Film director Richard V. Somes wasn’t exaggerating when he crowed about “Topakk” supposedly elevating local action cinema.
We saw the movie recently, and it is no doubt, head and shoulders above what came before.
Though not in terms of storyline.
On that end, “Topakk” is actually all-too basic, conventional.
As written by Somes in collaboration with Jimmy Flores and Will Fredo, “Topakk” utilizes the one-man army trope a la “Rambo: First Blood.”
This time though, the soldier battling post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD has become a warehouse watchman.
He is forced to fight off a gang of murderous cops in an effort to save two hapless individuals who happen to stumble into the property he is guarding.
In any case, the thing that elevates “Topakk” from local action films of yore is the manner by which it is served.
The cinematography by Louie Quirino is excellent, allowing for a tense atmosphere from the get-go.
The shaky camera technique ala Sam Raimi is used to good effect as well.
Although, one of our seatmates complained that it was a tad too much at times.
Ditto the color saturation.
Gritty, raw, intense – “Topakk” is an action film on crack.
It is as if Somes and company made it their mission to go all-out in serving violence on a whole new level.
Lead stars Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sid Lucero delivered as well, flexing acting chops not usually seen in the genre.
Yes, there are still cringe-inducing lines thrown in – probably as a nod to past action greats — but these are tolerable.
Those craving to catch a new strain of action will get their money’s worth in “Topakk.”
