Regal Entertainment is set to premiere the “latest chapter” in Philippine cinema’s longest-running horror franchise, Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme. This marks the return to the big screen for the veteran movie company, ending its pandemic-induced hiatus. It has also been a decade since the last installment of Shake, Rattle & Roll was shown in cinemas.
After missing a spot in the official list of entries for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in December, Regal has opted for a pre-Christmas playdate, starting on Nov. 29, for SRR Extreme. This decision comes despite earlier interest to have it available on streaming platforms just like its previous movie releases.
It’s because, as Regal Entertainment VP and COO Roselle Monteverde previously stressed to this paper, the film is made for the cinemas.
“It’s a cinema experience. Most movies produced during the pandemic went straight to streaming. So, this is our first cinematic release post-pandemic. I really wanted this for cinemas,” she told The STAR.
Roselle was further validated on the theatrical run for the film after consulting with the directors. “All aspects of their work, including the music and editing, are better appreciated on the big screen, not a small one or even a TV.”
Jerrold Tarog (Pagpag, Bliss, Heneral Luna), Richard Somes (Yanggaw, Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang) and Joey de Guzman (Day Zero), also known for their horror genre work, were the filmmakers enlisted to helm the three mini-episodes of SRR Extreme.
“You really have to give the worth of what they (audiences) pay at the cinemas. Kasi ang mahal eh,” Roselle said, referring to the theater ticket prices.
During a recent presscon, the filmmakers spoke more about what to expect from the film. In Extreme, the franchise’s tradition of mini-episodes continues, with Glitch, Rage, and Mukbang.
Joey directs Rage, which tells the fight for survival of thrill-seekers in a town overrun by flesh-eating residents.
“It’s about an alien infection and a group of friends who try to survive the infection,” explained direk Joey. “When you get infected, you have a strong desire for violence, to kill. It’s really about survival.”
Jerrold’s Mukbang follows content creators hungry for social media fame, only to be terrorized by shape-shifting monsters with an appetite for human flesh.
He views this episode as a departure from the usual seriousness of his past Shake, Rattle & Roll films.
“Mukbang is a breath of fresh air for me because this is my fourth Shake and so far, lahat ng mga Shake namin ay super serious,” direk Jerrold shared.
“So, this one is more about having fun. I’m hoping audiences will enjoy it. It’s basically about influencers who go to a mansion and something weird happens in that mansion.”
Richard returns to the franchise with Glitch, which explores the dark side of the Internet.
“It’s more exciting since coming from the pandemic, we’ve been like a recluse, depressed and all, so there’s a whole lot of (pent-up) energy that needs to be released,” he explained.
Direk Richard continued, “I’ve been missing horror (films) that really catch my attention, so I said yes. It’s going to be challenging because with the title itself, SRR Extreme, how extreme can you really go?
“So, we’re dealing with malevolent creatures (in Glitch), and the premise of the film (is about) women and motherhood. And I said yes because it speaks a lot about women in general, (tackling issues on) abuse and even those suffering from mental health problems like depression.
“In my episode, it’s about this single mom who really takes the responsibility of protecting her two kids while facing a malevolent entity.”
SRR features a lot of young and emerging actors, including social media personalities who are venturing into mainstream acting for the first time.
The ensemble cast includes Iza Calzado, Jane Oineza, Jane de Leon, RK Bagatsing, Paul Salas, Paolo Gumabao, AC Bonifacio, Donna Cariaga, Rob Gomez, Angel Guardian, Sarah Edwards, Dustin Yu, Miggs Cuaderno, Mika Reins, Bryce Eusebio, Jewel Milag, Esnyr Ranollo, Jana Taladro, Elle Villanueva, Phi Palmos, Ninong Ry, Ian Ginema, Francis Mata, Jericho Ejercito and Girlie Ejercito.
Iza, considered the “most seasoned” among the actors in terms of Shake, Rattle & Roll experience, was particularly asked about the film’s timing of release.
“We won’t keep the horror suspense for long,” she said during the presscon. “We’ll release it before Christmas, as you mentioned, Christmas came early in the form of Shake, Rattle & Roll.
“I believe no matter the season or place, whether it’s summer or anywhere you put Shake, Rattle & Roll, people will watch it. As a testament, there’s a strong online buzz.
“But most importantly, we just want to watch it, no matter when the playdate is,” she added.