Back in the shadows

Back to basics
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

Since it's the holidays and most families are agog over the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival, we would like to ask you one question: what makes for a great movie hero?

Is it the actor? Or is it the people who allow him to shine brightest? Sometimes it is the female lead who adds depth to the hero, others, it is the villain-- sometimes, it is the sidekick or supporting actor who helps establish the hero and hides his flaws.

Arwind Santos, former PBA Most Valuable Player, is not fit to take the lead. He posts eye-popping, stat-stuffing numbers, but as history would suggest it does not always end up with wins or titles. Hell, he's not even the guy his own fans, San Miguel Beermen fans, would want taking the last shot (do not even try to contest this now known fact).

He is however, an awesome Best Supporting Actor: working in the shadows, doing what is necessary to help make the hero even more heroic, and the film, even better. Dennis Padilla to Robin Padilla. Bayani Agbayani to Cesar Montano. Sorry for having named comedians, as we are not big on serious local drama flicks. Oh, there's one more-- yung bespren ni Popoy sa One More Chance.