Penduko (2023) User Reviews

Worth the watch but plenty of room for improvement

[Sirfaro11 · 6/10 · 6 January 2024]

I am happy that the writers did not stick to the beaten script of good vs bad in this version of Pedro Penduko. Guidecilli portrayed a flawed character, not wanting his father's legacy and even resorting to violence to get his revenge. Thanks also that they didn't play the love angle with Liway (Kylie Verzoza) to painful predictability. I appreciate the efforts to put local folklore mystical creatures, magic potions and create a world of sorcery, but NOT imitating Harry Potter. Also putting layers in the story kept it interesting with a dash of social commentary on land grabbing and greed for money.

Some acting scenes and dialogues are cringy, but Guidecilli played Penduko well and I do hope he gets a second outing on the next MMFF like Panday. The villain here is not the typical monstrous Romy Diaz and he was given good motive in doing his bad deeds but maybe he could have done more given his 'superpowers'. Some CGI effects still feel like the 90s but forgivable. The ending is a little duh but overall, a good watch. Guidecilli is a good choice for the main character, he can still hone his acting skills for (hopefully) part 2.

Honest review

[emmanuelluis_borjal · 3/10 · 8 June 2024]

So-so. I was expecting more on the Philippine folklore. I don't like the part where the black American would gang on Pedro, then suddenly her "girl friend" would say that, that is her brother. But all through out the movie there were no clear interaction between her and her brother.

I like the idea they created a system ( bpo like ) that gives better compensation to those with "galing" or gift.

Maybe this is to make it relevant to those who are working in the bpo industry.

Sadly, repetitive effects or skill gets boring when used over and over again.

I like the idea that there was a training for these agents... Again, part of frustrations is that they could have included more spirits, deities in the scene. Full blooded Filipino with no trace of accent could help...ang daming artista na pwede gumanap sa role na Pedro penduko, sorry Mateo (feeling close)

The progress of the movie is very slow then when it finally reached the climax, suddenly everything became fast tracked.

For the scene when they are in the spirit realm doing gaway, it could have been better if they use more powers rather basic sparring.

Maybe if they have created a mystery that needs to be solved this would create more interest sa film following the formula of Harry Potter ( settings, problem needs to be solved, protagonist would find, discover or a minor mystery would be solved leading to a greater problem, then looking for a solution, implementing the solution, then ending the flick with the solution after that for part 2 a clip hanger, credits )- I believe there is nothing wrong with following formulas.

Tapos sa mga na recruite nila sana kinuha nila si Pedro to start the company from scratch when the leader of hating Gabi and takip silim was defeated... Okey naman ang hating Gabi concept para sakin.

Parang marvel natin pero mga elemnto ang kalaban.

Creating a story aligned to the original story would be great with a timely twist.

Ayun, over all, it's as if I was watching how he started ( as if may part 2 ito ). Judging how producers think roi agad, so baka Wala Ng part 2 so sana ginandahan at ginalingan n nila.

Magaling special effects. But as I have said kanina sana di paulit ulit.

Sayang. Yun lng.

It was nice but it feels I wasted time. Buti sa Netflix ko napanood.