{{Short description|2018 film by Erik Matti}} {{Use Philippine English|date=March 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}} {{Infobox film | name = BuyBust | image = Buy Bust poster.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Erik Matti | producer = Erik Matti<br>Ronald Stephen Monteverde<br>Vicente G. del Rosario III<br>Veronique Del Rosario<br>Agung Bagus | screenplay = {{ubl|Anton Santamaria|Erik Matti}} | story = Erik Matti<ref name="interaksyon"/> | starring = <!--Per official poster billing-->{{Plainlist| * Anne Curtis * Brandon Vera * Victor Neri * Arjo Atayde * Levi Ignacio * Nonie Buencamino * Lao Rodriguez * Alex Calleja * Joross Gamboa * Sheenly Gener * Mara Lopez * AJ Muhlach * Tarek El Tayech * Maddie Martinez * Ricky Pascua * Nafa Hilario * Ian Ignacio * Mikey Alcaraz }} | music = {{ubl|Erwin Romulo|Malek Lopez}} | cinematography = Neil Derrick Bion | editing = Jay Halili | production_companies = {{ubl|Viva Films|Reality Entertainment}} | distributor = Viva Films | released = {{film date|2018|06|29|NYAFF|2018|08|01|Philippines}} | runtime = 126–128 minutes<ref name="tsui"/><ref name="kuipers"/><ref name="berra"/> | country = Philippines | language = Filipino | budget = {{Philippine Peso|86 million}} ({{USD|1.6 million}})<ref name="gross"/> | gross = {{Philippine Peso|97 million}}<ref name="gross"/> }}
'''''BuyBust''''' (stylized as '''''BUYBUST''''') is a 2018 Philippine action thriller<ref name="august"/> film co-written and directed by Erik Matti. It stars an ensemble cast top-billed by Anne Curtis and Brandon Vera. The plot centers on a team summoned by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to conduct a drug bust in a Manila slum. Realizing the mission is poorly executed, the team find themselves trapped by settlers and attempts to escape by fighting their way out. The film has been viewed as a social commentary on the controversial Philippine drug war initiated by the Duterte government.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cabana|first=Ysh|url=https://philippinereporter.com/index.php/2018/08/24/anarchy-in-antipro-drug-war-film/ |title=Anarchy in anti/pro-drug war film - Film Review: BuyBust |work=The Philippine Reporter |date=24 August 2018 |access-date=20 September 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
Production on Matti's "first full-on action film" began in 2016, and Curtis and Vera were cast as leads the following year. On a budget of {{Philippine peso|86 million}}, principal photography began in March 2017. The film premiered at the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) on June 29, 2018, had a wide Philippine release on August 1 and a limited North American release on August 10. Critical reception to the film was generally favorable, attaining praise for its action scenes, theme, technical aspects and Curtis' against-type performance, but was often criticized for its similarities with the 2011 Indonesian film ''The Raid''. It grossed {{Philippine Peso|97 million}} worldwide.
==Plot==
Due to the Philippine drug war, most of the country's barangays have been drug free. Drug dealer Teban is interrogated by Detective Dela Cruz and Detective Alvarez, trying to find out the location of big-time drug lord Biggie Chen. Upon learning that Chen is hiding at the Barangay ''Gracia ni Maria'' in Tondo, Manila, the authorities launch a "buy-bust" operation to capture Chen.
Rookie police officer Nina Manigan joins a new anti-narcotic elite squad of the PDEA after surviving the slaughter of her entire former squad in a drug raid compromised by corrupt cops. Her new squad is chosen to conduct the mission against Chen; the entrapment is to take place in Plaza Rajah Sulayman. Teban is used as a bait to lure Chen, but the latter did not appear.
The squad then proceeds to the slums of ''Gracia'' and split up into the Alpha and Bravo teams. Inside, Teban meets with Chongki to take him over to Chen. However, the operation was revealed as bait to massacre the PDEA officers. The Bravo team is slaughtered, leaving Dela Cruz as the only survivor. The Alpha team, led by Lacson, fall back but find themselves trapped by slum settlers and drug mafias in which they must fight their way out. Manigan then kills Dela Cruz upon finding out that he is a part of the illegal trade.
