"The Echo," A Movie Review

First, I would like to congratulate Director Yam Laranas for doing such a good job. “The Echo” will surely mark in Philippine history because this is the first Filipino horror film ever translated into a Hollywood film.

Say I am biased, but the truth is, the movie is indeed frightening. The (dim) lights and (melodramatic and suspense) sound effects set the mood for viewers to internalize the eerie scenes. The old building/condominium setting is perfect for the story, just like in “Sigaw,” where there is a family of disturbed souls who ask for closure, justice and peace. The props, costumes and make-up of the haunting ghosts namely Gina (Iza Calzado), Gina’s daughter Carly (Jamie Bloch) and Jesse’s mother looks natural and realistic and they truly scare me to death.

Jesse Bradford’s acting was superb as he tries to solve the mystery of his mother’s and neighbors’ deaths. Iza Calzado’s portrayal as the battered wife was also outstanding, and as the ghost, she also did an excellent job. I can say that Iza did better in “The Echo” than in “Sigaw.” Jesse’s girlfriend Alyssa (Amelia Warner) was good, too, especially during her scene inside the family's room, when the invisible ghost/husband/policeman brutally injures and bangs her against the walls.

The plot is direct and some scenes, although already seen in other horror movies, still bring scare and suspense to me that I almost forgot I was watching a Pinoy masterpiece.

In general, “The Echo” is a good movie. Even though it is not as scary as “The Ring,” “The Grudge,” or “Shutter,” I still give it an 8 for the fine direction, superb acting performance, overall productions and great story.