Because it's the first Filipino film to be shown this year after the 2004 Metro Manila Film Festival that ended on Jan. 7, much hope is being pinned on "Uno," which is a Rocketts Productions offering. The success of the movie, it is believed, would foretell how the local movie industry would fare in 2005.
"If only for this, that much hope is being heaped on our film, sana nga maging matagumpay ito sa takilya para makatulong kami sa industriya," Ronnie Ricketts , the producer, director, scriptwriter and actor said. Co-starring and co-producing "Uno" with Ronnie is another martial arts expert Mon del Rosario.
It has been noted that the action genre is a diminishing breed, slowly fading away, and especially with the death of the action king, Fernando Poe, Jr., the fate of action films looks pessimistic. And Ronnie Ricketts has been described as "the last man standing," being the only remaining action star patiently working to keep the flames of action pictures alive in the local big screen. Ronnie is the only one, it was noticed, persevering in the production of action films.
Ronnie admitted to being truly patient in this regard. He will never give up hope, he added. Nothing could deter him from continuing his self-imposed mission of producing action films if only to help provide employment to movie workers, especially the "little people" like the stuntmen, and to promote martial arts among Filipino filmgoers. Everybody knows that Ronnie's heart is into martial arts, having trained in various martial arts discipline since he was a small boy. Sharing his passion for martial arts is his brother Topher who usually helps him choreograph his fight scenes and who conducts martial arts training through his Bakbakan school.
In "Uno," Ronnie said he tapped the services of young and old stars, and technical people. For instance, Ricardo Cepeda who has a role to play in the movie, was also his assistant director. "I found out he has this skill and talent when we were discussing the movie and he like Monsour was giving me inputs which I found valuable. Kaya sabi ko, ikaw na lang assistant director ko ." This is the first time that Ricardo worked as assistant director, and we're sure, this won't be the last time, knowing Ronnie who knows how to recognize and appreciate talent.
The current dearth of action movies might work to "Uno's" advantage, Ronnie said. "Kasi namimiss na ng mga tao ang action films, so this missing factor might work for our film." The fact that everybody seems to be very supportive of his latest film project is another encouraging factor, Ronnie added.
"SM Cinema management has been giving us all-out support. Grabe talaga ang binibigay nilang suporta sa amin and for this I'm very happy. Even my fellow action stars like Rudy Fernandez and Phillip Salvador have expressed their support by attending our premiere night tonight (Jan. 18) at SM North EDSA ." The movie's official run starts in Metro Manila theaters on Jan. 19.
"Uno" also stars Danica Sotto, TJ Trinidad, Cheska Garcia, Mark Gil, Dinky Doo, Bruce Ricketts and John Apacible among others.
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