The Barker: All bark, no bite I wonder what made Empoy sign up for this trash of a movie promoted as action-comedy. The jokes are lame and flat and the plot is stupid and messed-up. Everything about this movie - sound, lighting, make-up, editing, script and setting - are horrible. I felt sorry for Empoy (fresh from the acclaimed Kita Kita), Shy Carlos, Sylvia Sanchez (lauded for The Greatest Love), Jeric Raval and veterans Ronnie Lazaro and Nonie Buencamino(cameo) for being part of this poorly written and poorly directed flick. Halfway through the film, I was dozing and cringing because of the lame jokes - the only funny moment is when Atak Araña is in a scene (he even overshadowed Empoy in some scenes). It makes me wonder who greenlit this movie and who approved Dennis Padilla to helm it. Padilla made it a horrible Z-grade slapstick flick with nonsense plot and senseless characters. What a waste of money for Viva Films and Blank Pages Production! They should’ve invested it on a sensible movie instead. I hope this will be the last time they place their bets on Padilla as director. All in all, The Barker is a HUGE disappointment and waste of time and money. It’s not worth it. I hope Empoy’s Kita Kita performance will not be affected by this HUGE let-down.