BAR BOYS: AFTER SCHOOL

Bar Boys: After School (MMFF 2025)

Directed by: Kip Oebanda

While this film stands on its own, revisiting the original and the musical beforehand makes the experience richer. It’s nostalgic and exciting to see the main characters blend with theater performers and the new cast members.

Whenever they interact, you’ll wonder if the chemistry will work. But once you see them, there’s an instant click—whether in pairs, trios, quartets, or even larger groupings. In every combination, they look good together, making them a versatile ensemble.

Carlo Aquino makes acting look easy, as he and the character become one so naturally. He has mastered the ability to make things believable—without putting in too much effort. Rocco Nacino doesn’t do too much, yet he delivers exactly what’s needed in every scene. Perhaps because of the lack of proper buildup, Kean Cipriano’s emotional scene fails to make an impact. Otherwise, his acting is fairly fine. Enzo Pineda also gives a decent performance.

Sassa Gurl has a way of delivering lines that’s neither arrogant nor humble, but full of insight. She makes sure every word is enunciated clearly and delivered with conviction. Her pauses between sentences are well-placed and natural-sounding.

Will Ashley doesn’t need lines to express emotion. Whether he’s tired or broken, his eyes can do the talking. And when he speaks, he moves you even more. Whatever direction you give or order you ask of his acting, consider it always fulfilled.

OA na kasiyahan ang naibigay ni Klarisse De Guzman. Hindi niya tinatapakan ang spotlight ng ibang tao, dahil kaya niyang gumawa ng sarili niyong moment. Her serious scenes still need a bit more polish to feel natural, but she’s definitely on the right track. Her interaction with Kean Cipriano is a refreshing surprise. KeKlang is the kind of loveteam we never thought existed, yet it’s something we never realized we needed. Ito ang loveteam na walang tinatapakan. Puro fun at kilig lang.

Sheila Francisco gives every word its due weight, infusing it with elegance and authority while keeping her performance authentic. Glaiza De Castro doesn’t have many scenes, but when she’s on screen, she owns them.

There is not a single scene with The Odette Khan that feels wasted. Every second with her is precious and deeply cherished. Her presence is pure gold. Every word she delivers becomes a statement of truth, power, and wisdom.

The film promises an after-school experience, but it delivers so much more. Like life itself, it’s full of unpredictable highs and lows. There’s enough humor and heart to keep you watching. Punchlines land where they should. And when things get serious, the shift isn’t too drastic.

Multiple stories are being told all at once. You’re unsure which arc to follow, because each one has its own significance. At times, it can get restless and overwhelming. Character arcs are compressed to fit the limited runtime. You’re supposed to follow a journey, but it turns to brief moments. There are more shortcuts and less buildup.

Most lines are powerful and quotable, yet the absence of supporting scenes makes them feel like summary statements rather than lived experiences.

With so much happening, the film could’ve easily exploded—but it didn’t. Everything stays contained. It begins by setting the stage, laying out all the pieces, and later brings them together.

The story unfolds like a collection of lessons inside and outside the classroom. It is getting wisdom from the past, inspiring the present, and guiding the future.

When things get overwhelming, you must learn to take it all in. When life gets heavy, you must find the strength to carry its weight. There’s no other way but to keep going and fighting.

They let us feel all that, offering a wide range of thoughts and emotions. It engages, entertains, and informs. Learning doesn’t end inside the classroom. It truly begins after school.

Just like our nation, this film is something you need to hold on to. Embrace what it has to teach.

𝐁𝐀𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐒: 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋

Cast: Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Kean Cipriano, Will Ashley, Glaiza De Castro, Klarisse De Guzman, Therese Malvar, Bryce Eusebio, Benedix Ramos, Emilio Daez, Sassa Gurl, and Ms. Odette Khan

Presented by: 901 Studios

Release Date: December 25, 2025 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews

Sinong inaabangan mo sa BAR BOYS AFTER SCHOOL?

• Carlo Aquino
• Rocco Nacino
• Enzo Pineda
• Kean Cipriano

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