Expressway is a 2016 Filipino action thriller film directed by Ato Bautista from a script by Shugo Praico and starring Alvin Anson and Aljur Abrenica.
| Expressway | |
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| Directed by | Ato Bautista |
| Screenplay by | Shugo Praico |
| Story by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Gian Vargas Caluag |
| Edited by | Benjamin Tolentino |
| Music by | Francis de Veyra |
Production companies |
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Release dates | |
Running time | 94 minutes[2] |
| Country | Philippines |
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The film was first released as an entry to the 2nd Sinag Maynila Film Festival on April 22, 2016, where it won three awards, including Best Actor (Anson). It was later screened at the 21st Busan International Film Festival.
The film follows Ben, a hitman on his last job who is forced to partner with the young and psychotic Morris on the road to his three targets.
Synopsis
editA syndicate gun for hire is assigned one last job before retirement. His partner on the job turns out to be a sadistic, trigger-happy young man who is willing to do whatever it takes to make a name for himself within the syndicate.
Cast
edit- Alvin Anson as Ben[3]
- Aljur Abrenica as Morris[3]
- RK Bagatsing as Young Ben
- Erick Samonte as Tatang
- Japo Parcero as Princess Red
- Jim Libiran as Botod
- Allan Equalan as Budoy
- Rose Atienza as Budoy's wife
- Kim Atienza as Budoy's son
- Danica Siner as Budoy's daughter
- Inez Bernardo Young Ben’s wife
- Arpee Bautista as Morris’ father
- Kiko Matos as Kato
- Nica Naval as Kato’s Girlfriend
- Nathaniel Rocca as Ben’s son
- Jahren Estordue as Young Morris
- Ato Bautista as the voice of Colonel
Production
editActor Alvin Anson first revealed plans for a thriller film called Expressway on September 26, 2015, stating that shooting will start in October.[4]
In January 2016, filmmaker Brillante Mendoza stated that the film was included as an entry to the 2nd Sinag Maynila Film Festival, of which he co-founded with Solar Entertainment Corporation head Wilson Tieng.[5][6]
Release
editExpressway was released on April 22, 2016, in select SM Cinemas as an entry to the 2nd Sinag Maynila Film Festival organized by Solar Entertainment Corporation.[3][1] Later in October, the film was screened at the 21st Busan International Film Festival.[1]
Critical response
editElizabeth Kerr of The Hollywood Reporter gave the film a mixed review, stating that the film is "a by-the-numbers noir thriller.... [T]he film could have used a more vivid sense of place. When the inevitable conclusion rolls around, it doesn't pack a wallop so much as a knowing shrug."[2]
Accolades
edit| Group | Category | Name | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinag Maynila[7] | Best Actor | Alvin Anson | Won |
| Best Musical Score | Francis de Veyra | Won | |
| Best Editing | Benjamin Tolentino | Won |
References
edit- ^ a b c Sinag Maynila (April 20, 2016). "SCREENING SCHEDULE". Facebook. Meta Platforms, Inc. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ a b Kerr, Elizabeth (October 18, 2016). "'Expressway': Film Review | Busan 2016". The Hollywood Reporter. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Sinag Maynila 2016 at SM Cinemas". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. April 14, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ TechKuya (September 26, 2015). "Heneral Luna behind-the-scenes: Alvin Anson reveals most memorable moments during shooting [video]". Astig.ph. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ Llanera, Melba R. (January 26, 2016). "Brillante Mendoza spearheads 2nd Sinag Maynila Film Fest that will run from April 21–26". PEP.ph (in English and Filipino). Philippine Entertainment Portal Inc. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ San Diego, Bayani Jr. (February 14, 2016). "Sinag Maynila goes pop". Inquirer Entertainment. INQUIRER.net. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ Cahiles, Gerg (April 24, 2016). "'Mrs.' wins big in the 2nd Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival". CNN Philippines. Nine Media Corp. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
External links
edit- Expressway at IMDb