Lately, ultimate leading man Piolo Pascual has been veering away from his matinee idol image, taking on bolder, grittier roles.
In “The Ride,” he’s not just a baddie — he’s a greasy-looking gang member who has no intention of leaving the criminal life. Instead, he wants a bigger slice of the pie by starting a coup de etat, and seize power with brutal intent. But as he schemes and plots, the other side gets wind of his plans. Betrayals and backstabbings follow, and his own son — played by Kyle Echarri — is caught in the crossfire.
Piolo delivers his reliable performance as Barry, the gangster father who wants a better future for his son. Yet it’s Kyle who truly steals the show. At just 22, he doesn’t just hold his own but shines bright, delivering a powerful performance that leaves a lasting impression to the audience.
Director Thop Nazareno’s “The Ride” is an action- and emotion-packed, well, ride — clocking in at just an hour and a few minutes. It’s a tight, taut story where every actor pulls their weight, from Joey Marquez to Alex Medina to Levi Ignacio. Not a single scene feels superfluous.
“The Ride” proves that there are no small roles — and that a good story doesn’t need more time than it deserves to make an impact.
Produced by Spring Films, Cornerstone Studios, and MQuest Ventures, “The Ride” is co-written by Nazareno, John Bedia, and Dodo Dayao. – Gie Trillana
