Watch “Banjo” Online: A Sinag Maynila 2024 Film Review
Written & Directed by: Bryan Wong
Sinag Maynila 2024 Official Selection
Introduction: A Missed Shot in Action Cinema
Banjo (2024) is an action-packed crime thriller directed by Bryan Wong, featuring the story of two brothers going undercover to infiltrate a dangerous syndicate. While the film attempts to deliver high-octane thrills and suspense, it falls short of expectations, with unrealistic action sequences, weak character development, and technical flaws that detract from the overall experience.
Plot Summary: The Undercover Brothers
The film centers around Agent Banjo and his brother Marko, who both go undercover to penetrate a powerful crime syndicate. As they gain the syndicate’s trust, they inch closer to unraveling the criminal empire’s secrets, but complications arise when their true identities are threatened with exposure. Unfortunately, the film’s plot is predictable, and despite its action-oriented premise, Banjo fails to create tension or suspense.
From the get-go, it’s clear who will emerge victorious, robbing the action scenes of any real stakes. While Banjo attempts to immerse viewers in a world of danger and intrigue, the film’s inability to develop meaningful character relationships or create engaging drama leaves the audience with little to invest in.
Film Critique: Too Many Misses, Not Enough Hits
1. Unrealistic Action Scenes
The action sequences, which should be the film’s strength, are poorly executed. Banjo, as the protagonist, seems invincible—able to dodge bullets and defeat enemies without breaking a sweat. This lack of realism makes the fights unexciting, as there’s never a moment where Banjo seems to be in genuine danger. The choreography is stiff and mechanical, with actors moving as though they are counting their steps rather than reacting in real time.
2. Weak Antagonists
The villains in Banjo are barely a threat. They are dispatched too easily, giving the impression that Banjo’s mission is more of a formality than a perilous undercover operation. The lack of a formidable adversary makes the stakes feel low, further reducing the emotional impact of the film.
3. Technical Shortcomings
The technical execution of the film leaves much to be desired. There are frequent issues with blurry camera work, poor sound design, and inconsistent color grading that make scenes feel disjointed. The editing is abrupt, disrupting the flow of the narrative and making it difficult to stay engaged. In some scenes, the lighting changes drastically between shots, even though the characters remain in the same location.
4. Underdeveloped Characters
Aside from Banjo, the rest of the characters are barely fleshed out. They appear briefly, either to provide exposition or to be eliminated in action scenes. Even the relationships between key characters, including Banjo and his brother Marko, are not explored deeply enough to create any meaningful emotional arcs. Some characters appear only in flashbacks or simply to serve as plot devices, which makes it hard to care about their fate.
5. Plot Twists Without Substance
In Banjo, the revelations about the undercover mission and the secrets of the syndicate are delivered in a clumsy manner. Instead of gradually building suspense and revealing details in a compelling way, the twists are dropped all at once, with little emotional or narrative weight behind them. This leads to a lackluster finale that leaves viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Performances: Lacking Impact
Bryan Wong, who also stars in the film, delivers a decent performance as the titular Banjo, but his portrayal of the indestructible hero lacks depth. The supporting cast, including Danilo Cutamora Jr. and Missy Acodille, fail to make much of an impression, largely due to the weak script and poor character development. With more compelling dialogue and better direction, the actors may have been able to shine, but they are unfortunately limited by the material they’re working with.
Where to Watch: Theatrical Run and Future Streaming Options
Banjo is currently available for viewing as part of the Sinag Maynila Film Festival from September 4-10, 2024, at the following venues:
- Gateway Cinemas (NCR)
- SM Cinemas (NCR)
- Robinsons Manila & Galleria
- Market Market
After its festival release, Banjo is expected to arrive on popular streaming platforms. Based on trends in indie and festival films, we anticipate the following platforms could host Banjo in the coming months:
- Netflix: Often showcasing a wide range of international films, Netflix may acquire Banjo for streaming after its theatrical run.
- Amazon Prime Video: Another likely platform for rental or purchase, Prime Video frequently features action and crime dramas.
- Apple TV: As a platform for indie and festival films, Apple TV could also offer Banjo for rental or purchase.
- Tubi: For those looking for free streaming options with ads, Tubi may be a potential platform for Banjo post-festival.
Conclusion: A Misfire in the World of Action Cinema
Banjo may appeal to die-hard action fans, but for those seeking a more well-rounded experience, the film is a disappointment. Its underwhelming action scenes, lack of compelling characters, and technical mishaps make it difficult to recommend. There’s potential in the story of two brothers going undercover, but it’s ultimately squandered by poor execution. For viewers who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes crime dramas, Banjo is unlikely to deliver the thrills they’re looking for.
Streaming Availability Update
Following its limited theatrical run, Banjo is expected to make its way to platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV for online viewing. Keep an eye out for streaming updates to watch this film online in the near future.
