By: Nestor Cuartero
JUST A THOUGHT: Being funny is being awake to the absurdity of normalcy. – Bob Mankoff
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BESHIE’S GOT A FRIEND: It is said that everyone needs at least one true friend in life. But in the case of John, the lead character in the upcoming movie “Deadma Walking,” he needs one in death, too.
Such is the recurring theme in said comedy-drama, described as the new beshie movie for everybody.
Fortunately for John, his beshie Mark proves to be a friend through and through.
The colorful story of Mark and John’s friendship is at the heart of the film that promises to tickle the funny bones and at the same time pull the heartstrings of movie audiences young and old alike, male, female, and everyone in between.
“Deadma Walking” offers a rare trifecta of comedy, drama, and musical from a script that was already a winner way before production on the film started – it copped the 2nd Prize in last year’s Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature.
“Na-attract ako agad sa friendship na temang pelikula,” notes the movie’s executive producer Rex Tiri of T-Rex Entertainment, the company that made the recent critical and commercial hit “Patay Na Si Hesus.”
Rex says, “Bihira na ang katulad ng pagkakaibigan nina Mark at John. Nakakatawa at nakakataba ng puso ang storya.
Pagkabasa ko ng script sabi ko kaagad kay Eric (Cabahug), the writer, “Kailan tayo magshu-shoot?’”
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JOROSS AND EDGAR ALLAN SO NATURAL: Bringing the BFF characters to life onscreen are multi-awarded actors Joross Gamboa, in the role of John, and Edgar Allan Guzman, playing Mark. The two are best friends in real life whose friendship goes way back to when Joross was just starting out in showbiz. In fact, EA (Edgar Allan’s nickname) got his start in the industry as one of Joross’ back-up dancers together with Gerald Anderson, who makes a cameo in the movie in a very special role.
“Super natural and easy na ang chemistry nila together,” notes Deadma’s director, Julius Alfonso, a longtime assistant director of Joel Lamangan, ChitoRoño, and Chris Martinez. “And it shows onscreen. You’ll feel it.”
More real-life friends helped make “Deadma…” one of the most star-studded Pinoy movies in years. The long list of celebrity cameos includes Joross and EA’s pals Piolo Pascual and Iza Calzado, and T-Rex Entertainment’s good friend Vin Abrenica. For their part, Eugene Domingo and Direk Joel have come out to support Direk Julius.
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WHAT NETIZENS SAY: The film’s friendship theme has carried over to the feedback from netizens on the teaser trailer.
Many commenters have called on their friends to watch the movie as a barkadadate when it opens in cinemas.
“We call our supporters ‘Deadmatologists,’” notes Rex. “Thankful kami sa support nila at confident kaming magugustuhan nila ang movie. We won’t disappoint them. Over our ‘deadma’ bodies!”
Other netizens praise the movie’s other aspects including its fresh story and the performances. “Another taste of fresh Filipino film. Excited na akong mapanood ito!” enthuses Mary Joy Alonso, while Carmela Banico raves, “Joross is soooo much win!”
For updates, check out the Facebook pages of Deadma Walking and T-Rex Entertainment.
