Connected is a 2022 Filipino youth-oriented romantic comedy film directed by Theodore Boborol, starring former Pinoy Big Brother: Connect housemates Kobie Brown, Andi Abaya, Ralph Malibunas, Gail Banawis, Chico Alicaya, Amanda Zamora, and PBB co-host Richard Juan as they navigate all their different personalities while finding a sense of purpose, love, attention, and the struggle to combat feelings of isolation in a connected world.[1][2]
| Connected | |
|---|---|
_official_poster.jpg) Official release poster | |
| Directed by | Theodore Boborol |
| Written by | Mary Rose Colindres |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Edited by | Alexces Megan Abarquez-Baliao |
| Music by | Jessie Lasaten |
Production company | Star Magic Studios |
| Distributed by | CineXpress |
Release date |
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| Country | Philippines |
| Languages | Filipino, English |
It is also the first movie produced by Star Magic Studios,[3][4] serving as the newly-formed studio's realization of its vision to produce movies that will showcase its artists' talents in the most perfect yet challenging roles for them.[5]
Premise
editWith a desire to connect to something "greater than themselves," three different stories from Gen Z or Zoomers are formed because of a connection by a café which prohibits them from using social media and their gadgets, and faced and felt the agony and pleasure of being in love.
Cast
editMain cast
edit- Kobie Brown as Topher
- Andi Abaya as Gabbie
- Ralph Malibunas as Gen
- Gail Banawis as Fin
- Chico Alicaya as Rocky
- Amanda Zamora as Sandy
- Richard Juan as Sky
Supporting cast
edit- Peewee O' Hara as Yayay Juaning
- Justin Cuyugan as Lorenz Toledo
- Che Ramos-Cosio as Mira Toledo
- Marife Necesito as Gabbie's mother
- Jonic Magno as Gabbie's father
- Skyzx Labastilla as Gen's mother
- Russu Laurente as Paul
Production
editAccording to Star Magic and ABS-CBN Entertainment Production Head Laurenti Dyogi, Star Magic Studios is one of the exciting plans for Star Magic’s 30th year anniversary, with this being the maiden offering of the new film sub-company.[6][7]
Casting
editIt was revealed that Brown, Abaya, Malibunas, Banawis, Alicaya, Zamora, and Juan were handpicked by Dyogi himself to star in the movie,[4] and is considered the group's first starring roles in a film.[8]
Release
editConnected was released worldwide on July 22, 2022, via iWantTFC, KTX.ph, SKY Pay-Per-View, and TFC IPTV.[2]
Theatrical
editThe movie had its theatrical release on the same day of its worldwide release, with Boborol and the main cast except Abaya and Banawis gracing the red carpet event. The event was also attended by Dyogi, and some former Pinoy Big Brother housemates from previous seasons.[8]
Marketing
editThe movie's full trailer was released on June 24, 2022, on ABS-CBN Entertainment's social media accounts.
Critical response
editFred Hawson, writing for KTX.ph, described writer Mary Rose Colindres's concept as "(woving) three stories of young love into the mix," and who "was also able to weave in a little detail about a lost pin with a motivational message which worked its magic with everyone, and this was very ingenious." Hawson also went on to describe Abaya and Alicaya as showing "the most promise so far" among the six neophyte actors.[9]
References
edit- ^ Asis, Salve V. (July 10, 2022). "Pelikulang Connected malalim ang mga 'isyu', Mayor Zamora nangunguna sa pag-promote". Pilipino Star Ngayon (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on August 1, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
- ^ a b Domingo, Danielle (July 1, 2022). "Get "Connected" with Star Magic's Debut Film". MYX Global. Archived from the original on September 24, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ "Star Magic produces first movie 'Connected'". ABS-CBN News. July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ a b Ramon, Sherilyn (July 12, 2022). "Star Magic branches out into making full-length movies". Philtimes.com.au. Archived from the original on July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ "From 'PBB' to the big screen". Tempo. July 9, 2022. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ "Star Magic unveils plans to go global in historic Black Pen Day". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on January 20, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
- ^ "PBB housemates featured in Star Magic's initial film venture". malaya.com.ph. July 10, 2022. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
- ^ a b "LOOK: Premiere night of Star Magic Studio's 'Connected'". ABS-CBN News. July 22, 2022. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ Hawson, Fred (July 28, 2022). "KTV review: Andi Abaya, Chico Alicaya show most promise in 'Connected'". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.