Black Magic (1987 film) explained

Black Magic
Director:Mike Relon Makiling
Music:Boy Alcaide
Cinematography:Ding Austria
Editing:Renato de Leon
Studio:Seiko Films
Distributor:Seiko Films
Runtime:122 minutes[1]
Country:Philippines
Language:Filipino

Black Magic is a 1987 Filipino fantasy comedy film directed by Mike Relon Makiling. The film stars Dolphy, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jestoni Alarcon, Rita Avila, Ian Veneracion, Michael Locsin, Rose Ann Gonzales Jovit Moya, Jennifer Sevilla, and Jaime Castillo. Produced by Seiko Films, it was released on November 26, 1987.

Critic Luciano E. Soriano of the Manila Standard gave the film a mixed review, praising Dolphy's natural comedic skills while criticizing the number of characters as excessive and unnecessary for the story.

Plot

Wanting to win the heart of a beautiful teacher, Demi makes a pact with the devil to use black magic powers for his own advantage. But with his pure heart prevailing over evil intentions, Demi uses the powers to save people badly in need of his help instead. Furious, the devil asks for Demi's soul in exchange for using his magic.

Cast

Release

Black Magic was released on November 26, 1987.[3] [4]

Box office

On its opening day, the film grossed ₱1.8 million, behind Kapag Puno Na ang Salop starring Fernando Poe Jr. and ahead of Walang Karugtong ang Nakaraan starring Sharon Cuneta.[5] However, Black Magic would later become the highest-grossing film among the three releases.

Critical response

Luciano E. Soriano of the Manila Standard gave Black Magic a mixed review. He praised Dolphy's dependable comedic skills, stating that he plays his character "with the ease of one who has been there for a long time", while criticizing the film's excessive number of characters, as its lead to a script that "meanders here and there to justify the presence of too many characters in the story."[2] He also noted the film's strange inclusion of sexual innuendos in what is supposed to be a film meant for young viewers.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Black Magic. iWantTFC. ABS-CBN Corporation. April 19, 2021. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200815101006/https://tfc.tv/show/details/6952/black-magic . August 15, 2020 .
  2. News: Soriano. Luciano E.. No great shake as a comedy. April 19, 2021. Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc.. December 5, 1987. 10.
  3. News: Movie Guide. April 19, 2021. Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc.. November 26, 1987. 10. LIFE...................Black Magic.
  4. News: Movie Guide. April 19, 2021. Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc.. November 25, 1987. 10. LIFE................ Boy Tornado.
  5. News: Lam. Lulubelle. And the winner is.... April 19, 2021. National Midweek. December 16, 1987. 46.