Talk Back and Youre Dead Movie Review

Let me get this straight. I am a fan of James Reid and Nadine Lustre, its
obvious if you have read my previous blog posts regarding the poster issue of
TBYD. But I will try to be as objective as possible on giving a review about the
film, not as a fan but as a moviegoer. So here you go.

The Story Outline

Ive read TBYD Twice, both Volumes 1 and 2. Theres no denying that Im a big
fan on how Alesana Marie imagined that kind of Astig na love story plot. As
a fan of TBYD Trilogy, I have a different story line in mind, well thats pretty
much normal to readers. There are scenes on the book that I wish could have
been included on the big screen. There are also some scenes on the film that
I wish could have been deleted either.

To be honest, I understand why some critics say that the story is kindda all
over the place. If you have read the book, thats a good thing because you
can really relate and follow the flow of the story, but, we also aim to please
those who havent read the book yet. The transition per scene or the
connection from one scene to another needs improvement.

Say for example the Christmas Ball Scene: This is a break up scene of Sam
and Top. It was when Top found out that Sam is up for a fixed marriage with
his best friend, Red. Sam was forced to lie and dump Top rudely to make it
easier for Top to move on. There were few scenes in between but no scene
has established how Top found out the truth that Sam just lied. There was no
confrontation between Red and Top also. If I were the screenplay writer, I
would have inserted the scene when Red confronted Top and told him the
truth behind the fixed marriage; when Red convinced Top to fight for Sam.
This is the scene that could have been included prior to the Christmas
Concert scene.

If I havent read the book, I would find the scenes jumpy and confusing.
Next time they write a book adaptation, I hope theyll work on an outline that

would cater both the book readers and the moviegoers who havent read the
book. Yes, we aim to please the fans of the book; we dont want to disappoint
them by staying faithful on the story line. I want that also, but I hope the
screenwriter would find a creative way to make it relatable and
understandable to the moviegoers as well, all ages.

Take note that the book readers are automatic ticket buyers, so we really
have to invest more time on pleasing the non-readers of the book.

On top of everything, the following scenes are my favorites:

(1)

The Beach Scenes

(2)

The Helicopter Scene

(3)

The Mistletoe (who doesnt?)

(4)

The Napkin Scene

(5) The touching confrontation role of Sam and Audrey while theyre
watching a stage play.
(6)

The Two Years After Scene

(7) The After Credit Scenes (I know most of you were heartbroken seeing
this one)

The Cinematography

There are parts of the film when I feel that the cinematography is same like
the cinematography of Indie Films. Although the depth of field on some
scenes is commendable like the one when Top and Sam had dinner with Tops
parents the moment when Mr. Pendleton found out that Sams parents are
the famous Perez in the business industry; the close up shot / treatment
clearly delivered the conflict between Tops Father and Sams Parents. Second
is the Napkin Scene, when Top was in front of the Napkin row of a grocery
story that was funny!

The Direction

I think the story line is pretty much dependent on the direction of Direk
Andoy Ranay. However there are scenes on the teaser that we didnt see on
the movie itself. Talking about the comments of those who watched this, like
the piggyback ride of Sam and Red. Thats just cute.
Since directors are in charge of the post-production of the Film, I think they
shoulder the criticisms in terms of the treatment of the story line of their film.
Also, with regards to the acting skills of Direk Andoys cast, how I wish Direk
Andoy pushed Nadine to the limit and inspired her to capture the right
emotion or the Hugot factor every dramatic scene. He could have
addressed the almost crying moments of Nadine; if only Direk Andoy
pushed and helped her unleash the emotion that could have been better.
My review on the story line is pretty much applicable under the direction
section. I think its actually a tag team between the director and screenwriter.

The Casting

I have no problem with the lead cast. The four of them justified their
respective roles. But I wonder why they put Candy Pangilinan as Sams
mother and Christopher Roxas as Sams father. I didnt imagine them doing
the roles of Sams parents. Whenever I see Candy Pangilinan, I see a
comedian thats her trademark. Thats why when I saw her at the big
screen, I couldnt help but laugh. Christopher Roxas is too small as a father of
a long-legged Sam. For Sams mother, I actually imagined Phoemela Beranda
doing the role. I couldnt think of anyone to play the role of Sams father for
now.

The Acting Skills

In Diary ng Panget, its Nadines moment; but here in Talk Back and Youre
Dead, its James time to shine. Nadine carried the whole movie in DnP
whereas James surprised the audience here in TBYD. So we call it quits.

Nadines forte is really romantic comedy. Her comic antics are really natural;
its not forced as compared to other teen actresses out there. Hers is just so

inborn. She can be silly without making us see that shes just trying hard and
I believe shes more comfortable doing romantic comedy scenes. However,
Nadine needs improvement when it comes to drama.

