Dead Kids

The premise of a bunch of amateurs gathering together to pull off a great crime - robbery, kidnapping, murder, or something else - may have been done many time before in movies, but even then I always find the premise irresistible. When I sat down to watch this particular example, I was especially intrigued because it was not an American effort, but instead a Filipino effort. The new setting gave this some novelty, which did help sometimes when the movie was showing off its shortcomings. I'm not saying this is a BAD movie - it's not boring, and I admit that part of me was interested in seeing how things would be wrapped up in the end. And despite a fairly low budget, it never looks so cheap to be distracting. However, the movie has its downs as well as ups. It doesn't seem to find a consistent tone - sometimes it's goofy, and sometimes it's serious. Also, while I know the central figures are just teenagers, even then they seem really stupid and haven't taken the time to plan things out (it seems they make their plans in 48 hours or less.) Some viewers may also have a problem with the fact the characters are constantly changing between speaking English and speaking Tagalog (though I know this is how many Filipinos do speak.) I'd recommend it to viewers who don't have their expectations particularly high.

Honestly, I was really impressed the first time I watched this. I don't really watch Filipino movies anymore because of the cringefest we usually get from film festivals, but hey, I was randomly scrolling on Netflix and saw this, and the trailer was very compelling--I had to watch it.

And oh boy, slow clap for the production of this film-from the music/score, to the shots, color grading was aight-everyone's doing it so it was nothing new but it was right for the aim of the film.

The acting was actually really good, I was impressed, it was nothing like the ones I've seen in Philippine cinema/TV with all the over the top screaming, crying, and such. I hate to say this, but Sue Ramirez has that typical Filipino acting, but I guess they needed someone mainstream to invite audience into watching this film. I loved the scene at the car before they did the act, the silence was so intense, you could feel and see how nervous they were, which was only the natural thing to feel if it was your first time kidnapping someone, moreover, as a 19 y/o! I have nothing against with the conyos in this film, I know enough conyos in my life, so yeah, I thought they were natural.

The second time I watched this, I watched it with my fam, it suddenly became corny and cheesy. My parents didn't understand the movie, so I guess this one is for the youth. But still, props to Mikhail Red for doing a different take on the Philippine films. Hope this keeps going and reach wider audience.

Dead Kids is about a group of boys who plot to kidnap the class bully and ask for ransom from the bully's drug lord father.

I liked this movie up until 2/3rds of the way because the acting by all of the main cast was superb. Being a Filipino, and having gone through High School here, the 4 main boys all put up convincing performances (although a bit exagerrated by the script). The pacing was also good - it wasn't too rushed or too slow. The cinematography and music did a good job of establishing the film's atmosphere.

I just have a problem with the ending, and undeveloped characters. I know that film is about show, don't tell but I think some details about the main character weren't really fleshed out or were too subtle. The decision he made at the end really did not make sense to me. The character of Sue Ramirez was also underdeveloped (I agree with one of the reviews posted here) that her speech before the ending felt forced or out of place and her last scene just puzzled me and I didn't know what it meant.

There was a bit of social commentary also in the film about social class but again, it fell short for me. I know the film makers didn't want to be too preachy but I would've preferred a bit more preachiness instead of grasping at straws as to what it was the makers were trying to stand for.

Nevertheless, I would still recommend that people watch this movie. It would be interesting to see what else the Red Brothers will come up with in their future projects.

Felt catfished by the trailer that promised an edgy, dark comedy and exciting heist movie with social commentary. The editing was fast paced and dialogue chosen was controversial.

The film had barely any of that. It fell flat and became this cliche melodramatic sob fest. You cannot feel sympathy for any of the characters because their choices are so illogical and just dumb. The characters are flat and stereotypes that aren't even comedic, it's just annoying. The underdog characters have no charm either.

The direction was bland. A lot of people sitting down and talking scenes for a supposedly exciting heist film. The color grading was interesting at least. It's basically a pretty and drawn out episode of MMK. This movie was a disappointment, especially with the screenplay and it's frustrating because the trailer showed what it could have been if it lived up to it's potential.

This movie is a breath of fresh air from all the cheesy rom-coms and angsty love stories that Filipino media regurgitates on a daily basis. It's dark, but not Joker dark, humorous, yet serious when it needs to be, and delivers quite a powerful message when it comes to privilege.

The cast made me love the movie even more. Vance Larena definitely stood out to me, as he was the most intriguing character of the movie. Despite how his actions were morally wrong, you can't help but feel pity and sorrow for Blanco, as it is clear that he is a victim to his circumstances. Khalil Ramos brings his A game as the comedic relief, delivering ridiculously stupid puns and punchlines with the ease of a late night show host, which compliments the edgy teen flick feel of the movie.

Overall, some plot holes here and there are in fact very noticeable, but didn't ruin my enjoyment of the film. If you want a break from all the love stories of Filipino media, this is for you.