Fed up with the relentless operations conducted by authorities, the dwellers of ''Gracia'' erupted into a violent riot against the PDEA officers and the drug lords. In the ensuing chaos, Rico, Bernie, Teban, Chongki, Solomon, Manok and hundreds of other civilians are killed amid the riots and the gunfights. In the aftermath, Chen is captured, and Manigan, who ends up as being the sole survivor of her squad, finds out that Detective Alvarez was the one behind the illegal drug trade from Chen. While in police custody, Manigan notices Alvarez talking with someone over the phone regarding "loose ends". After the phone conversation, Alvarez kills Chen; Manigan wrestles for Alvarez' gun then kills him and his men, she shoots her leg on purpose then places the gun on Chen's lifeless body and takes the phone that Alvarez was using for possible evidence. When other PDEA agents ask Manigan what happened, she stated that the Chen "fought back". The film ends with the news stating that "only 13 people" died during the encounter while the camera glides upon hundreds of dead bodies.
==Cast== {{cast listing|<!--Per official poster--> *Anne Curtis as Nina Manigan<ref name="interaksyon">{{cite news|last1=Sallan|first1=Edwin P.|title=U.S.-bound 'BuyBust' gears up for international release, moves PH playdate|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/u-s-bound-buybust-gears-up-for-international-release-moves-ph-playdate/|access-date=February 26, 2018|website=InterAksyon.com|date=February 24, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224154257/http://www.interaksyon.com/u-s-bound-buybust-gears-up-for-international-release-moves-ph-playdate/|archive-date=February 24, 2018}}</ref> *Brandon Vera as Rico Yatco<ref name="hawson"/> *Victor Neri as Bernie Lacson<ref name="kuipers"/> *Arjo Atayde as Biggie Chen<ref name="kuipers"/> *Nonie Buencamino as Detective Alvarez<ref name="kuipers"/> *Lao Rodriguez as Detective Dela Cruz<ref name="kuipers"/> *Alex Calleja as Teban<ref name="kuipers"/> *Levi Ignacio as Chongki<ref name="kuipers"/> *Ricky Pascua as Solomon<ref name="kuipers"/> *Joross Gamboa as Manok<ref name="hawson"/> }}
==Production== [[File:Erik Matti 10-20-14 (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Director Erik Matti]] Production on ''BuyBust'' began as early as mid-2016 which, according to director Erik Matti, included: "finding a good mix of actors, training, pre-sales, test shoots, storyboards, training, pre-vis, look tests, set construction, training finding the right balance between budget ambition and resources".<ref name="abscbn">{{cite news|title=Anne Curtis starts shooting action film|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/29/17/anne-curtis-starts-shooting-action-film|access-date=July 27, 2017|website=ABS-CBN News|date=March 29, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612224336/http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/29/17/anne-curtis-starts-shooting-action-film|archive-date=June 12, 2017}}</ref> Matti also wrote the screenplay, which underwent a total of 16 revisions.<ref name="abscbn"/> A co-production of Viva Films and his production company Reality Entertainment,<ref name="august"/> he described the project his "first full-on action film" in recent years.<ref name="abscbn"/><ref name="balitaph">{{cite news|last=Miralles|first=Nitz|title=Unang full action film ni Erik Matti, sinimulan na ang shooting|language=Filipino|url=http://balita.net.ph/2017/03/31/unang-full-action-film-ni-erik-matti-sinimulan-na-ang-shooting/|access-date=July 27, 2017|newspaper=Balita News Tabloid|date=March 31, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219083554/http://balita.net.ph/2017/03/31/unang-full-action-film-ni-erik-matti-sinimulan-na-ang-shooting/|archive-date=December 19, 2017}}</ref>
Anne Curtis and MMA fighter Brandon Vera joined the cast in late June 2016.<ref name="abscbn2">{{cite news|title=Anne Curtis to star in action film with Brandon Vera|last=Castillejo|first=Dyan|author-link=Dyan Castillejo|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/29/16/anne-curtis-to-star-in-action-film-with-brandon-vera|access-date=July 27, 2017|website=ABS-CBN News|date=June 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612224817/http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/29/16/anne-curtis-to-star-in-action-film-with-brandon-vera|archive-date=June 12, 2017}}</ref> A week before filming, Curtis performed rigorous training at the Scout Ranger Training School, where she undertook knife fighting in close quarters and basic weapon handling.