“Echorsis” Movie Hailed as "Intelligent Comedy", Opens April 13

A few days ahead of its opening day—April 13—in cinemas nationwide, “Echorsis” is the subject of great reviews from movie critics and bloggers, lauding the movie’s sensitive theme and out-of-the-box and an intelligent brand of comedy.

Echorsis Movie: The bachelors of 143 boy band, Yuki Sakamoto, Gold Aquino and Anjo Resurreccion with Echorsis lead actor John Lapus, director Lem Lorca and producer Chris Cahilig.

The Cinema Evaluation Board has also given the much-awaited independent comedy flick of the year a “B” grade for its good quality, which entitles it to a 60-percent amusement tax rebate.

“Echorsis reflects on gender issues while still being funny. Lovely to see Kean Cipriano, Alex Medina, and John Lapus together in one crazy film,” says Jonell Estillore of cinemabravo.com.

'Echorsis,’ a comical homage to the iconic horror film ‘The Exorcist,’ revolves around a sweet-tongued gigolo Carlo, played by Medina, who is possessed by a gay demon after he deceived his closeted gay lover Kristoff (Lapus). The task of exorcising the devil out of Medina’s character then falls on the lap of Father Nick, who is portrayed by Cipriano.

The film, which held its premiere night last April 3 at the Cinema 11 of SM City North Edsa in Quezon City, was well-received by critics and was particularly praised for its bold and creative choices and great performances from the three leads and the entire cast.

“At turns bitingly hilarious and incisive, the movie Echorsis is a must watch. We need more comedies like this in Philippine Cinema!” says Von Cuerpo, lawyer and award-winning blogger.

“‘Echorsis’ is a spiritual successor to ‘Zombadings’,” says clickthecity.com resident film critic Philbert Dy.

Aside from the film’s intelligent humor, its good intention to represent the LGBT—and how some of its scenes evoke real-life situations—were noted by the critics.

“Supersibo sa maraming level ang Echorsis. Ang pinaka-obvious, halimbawa, ay ang pag-exorcise ng kasarian sa loob mismo ng simbahan . . . Past the fanfare, may pabaon itong ilang tender moments kung saan binubuhol ang stand nito sa kasarian nang walang halong echos,” says film enthusiast Manuel Pangaruy.

Echorsis is graded B by Cinema Evaluation Board and will open on April 13 nationwide. (Alex Medina, producer Chris Cahilig, Kean Cipriano, and Cahilig’s mother Sylvia Cahilig.)

The makers of “Echorsis”—critically acclaimed filmmaker Lemuel Lorca, writer Jerry Gracio, and producer Chris Cahilig of Insight 360—are so happy with the positive reviews and are now asking the public to watch the movie on its first day to prevent it from getting pulled out of the movie houses.

“(Echorsis) is a step forward in creating three-dimensional LGBT characters . . . ,” says film critic Jerald Uy.

Cahilig, who asserts that Filipino moviegoers are so ready for a black comedy like ‘Echorsis’, reiterates this appeal to them: “Do see the flick on April 13 to ensure its good run at the cinemas.”

Completing the ensemble cast of “Echorsis” are Alessandra de Rossi, Chokoleit, Kiray Celis, Mich Liggayu, Ruby Ruiz, Negi Negra, Bekimon, Nico Antonio, Francine Garcia, Odette Khan, and 1:43’s Yuki Sakamoto, Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino, and Yheen Valero.

“Echorsis” is supported by BellaVita Land Corp. and McJim Classic Leather.