Evil Eye Hex (2017)

Your average Horror (Comedy) movie

Pwera Usog is a movie I could consider a Horror-Comedy, utilizing the 'surprise factor' of a typical horror story among others. The comedy part comes comes mostly from how the actors acted their respective characters.

The story of Pwera Usog uses a lot of flashbacks to drive the main story forward. With this, the story is able to connect its characters which is probably the most enjoyable part of the story. Even the side characters, Jean's friends, especially Val, is tied to the flashback. I like that. However, Val's potential as a character stopped as soon as the story behind her character is revealed. Poor Val is not even included in the epilogue. The climax of the story is worth to mention though. The cliche "main character saves the day" gives Jean her redeeming moment when she was able to save Luna by sacrificing her self to let Luna leave and live. This also gives Quintin an opening to finally make things right and start thinking for himself, being able to save Jean on time, contrary to what happened with his mother, and at the same time, being able to finally decide for himself. As for Sherwin? Well, I do believe he is more there for comedic relief.

One other character I could consider to have contributed to the comedic part of the story is Quintin's mother, played by Aiko Melendez. Actually, her mere presence contributed a lot to it. I do believe that Aiko's character is supposed to be a serious one but the way she acted made the character unserious, in a way.

I don't think I could rewatch this in full ever again. Nothing extraordinary, definitely your average horror (comedy) supernatural film.

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I guess this really isn’t a regular horror film.

Director Jason Paul Laxamana’s Pwera Usog may be a horror film but it’s more than that. There’s a moral lesson instilled perfect for the youth… basically everyone. Sure, the film focuses on three millennials who are born in an “electronics-filled and increasingly online and socially-networked world” but moral values are for everyone whether a millennial or not. If you don’t practice moral values, then you’ll surely get your just deserts.

“Pulubi siya. (She’s just a beggar.) No one’s gonna miss her.”

Moreover, Director Laxamana took a different direction. He played with two themes – usog and the origin of the evil spirit who placed the hex – one at a time and then all at once. I have to admit though that there were several silly moments which were surprisingly okay.

There was a scene where Aiko Melendez’ albularyo (a witch doctor/ folk healer) character heals Jean (Sofia Andres) for the first time. Since the classic way of licking one finger and rubbing it on the person’s abdomen or forehead didn’t work, she poured a jar of saliva with magic. Yes, she did! There was also another healing scene where she shouts Pwera Usog! This reminded me of Narda’s transformation to Darna. It was silly AND hilarious.

I guess this really isn’t a regular horror film. In conclusion, Director Jason Paul Laxamana’s Pwera Usog is still decent. It has all the elements of a horror film; not to mention, the silliness that’s rarely seen with a plot like this. I enjoyed watching it and wouldn’t mind watching it again. 6/10

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