<ref name="pep"/> Curtis was also trained in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abanilla |first1=Clarizel |title=Anne Curtis thriller to open locally on Aug. 1 |url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/279796/entertainment-ann-curtis-buy-bust-new-york-asian-film-festival |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=June 19, 2018 |access-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621135958/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/279796/entertainment-ann-curtis-buy-bust-new-york-asian-film-festival |archive-date=June 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and running while encumbered with {{convert|12|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of weight.<ref name="pep">{{cite news|last1=Dimaculagan|first1=Jocelyn|title=Anne Curtis shows knife fighting skills; joins Scout Ranger Training School|url=http://www.pep.ph/guide/movies/24237/anne-curtis-shows-knife-fighting-skills-joins-scout-ranger-training-school#GaESF4aIfU4ocBH1.99|access-date=July 27, 2017|website=Philippine Entertainment Portal|date=August 5, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010153401/http://www.pep.ph/guide/movies/24237/anne-curtis-shows-knife-fighting-skills-joins-scout-ranger-training-school#GaESF4aIfU4ocBH1.99|archive-date=October 10, 2016}}</ref> She elected performing most of her stunts by herself.<ref name="abscbn"/><ref name="pep"/> Lawyer Chel Diokno did the voiceover in some of its most crucial scenes.
Principal photography began on March 28, 2017,<ref name="abscbn"/> with Neil Derrick Bion serving as cinematographer. Shooting lasted 56 days,<ref name="best"/> during which a total of 1,278 extras and 309 stuntmen cooperated.<ref name="rappler">{{cite news|title=Watch: Anne Curtis, Brandon Vera behind the scenes of 'Buy Bust'|url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/188735-anne-curtis-brandon-vera-buy-bust-movie-behind-the-scenes/|access-date=November 21, 2017|website=Rappler|date=November 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118005628/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/188735-anne-curtis-brandon-vera-buy-bust-movie-behind-the-scenes|archive-date=January 18, 2018}}</ref>
==Themes== Journalists write that the film served as a social commentary on the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte and the consequences brought about following his controversial war on drugs.<ref name="tsui"/><ref name="kuipers"/> Writing in ''The Hollywood Reporter'', Clarence Tsui said, "''BuyBust'' is another strong Philippine entry seeking to debunk a strongman's promises of retaining social order through violence, which actually breeds irreversible moral corruption, casting every social class asunder."<ref name="tsui"/> Tsui further writes that "Matti is probably making a point by depicting the masses as a loony army," citing the director's criticism of Duterte as well as his supporters, to whom he cast an inflammatory remark through social media.<ref name="tsui"/>
==Release== At the urging of the producers, Matti submitted the ''BuyBust'' script to the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, but was rejected in the first tier of the selection process.<ref name="news5"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Severo|first1=Jan Milo|title=Erik Matti airs frustration over MMFF selection process|url=http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2017/07/04/1716333/erik-matti-airs-frustration-over-mmff-selection-process|access-date=January 23, 2018|newspaper=The Philippine Star|date=April 17, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728201235/http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2017/07/04/1716333/erik-matti-airs-frustration-over-mmff-selection-process|archive-date=July 28, 2017}}</ref> The executive committee who rejected Matti's script was composed of three new members that were tapped as replacements to those who had resigned due to issues of corruption within the committee. The resignees alleged that the committee favored "putting too much emphasis on commerce over art".<ref>{{cite news|title='MMFF put emphasis on commerce over art' – resigned execom members|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/05/17/mmff-put-emphasis-on-commerce-over-art-resigned-execom-members|access-date=July 28, 2017|website=ABS-CBN News|date=July 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710072413/http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/05/17/mmff-put-emphasis-on-commerce-over-art-resigned-execom-members|archive-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> Matti denounced the incident on a lengthy Facebook post, in which he argued that the selection process was "rigged" to favor "the powerful personalities controlling the festival".