Shake Rattle & Roll III

"Shake Rattle & Roll III" is a unique Filipino horror anthology that stands out from other horror movies during its time especially with its three distinct, spine-chilling stories. Released in 1991, this film was produced by Regal films, directed by Peque Gallaga and Lorie Reyes and starred some of the best actors and actresses of that era such as Kris Aquino, Rosemarie Gil, Ogie Alcasid among others.

As the third installment in the hugely successful "Shake, Rattle & Roll" franchise, "Shake, Rattle & Roll III" continues its predecessor's tradition of terrorizing, enthralling, and riveting its audience with three separate tales, each boasting its own unique, horrific narrative and a set of characters, showcasing the talents of its star-studded cast.

In the first episode titled "Yaya", the story deep dives into the life of a young family with their newly hired nanny. Played by Kris Aquino, the mother is relieved to have found help. But keeping with the ambiance of mystery and horror, things quickly take a turn when the baby begins to act odd showing unnatural attachment to the new nanny. This story, rooted in the Filipino culture, brings to life the superstitions associated with household helpers being involved in black magic and sorcery, waving a story that examines the underlying fears that come with inviting unknown people into personal space.

The following story "Ate" trails on a different facet of horror. Ligaya (Rosemarie Gil) is a persistent, resilient character whose life takes a sudden unexpected turn when strange events begin to occur involving her older sister. The eeriness is maintained throughout the narrative, injecting suspense at every turn, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The story leverages the common Filipino sentiment of respecting and fearing the elderly and the cultural norm of inheriting the possessions and the obligations of the deceased relatives.

Concluding the anthology, "Nanay" introduces viewers to a group of students, out on a writing assignment that soon becomes a life-threatening nightmare. Accompanied by their professor, the group arrives in a small remote barrio only to face an ancient monster. Ogie Alcasid, as one of the students adds to the intricacy of the narrative with the collective fear of the group amplifying the horror feel of the story. This story plays on the fear of the unknown, the fear of being in unfamiliar territories, and combines it with age-old folklore which are still prevalent in the remote areas of the Philippines.

"Shake, Rattle & Roll III" continues the series' legacy, exploring uncanny horror themes involving black magic, superstition, folklore monsters through three thrilling stories, deeply rooted in Filipino culture. Each episode is carefully crafted and interconnected through these overarching themes, bringing forward nothing but sheer horror and suspense that awakens one's deepest fears, making viewers question every nook and cranny of their own surrounding.

The cast performances are commendable, each bringing their own charm and energy while delivering on the horror front. Kris Aquino shines in as a desperate, worried mother, Rosemarie Gil gives life to Ligaya's fear and persistence, and Ogie Alcasid imbues humor, wit, and terror in his character.

From an artistic perspective, "Shake, Rattle & Roll III" is a commendable endeavor, successful in creating an atmospheric spectacle of horror that combines elements of psychology, society, and tradition. The cinematography, sound effects, and special effects are masterfully used to amplify the horror element in the movie, intensifying the suspense and increasing the shock factor.

This film is not just your average run-of-the-mill horror flick, the screenplay of each story is well thought out and keeps the audience guessing. The narrative structure of each episode is complex yet smooth, allowing the storyline to unfold at a pace that keeps viewers hooked. With its unique storylines and engaging cast, "Shake Rattle & Roll III" surely qualifies as a noteworthy addition to the Filipino horror anthology genre. So, if you're a fan of culturally-rich horror flicks, this movie is a must-watch.