make sure people felt her intensity to love them dearly. She definitely did not shortchange with the physical requirements that this role entailed or required, and you'll root for her. She's got a cause (that involves Kokoy De Santos) and it makes her hunger for changing her life inevitable. With the help of Arjo's character, their once not so connected lives begin to complement each other. You'll know why when you watch TOPAKK.
Here's what happened at the red carpet premiere!
You'll see some of the roles may have been brief, but don't be mistaken, all of these are essential. Congratulations also to stars Enchong Dee, Kokoy De Santos, and the ensemble cast (especially the bad guys) who performed well. You'll love this so much for the cast, the story line and it's cause.
This has had lots of rave reviews abroad, bringing this home was serendipitous, had a lot of promise, and they'll give you what you asked for. This is super apt for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival, it gives us viewers the OPTIONS we deserve. The R18 rating I think is because of the violence and gore, but the R16 version won't feel like it ain't enough. This also stars Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Bernard Palanca, Ms. Maureen Mauricio, so there's more to the story.
If you miss action movies, want to see your favorite actors do different things from the usual, you need to see TOPAKK. This and other entries in the MMFF 2024 are so good, but you definitely should have this on your list because you'll have your action thirst be extinguished, you get to feel you're part of it and feel tired because you've been in the middle of the scenes all along. Congratulations to Nathan Studios, Sir Art, Ms. Sylvia, Gela, Ria, and Arjo for such an amazing piece. Here's hoping they get a nod come awards night because from the looks of it, they do deserve it!
Though there might be some flaws in effects and story, forgivable. They still got the message across and sustained it's intensity all throughout the film. For Arjo, Julia Montes, and the sheer brutality this presents, it made me still choose this film to have 4 out of 5 Cows. 🐮🐮🐮🐮
PS. That float you had during the parade was amazing!
It was hot, humid, but everyone was in a celebratory mood over at the TOPAKK press conference in Quezon City. Greeted by a different sounding Basti Artadi performing on stage, I was like "Wow!" because of how b4d 4$$ it was, it felt like a dream for me. Then they started the presscon.
We had the pleasure of actually being on location when they shot TOPAKK in Rizal for the finale scenes. Just looking at it back then, I knew this was going to be something special because it will bring back a genre that was sorely missed, plus we get to see multi awarded actors on screen like Cong Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee and Kokoy de Santos.
They also had Levy Ignacio, Bernard Palanca, Paolo Paraiso, Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Julio De Leon, Ivan Carapiet, Jeffrey Tam, Gerard Acao, Michael Roy, veteran character actress Ms. Maureen Mauricio, Elora Espano, Claire Ruiz, Anne Feo, Bong Cabrera, Manu Respall, Rosh Barman, Victor Medina, Ivan Rivera, Ian Lee, Nico Dans, Yian Gabriel, Raquel Pareno, Precious Laingo, Kayley Carrigan and Geli Bulaong to complete the ensemble cast for this film. Mind you, this has been showcased and raved about in different film festivals internationally. This year, it's going HOME to the Philippines and will be shown on the 50th Anniversary of Metro Manila Film Festival. This feels like fate to say it frankly.
Direk Richard Somes is one heck of an action film director. The quality is certainly for international consumption, and he didn't shortchange with regards to set design and hard knocking scenes. What's a bit of a let down though is the rating because this is R18 outside SM Cinemas while those who want to see it in SM can do it on an R16 rating. This has heavy fight scenes and very bl00dy encounters so we kinda understand why it's rated that way. Though I would suggest you do the R18 version so you could get the full experience of the movie. Don't worry though for the R16 because you will still learn and get the story.
Nathan Studios producer Ms. Sylvia Sanchez isn't worried about it though because they're giving movie goers real good options. Aside from Nathan Studios, they are working with Fusee and Strawdogs as producers for this project. Hopefully to make more of these (a sequel no?). Some of the people who saw the movie that evening told me this is a material where Julia Montes really excelled, though she's been doing action stuff on Coco Martin's TV series, she is more hands on in the scenes. She's going to be in really physical fight scenes which she's never done before. This is more raw, and Julia with Arjo means it's got emotional scenes will be there. They also had the army spokesperson at the press conference praising them about how they portrayed the Filipino soldiers, TOPAKK will certainly be a good thing to watch if you're thirsty for action films this year.
This is the opportune time for you to watch TOPAKK, it's international release name is Triggered. You've got to see why critics have been raving about it. Hopefully, this picks up awards in this festival too!
