T2 (Tenement 2) Review

T2: Totally terrific
By Kenneth Gimpayan

“T2” or “Tenement 2” is a horror/fantasy film marketed as a horror flick. The film starts in a very supernatural mood, typical of Chito’s previous horror/suspense work. Claire, played by the diamond star Maricel Soriano, is in a very somber temper as her young husband asked for a trial separation to determine if they can still save their marriage. Claire is a volunteer of a foundation for orphans that help accompany the orphans to their respective families to different provinces in the Philippines. Devastated because of her plight, Claire joins Elias, played by Eric Fructoso, to a certain province to accompany a boy to his newfound family. Elias is a driver for the foundation. He, like Claire, is an orphan.

Once the orphan boy was delivered, Elias and Claire were slowed down with an obstruction in the middle of the road. Because of this blockage, they were forced to stop and stay in a nearby orphanage run by nuns. As they stayed in the place, Claire was surprised to know that the nuns assumed they came to the orphanage for a certain child to be delivered to her new family in another province. That child is Angeli, played by Mika dela Cruz. As they travel to their destination: Tenement 2, Claire, Elias and Angeli experience strange events that lead to a very haunting conclusion.

The story basically centers on the three main characters: Claire, Elias and Angeli. Claire, a middle-aged woman adopted by her closest kin, is clearly an exemplar of a round character as you can see her change throughout the movie. Angeli, the soon-to-be 9 year old female lead, is a symbolism of incorruptible spirit that each one of us have. Elias, on the other hand, presents a cautionary tale, especially for those people who holds burden from the past.

In the film, you can see the dichotomy of good versus bad people. Mid-way through the film, a thought-provoking question comes across your mind as Elias comments on Claire’s giving of ‘happy and unrealistic insights on life’ to Angeli. He says that not every orphan is as lucky as Claire, explaining he almost died because of those who adopted him. “Are people really good or bad because they are truly built that way or do social and environmental factors matter?” Elias laments his past and perhaps envies Claire for she was endowed with a rich family that truly loved her.

This is a fundamental example of a road film that I don’t see much in Filipino films. Sure, in ‘Pinoy’ films, I see people traveling but it is often presented in such a grander scale: having the lead go abroad and putting euphoric love songs in the background in scenes where the characters explore the places: Australia in the film “Love Me Again”, Dubai in the film “Dubai” and Italy in the film “Milan.” These movies are great but I was looking for something that is relatable to any ordinary Juan. “T2” was also not victimized by its scenery. Though the sceneries from Luzon to the Visayas were breathtaking, the film never lets us astray, focusing passionately on the story and characters. This reminds us that “T2” is not a travelogue, a point by point presentation of key places in the Philippines, but rather a top-notch, horror/suspense film.

In tradition to Roño’s nonsensical or maybe thought-provoking endings for his horror flicks, “T2” has really topped the bill. Of course he, the screenwriters, or those people who thought of the endings might argue and try to explain the details for the conclusion of the films but this does not apply in the real word with real people watching the movie. The three suspense/horror film endings by Roño elicit the same reactions: either fairly good or too bad. Nevertheless, since “Feng Shui,” Chito’s horror endings have been much anticipated and this, I have to admit, is immensely positive. On my end, I just thought that the endings can still be improved upon.The film also provides a fantastic twist. Some people feel this is a cheat though I beg to differ as the twist justifies the main plot. It is unexpected and this is why some people are not comfortable with it.

I am very much happy to know that Chito chose the ‘engkanto’ theme for this movie. There are many films about ‘Engkantos’ but I believe that in this movie, Chito truly captured the true essence of the mythology. This movie is the contemporary counterpart of Guillermo Del Toro's 2006 masterpiece "Pans Labyrinth."

I must say that the in-between rumor and funny lines courtesy of characters played K. Brosas and Fructoso was a bit off-beat at times, betraying the film’s supernatural mood. Fructoso’s character, Elais, gives some of the most brilliant and humorous lines in the movie. There are times when you laugh but you think you ought to be scared. There are also times when you feel the ‘engkanto’ set-up is just hoax but still there is something that makes you believe it. Nevertheless, the slow-burning, tension-piling factor of the film was terrific.

Some ‘Pinoy’ films can be translated to Hollywood. “T2,” unlike Yam Laranas “Sigaw,” cannot be truly adapted but only interpreted and this is more than reassuring. It is so original and very ‘Pinoy,’ thus, having an ‘unforgettable’ trademark. Still, it is watchable worldwide as it has universal themes and its overall presence can globally compete in world cinemas. The thing about this movie is that you watch it because you know what to expect but at the same time expect to see something new especially with Chito’s reputation as one of the countries’ leading, if not the best, director of the horror/suspense genre. With incredible top-grossing and critically-acclaimed films “Feng Shui” and “Sukob” under his belt, it is proper to say that it was a challenge for him to yet again create a film of a similar genre.

The casting in this movie is absolutely extraordinary. The three lead had an oozing chemistry that you cannot imagine other actors playing the role especially Eric Fructoso’s character. Maricel Soriano is ever brilliant and the newbie Mika dela Cruz is remarkable. The inclusion of John Lloyd Cruz and Carmen Soo were spectacular. Carmen Soo, despite people’s doubts at first, truly delivered a worthy performance. I did not even notice her playing a character, even if I knew she had a ‘special role’, until the credits rolled up. It was a very good move for Star Cinema to trust her acting prowess.

The technicalities of “T2” are legendary for a Filipino film. With the practical and special effects shots of the film, “T2,” is hands down, the most visually consistent Filipino movie so far. The special effects of the film is so ground breaking that you start for looking for animation loops and mistakes just to claim that its CGI. The editing is also superb, maintaining the ‘tension build up’ design of the film. In this film, Chito also incorporates shots that seem ordinary but fantastically eerie. Music and sound editing are also key elements in sustaining the suspense of the movie.

People are asking why most of Star Cinema’s movies are blockbuster hits and I think the answer is more than simple. It is maybe because of the companies’ reputation, the treatment of stories by screenwriters, or just a balanced and well-organized research team. Of course with directors like Chito Roño and a flawless cast, people are more attracted to these films. Now, people are dubbing it as the ‘Star Cinema effect.’ It is a great pride for me, as a Filipino, having these kinds of films and production companies. I just hope that Filipinos may not just consider the film company which the film is produced on but the true value of a film.

“T2” raises the standards in Filipino mainstream movie making. With first-rate direction, casting, acting performances and technicalities like the CGI effects, it is sure to be a memorable retelling of an old mythology with a Chito horror/suspense signature. Though the technicalities were excellent, it is the treatment of story and the performances that make this film unforgettable. The question if “T2” is a better film or a step-down when compared to Chito’s previous work is a complex one. It is inevitable and even necessary to compare “T2” to “Feng Shui” and “Sukob” but misleading to say that Chito turned 180º on this one. Let us remember that this is an issue of progression, not replication. And with this, I must say, “T2” has progressed. If you try to analyze the spiritual, emotional and artistic merits of the film, you can see that it is very beautiful and also well-crafted.

Some directors exploit their power and status in producing formulaic top-grossing films that don’t really have much artistic value. Some of them are very scared to experiment in other genres of films. This is why I appreciate Chito Roño because he used his influence to indulge on artistic endeavors such as “T2.”