original Filipino title KUBOT: THE ASWANG CHRONICLES 2 *
* Aswangs are vicious, flesh-eating lycanthropes
director: Erik Matti
starring: Dingdong Dantes · Isabelle Daza · Joey Marquez · K C Montero
· Lotlot De Leon · Elizabeth Dropesa
This
movie starts exactly where TIKTIK:
ASWANG CHRONICLES ends [the first film is required viewing for
anyone even mildly interested in Asian Cult Cinema; do not pass go, proceed
there directly]. In a remote section of the Philippines, reluctant hero
Makoy (Dingdong Dantes) and his family kill the leader of the Aswangs
and much of his beast clan.
Part
Two opens as the heroes attempt to escape Pulupandan county in a bus,
but they're soon ambushed by a group of Kubot Aswangs. The attack results
in annihilation, most everyone is slaughtered including Sonia and baby
Maki. The only survivors are father-in-law Nestor and Makoy [who loses
his right arm]. Now, jump ahead two years: Nestor and Makoy are living
in Manila with his older sister, Nieves. Soon it becomes obvious that
there's an Aswang problem in that metropolis. The new leader of the monster
clan is Dominic, owner of a huge hot dog processing plant. He's packing
his dogs with human meat, thus transforming 'borderline' humans into bloodthirsty
Aswangs throughout the city. Makoy must accept unexpected assistance from
young Doctor Alessandra Baldivia (Isabelle Daza) - a 'reformed' Aswang
- to stop this deadly epidemic.
Dingdong Dantes is
remarkably endearing as the brash action hero. He's very believable and
charismatic. The same is true for Isabelle Daza, the classy yet icy-cold
actress from numerous Filipino productions, who gives a totally out-of-character
performance here [including her jaw-dropping monkey-dance scene]. Elizabeth
Oropesa and K. C. Montero are remarkably good as the sinister Aswang villains.
While the movie does have some faults (much of the 'corrupt cop' sequences
are totally unnecessary and take away from the main focus), this is an
important sequel and the winner of numerous Filipino 'Academy Awards'
including best actress, best supporting actress, best musical score, best
cinematography and best special effects.
A
Filipino film
with optional ON/OFF English subtitles, fully uncut 104 min,
widescreen, encoded for ALL REGION, playable on any American DVD machine
Extras include original Filipino theatrical trailer.
Graphic Violence/Drugs/Whipping/Sexual Brutality
Intended for Mature Audiences
