Deadma Walking: The new ‘beshie’ film for everybody
at least Everyone one true needs friend in life. But in the case of John, the lead character in the upcoming movie Deadma Walking, he needs one in death, too. Fortunately, his beshie Mark proves to be a friend through and through.
The colorful story of Mark and John’s friendship is at the heart of the film that promises to tickle the funny bones and at the same time, pull the heartstrings of movie audiences young and old alike, male, female and everyone in between.
Deadma Walking offers a rare trifecta of comedy, drama and musical from a script that was already a winner way before production on the film started. It copped the second prize in last year’s Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature.
“I was immediately attracted to the theme of the film,” notes the movie’s executive producer Rex Tiri of T-Rex Entertainment, the company that made the recent critical and commercial hit Patay Na Si Hesus.
Rex says, “The friendship of Mark and John is rare. Nakakatawa at nakakataba ng puso ang storya. When I read the script, I told Eric (Cabahug), the writer, right away, ‘When will we start shooting?’”
Bringing the BFF characters to life onscreen are Joross Gamboa in the role of John, and Edgar Allan Guzman playing Mark. The two are best friends in real life whose friendship goes way back to when Joross was just starting out in showbiz. In fact, EA (Edgar Allan’s nickname) got his start in the industry as one of Joross’ back-up dancers together with Gerald Anderson, who makes a special cameo in the movie.
“Super natural and easy na ang chemistry nila together,” says
Deadma’s director, Julius Alfonso, a longtime assistant director of Joel Lamangan, Chito Roño and Chris Martinez. “And it shows onscreen. You’ll feel it.”
More real-life friends helped make Deadma Walking one of the most star-studded Pinoy movies in years. The long list of celebrity cameos includes Joross and EA’s pals Piolo Pascual and Iza Calzado, and T-Rex Entertainment’s good friend Vin Abrenica. For their part, Eugene Domingo and direk Joel have come out to support direk Julius.
The film’s theme has carried over to the feedback from netizens on the teaser trailer. Many commenters have called on their friends to watch the movie as a
barkada date when it opens in cinemas. “We call our supporters ‘Deadmatologists,’” notes Rex. “We are thankful for their support and we know they will enjoy the film. We won’t disappoint them. Over our ‘deadma’ bodies!”
Some netizens praise the movie’s other aspects, including its fresh story and the performances. “Another taste of fresh Filipino film. Excited na akong mapanood ito!” enthuses Mary Joy Alonso, while Carmela Banico raves, “Joross is soooo much win!” For updates, check out the Facebook pages of
Deadma Walking and T-Rex Entertainment.