No confrontation between Judy Ann and Jolina

WORD of mouth would surely confirm that the horror/suspense movie to catch in theaters next week is “Ouija.” Everyone who witnessed its advance screening at the Block (SM North Edsa) had a good scream.

Innovative director Topel Lee mounted the fright and scary scenes one after another until it becomes uncontrollable and unstoppable resulting into the drowning shrieks from the aundience.

Judy Ann Santos and Jolina Magdangal have never

done a movie together. In the story, they play half-sisters and there is so much hatred in the heart of Aileen (Judy Ann), a lawyer, towards her shy sister Romina (Jolina) who is a teacher. Aileen blames Romina for her dysfunctional family.

But unlike in dramatic movies, expect no confrontation scenes between the two actresses. In fact, they only uttered about five short sentences in the film that almost run for two hours. Only in the beginning and towards the end were Judy Ann and Jolina are photographed together. Indeed, their scenes are few and far between. Talk about rivalry and casting coup.

Topel remained focused on the premise that “Ouija” is first and foremost a horror movie and not a playground for sibling rivalry. The stillness of Camiguin (which appears to have an extinct population and the eerie and haunting view of the floating cemetery) are tightly woven in this tale of darkness brought about by the destruction of an ouija board.

On their own, Judy Ann and Jolina performed well and the character of Iza Calzado as the flirtatious and flambouyant stage actress Sandra elicited delightful laughs. Even the short exchange of lines between Judy Ann and Ruby Rodriguez as the yaya had giggly feedbacks.

Like all horror movies, one discovers a twist in the end. Ouija is no exception and this was revealed in the flashback. A sequel is expected to follow and when it does, please allow Judy Ann and Jolina to have a longer period of screen exposure together.
Remy Umerez
People's Journal