Boso

The logline for "Boso" sounds far, far more interesting than the final product. Trouble is, this film actually had some potential.

The film revolves around an apartment building caretaker, Jake (Jeffrey Quizon) whose hobby is to crawl through the ceiling and spy on his tenants. Of course, there are complications when he one day his eye catches an attractive new tenant (Katya Santos).

Writer-director Jon Red says he was inspired by "Rear Window" (1954) and "Sliver" (1993). Unfortunately, "Boso" makes "Sliver" seem like Hitchcock's masterpiece.

The plot does provide Red with an opportunity to twist it in certain ways, create an ethical dilemma for Jake. But Red has no interest in that. He simply opts for the most boring route.

This film, which is terribly shot with countless close-ups, unnecessary pans (as if the cinematographer is trying to locate his subject) and unimaginative framing, truly seems like an excuse to get away with soft-core porn in the guise of mainstream film-making. This film has none of the wit, irony and, even suspense, of "Rear Window."

The only reason "Boso" gets one star is because we can't put in anything less. You know this film's in trouble when the counter on your DVD player seems far more interesting than anything on the screen.