Maliko (2024) Movie Review
Directed by: JR Frias
Headwriter: JR Frias
Co-writer: Kiko Sotto
Cast: Sahara Bernales, Eunice Santos, Chad Solano, Ardy Raymundo, Ada Hermosa, Rome Guinto, James Lomahan, Peggy Rico Solis, RR Lopez, Jhun Valentino, Aica Veloso
Presented by: Flash Fast Production
Release Date: July 10, 2024 (Vivamax)
Maliko (2024), directed by JR Frias, is a film that attempts to blend comedy with risqué content but ultimately falls short on both fronts. What could have been an entertaining addition to the Vivamax lineup ends up being an exercise in frustration, with its execution leaving much to be desired.
Plot and Execution
The plot of Maliko revolves around a chaotic and crude series of events, focusing on the interactions between a pharmacist and a med rep. The film’s execution resembles a poorly staged prank or a disjointed comedy skit, where the humor is often forced and the performances lack coherence. The film feels like it was shot with minimal preparation, resulting in a product that comes off as both amateurish and unpolished.
Scenes are often aimless, with dialogue that seems improvised and disconnected from the film’s supposed narrative. The soundtrack is irritating and poorly integrated, and the overall editing lacks finesse, making the film feel disjointed and awkward.
Performances
The performances in Maliko range from lackluster to bizarre. Sahara Bernales, Eunice Santos, and Chad Solano, among others, deliver performances that come across as robotic and out of sync with the film’s tone. The lack of genuine chemistry between actors and the unconvincing portrayals contribute to the film’s overall sense of disarray.
In particular, the attempts at humor through exaggerated and crass situations do not translate well on screen. The actors appear to be struggling with the material, resulting in performances that lack the depth or nuance needed to engage the audience.
Content and Themes
The film’s content is a mishmash of crude humor and sexual innuendos, which dominate the narrative. Rather than using these elements to enhance the story, Maliko becomes bogged down by its reliance on explicit content and over-the-top scenarios. The supposed comedic moments fall flat, and the sexual themes are handled in a manner that feels gratuitous rather than provocative.
The film’s depiction of the pharmaceutical world, with a focus on absurd and inappropriate behavior, lacks any real insight or substance. The attempt to integrate educational elements about antibiotics and med rep roles is undermined by the overall tone of the film, which leans heavily towards the absurd and the vulgar.
Where to Watch
Comparison and Conclusion
Maliko could be likened to a misfire in the Vivamax catalog, lacking the redeeming qualities of successful films in the genre. While it attempts to capitalize on shock value and humor, it ends up feeling like a missed opportunity. The film’s attempt to blend different genres and themes results in a disjointed and uncomfortable viewing experience.
In summary, Maliko fails to deliver a coherent or engaging story, instead opting for a mix of crude humor and poorly executed satire. Its lack of direction and reliance on explicit content detract from any potential it might have had. For those looking for quality entertainment on Vivamax, Maliko is likely to be a disappointing choice.
