The other boys of Exodus

Can you imagine Jay-R as a kontrabida? Is he up to the challenge of such a demanding role? Will he be as credible an actor as he is as a singer?

These questions will be answered by the P70-million epic adventure Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom, official entry to the 2005 Metro Manila Filmfest co-produced by two giant companies, Imus Productions and Reality Entertainment, in cooperation with Enchanted Kingdom where some crucial scenes were filmed.

The movie is topbilled by Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. in the title role as Exodus, saving mankind tagged for destruction by an evil king and his cohorts. Exodus features three generations of Revillas. Aside from Bong, other Revillas featured are Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. as Exodus’ father killed under mysterious circumstances and Bong’s sons, Jolo and Brian, playing the younger Exodus.

Directed by Erik Matti from a story and screenplay by Dwight Gaston, Exodus introduces Jay-R as Haring Bagulbol who is bent on annihilating mankind. He is a dangerous creature, with powerful elements at his command. He has led his forces on a path of destruction, leaving only a city called Bantayan standing.

Moviegoers may not recognized Jay-R because in most of his scenes he is shown covered by his formidable costume but there’s no mistaking his voice, his stance and his gestures for somebody else’s.

Playing the head of the threatened City of Bantayan is Paolo Bediones on his second movie outing (the first was Walang Kapalit which topbilled Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez). As the head in distress, Paolo calls on Exodus to come to his city’s rescue with amazing results.

Under the control of Haring Bagulbol are the Elements, including the Fire Elemental and the Earth Elemental, played respectively by BJ "Tolits" Forbes and Benjie Paras.

As Silab, The Fire Elemental, BJ does a fitting follow-up to his recent first movie starrer Ispiritista in which he plays the son of co-star Vic Sotto. BJ is predicted to be the New Niño Muhlach because of his pinchable charm and charisma, first showcased in the Tide commercial.

Benjie departs from his comic TV image by playing Tayho, the Earth Elemental, who follows mindlessly the orders of Haring Bagulbol.

Providing the comic relief in the breathless epic fantasy-adventure is Long Mejia in his substantial movie role.

Exodus: Tales From the Enchanted Kingdom follows the well-loved tradition of Imus Productions which has been a top-runner in the Metro Manila Filmfest, a strength enhanced even more by its partnership with Reality Entertainment which is headed by Dondon Monteverde of the Regal Clan.