Fruitcake

Joel Ferrer presents a comedy that aims to bring laughter by showcasing the struggles of Filipinos in contemporary Manila, but it fell short of making me smile. The narrative of "Fruitcake" starts with a character from the province who finds himself in the bustling city, ultimately weaving together various stories by the end. Ferrer expressed his long-standing desire to create a film centered on unity, mentioning that teenagers will connect with his work and discover that there's always someone who cares for them. While he has a point, it seems there wasn't much for a broader audience to enjoy. The direction was frantic, the overall vibe was uplifting, but the acting was subpar, the dialogues were below average influenced by the new changes pushed on the society, and the casting felt overly inclusive in a forced "woke" way. It just kept on going!

In modern-day Metro Manila, a diverse group of Filipinos faces life's lows as their destinies collide on a fateful train ride, unfolding a heartwarming and comedic tapestry of interconnected stories.

Revelation si KD Estrada in this movie, he has a real talent in comedy, on point! Hindi pilit, hindi cringey, he is so natural.

He deserves to get an award here, mahirap magpatawa pag waley sa timing, magaling ang director, he was able to bring out the best of KD in comedic acts. Good job! We are seated for JOLO SANTOS #KDEstrada please support local film like fruitcake. Trailer palang worth it to watch na talagang tatawa kalang ng tatawa sa movie. Masaya yung trailer pano pa kaya yung full lenght. Congrats in advance to the whole cast. To god be the glory.

Storyline was a mess. What the writer/directer or any involved in this wanted to create a story that centers unique, modern filipino narratives but ultimately failed at creating personalities with any depth. The acting was awful, save ofc Joshua Garcia, who wasn't good but wasn't equally as bad as the others.

Everything felt forced, everything felt cartoonish and in a bad way. They failed to show how deep these storylines could be. They failed to show motives that would make everything seem more natural rather than stereotypically "normal".

Understanding that yes, it definitely is a comedy so nothing should be THAT deep and overly sincere, but you would have to agree that even comedies that are actually worth watching isn't as bland and overtly surface level than anything this movie showed.

The reality of growing up is that the weight of life is very heavy to handle. The movie captured me that I am not alone in this world that suffers pain. Let's just convert this pain into colorful positive meaning in life, because without pain we are not going to grow mature and to move forward. The movie is very creative; the script is giving modern related lines, but I think it would be better if this movie were a series. The casting is great, the acting is on point, the cinematography is amazing, and it screams CINEMA! And the plot is well written. The movie is like a rollercoaster ride of emotion. Kudos to the director and writers!

This film is yet another example of a collection of 'different stories of life' packed into one movie. It follows the multi-narrative format that brings together characters from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique challenges and experiences, giving viewers glimpses into multiple facets of life. While I find the film entertaining, those who have seen the classic movie Jologs-a pioneer of this format-might feel it doesn't quite reach the same level. Jologs set a high bar for this kind of storytelling, combining humor, drama, and a sense of relatability that defined a generation.

I appreciate the filmmakers' efforts to create a fresh take and establish its own identity, but there are moments that feel overly familiar. Even the music score, particularly the use of 'Fruitcake,' seems to echo the soundtrack choices in Jologs, especially with similarities to the song 'Next in Line,' which was featured in Jologs. While these familiar elements can be nostalgic, they also risk making the film feel derivative rather than innovative.

Despite these criticisms, I still consider the film to be above average. It's a bold attempt at something different, especially in an era where unique storytelling formats are rare. The film takes risks that many others don't, even if it doesn't fully succeed in all aspects.

The storyline itself is somewhat chaotic, with a structure that could use refinement. Certain plotlines feel underdeveloped, and the film's flow can feel disjointed at times. However, the characters bring warmth to the screen, and most of them are genuinely likable, which keeps the audience engaged. Some characters, like Ospret, stand out with distinct personalities and memorable arcs, while others fade into the background, coming across as either forgettable or mediocre.

In the end, it's still an enjoyable movie. It has its flaws, but its heart and ambition shine through, making it a good watch for anyone looking for a mix of humor, drama, and a snapshot of everyday life.