Theres this hospital scene of Top when she cried because she thought Top
has a cancer. I dont know if Direk Andoy directed her to just fake the crying
and make it funny or she wasnt able to pull that off during that scene. There
were also some dramatic scenes when I was really hoping that a tear would
fall on her face but almost all her dramatic scenes were almost there
except for the Bluemoon Scene and the Final Scene when she found out the
truth about her past (btw, Direk Andoy, you should have edited this one).
On a good note, I find it very convincing whenever Sam as Nadine, expresses
her love for Top. When she said, Mahal Kita, Sobra, I felt like its happening
for real.

Theres no denying that the chemistry of James and Nadine are to die for. The
Kilig factor is not teeny bopper, not too cheesy, its overloaded with KILIG
and ASTIG factor. The way they kissed and hugged each other was very
passionate.

For James, what stunned me was when he had a confrontation with his dad
while having dinner. I was surprised to see him act that way. Also at the end
part, I appreciate the tears that fell on his face when he hugged Sam after 2
years of waiting. However, for me, I didnt feel that much sabik factor when
he was finally reunited with Sam. Direk Andoy could have pushed him more
on this scene; he could have hugged Sam very tight to feel the sabik factor.

James needs to double time on studying his Tagalog because there are lines
that sound funny when he delivered it. Like this line, Pwede ba, huwag ka na
kumontra, Talk Back and Youre Dead! I misheard the word kumontra with
kumanta. Theres this awkward scene also when he rescued Aubrey, the
action choreography while he was saying sabi nga nila, maraming
namamtay sa akala! For me, I found it awkward.

Consider these things

While I understand that there are critics who have world-class or cinemalaya
story line standards, I also get the point why moviegoers rave about Talk Back
and Youre Dead. When was the last time you watched an Action-filled Love
Story? I couldnt recall the last movie that has that story theme; not until Talk
Back and Youre Dead. They actually relived that kind of movie pegs. The last
time I remembered was the movie of Robin Padilla and Jolina Magdangal.

The next secret ingredient was it delivered the overloaded amount of KILIG
and ASTIG-ness, the GANGSTER-FEEL.

Please take note that James and Nadine are beginners in the industry. They
dont have any major Teleserye background yet. Not even an MMK stint.
Thats why they havent established their own dramatic senses yet. So
please, dont expect too much. Give them time. Besides, a lot of actors
started that way. Gerald Anderson had problems with his tagalong and acting
before, but later on became one of the best actors of his generation through
Budoy. Even Daniel Padilla, hes not as good as he is today when it comes to
acting but because of years of practice, of Teleserye Lead Roles, he already
has his dramatic sense already (as per Direk Cathy).

So for critics, please take it easy on them. I am pretty much confident that
this 6-month old love team will surprise you in the coming films and Teleserye
Scenes and I couldnt wait to see them grow. Give them chance.

James and Nadine wouldnt be tagged as the next big thing in showbiz or the
break out love team of the year, if people, even the management, dont see
their potential as artists. I am very sure that they will see criticisms as tool to
help them improve on their respective crafts. But critics are different from
bashers.

Box Office Update

Star Cinema announced that TBYD earned 30 Million, three days after the
first-day showing. Its actually a strong figure considering that theyre
competing against the much-awaited Japanese film, Rouruni Kenshin. Days
after the announcement, we havent seen any update from Star Cinema

regarding its running figure. But it wouldnt be tagged as blockbuster if its

not a blockbuster. Just observe the promo difference with Once A Princess.

Although the PHP 100 M of DNP is a benchmark already for JaDine, let me
also comment that the play date of DNP was very strategic as compared to
TBYD. DNP didnt compete with any strong Hollywood film that time;
everyones on Vacation Mode, no more classes which the ever day baon
can be allocated to movie tickets. J

Believe me, there are posts of fans who captured the long lines in Cinemas
for Talk Back and Youre Dead. Last Sunday, a fan also posted long lines for
TBYDs Last Full Show in SM North Edsa. There are also Instagram Photo Tags
in James and Nadines IG Accounts.

Its also impossible not to consider it a blockbuster since we all saw the Mall
Shows of TBYD Casts. I experienced it myself. I thought a STAMPEDE was
going to happen anytime soon because of the crazy fans. Plus, its trending
every day, consider that FREE PROMOTION.

Though comparison is inevitable, we cannot compare TBYD to the gross figure

of other films since they are just starting their career. Let me repeat, JaDine is
just a 6-month old love team; they dont have Teleserye to hone their skills,
regular shows and endorsements to increase their popularity and artist-recall.

Whether or not they hit or breach a PHP 100 M Mark (which I believe and pray
they would since it's still showing), theres no denying that they are on their
way to stardom, and true enough, they are the next big thing in showbiz.
That wouldn't change the fact that there's no stopping the JADINE Tandem. I
suggest that people should also backtrack on how they idols started. Same
thing goes with JaDine. Likewise, they are the Break Out Stars of 2014. I
could never be prouder.

Talk Back and You're Dead, still showing in 120 Cinemas Nationwide!