<ref>{{cite news|title=Erik Matti not giving up on destroying alleged MMFF 'cartel'|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/12/17/erik-matti-not-giving-up-on-destroying-alleged-mmff-cartel|access-date=July 27, 2017|website=ABS-CBN News|date=July 12, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725193642/http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/12/17/erik-matti-not-giving-up-on-destroying-alleged-mmff-cartel|archive-date=July 25, 2017}}</ref> In the wake of the incident, he stated in early July 2017 that he does not intend to submit the finished film, which is the second tier of the selection process.<ref name="news5">{{cite news|last1=Radovan|first1=Jill Tan|title=Erik Matti won't re-submit ''Buy Bust'' to MMFF|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/erik-matti-wont-re-submit-buy-bust-to-mmff/|access-date=July 28, 2017|website=InterAksyon.com|date=July 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705051522/http://www.interaksyon.com/erik-matti-wont-re-submit-buy-bust-to-mmff/|archive-date=July 5, 2017}}</ref>
The film was initially scheduled for a Philippine premiere on February 28, 2018, but was postponed after U.S. distributor Well Go USA acquired the North American rights to the film.<ref name="august">{{cite web |title=Anne Curtis' 'Buy Bust' to premiere in New York film fest |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/13/18/anne-curtis-buy-bust-to-premiere-in-new-york-film-fest |website=ABS-CBN News |date=June 13, 2018|access-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613095359/http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/13/18/anne-curtis-buy-bust-to-premiere-in-new-york-film-fest|archive-date=June 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The deal was brokered between Well Go USA executive Dylan Marchetti and Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Roxborough|first1=Scott|title=Berlin: Well Go USA Takes Erik Matti's 'Buybust' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/berlin-well-go-usa-takes-erik-mattis-buybust-1085966|access-date=February 22, 2018|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 18, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222100809/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/berlin-well-go-usa-takes-erik-mattis-buybust-1085966|archive-date=February 22, 2018}}</ref>
The film had its world premiere at the New York Asian Film Festival on June 29, 2018, and was the venue's closing feature film.<ref name="august"/> It was released in the Philippines on August 1, 2018, and was followed by a limited North American release on August 10.<ref name="kuipers"/> The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival opened its 14th edition with ''BuyBust'', held on August 4, 2018.<ref name="cinemalaya">{{cite web |title=Cinemalaya 2018 opens with 'BuyBust'; Anne Curtis overwhelmed by cheers |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/04/18/cinemalaya-2018-opens-with-buybust-anne-curtis-overwhelmed-by-cheers |website=ABS-CBN News |date=August 4, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804122056/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/04/18/cinemalaya-2018-opens-with-buybust-anne-curtis-overwhelmed-by-cheers |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Reception== ===Box office=== The film grossed $178,471 in the U.S. and Canada,<ref name="bomgeneral">{{cite web |title=Buybust |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=buybust.htm |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=Amazon (IMDb) |access-date=September 11, 2018}}</ref> and ₱97 million worldwide.<ref name="gross">{{cite web |last1=Dimaculangan |first1=Jocelyn |title=Anne Curtis-starrer BuyBust grosses PHP97 million in global box office|url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/movies/28389/anne-curtis-starrer-buybust-grosses-php97-million-in-global-box-office |website=Philippine Entertainment Portal |date=August 25, 2018 |access-date=August 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828140934/https://www.pep.ph/guide/movies/28389/anne-curtis-starrer-buybust-grosses-php97-million-in-global-box-office |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Critical response=== The film enjoyed good reviews upon its United States theatrical release.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Afinidad-Bernardo |first1=Deni Rose M. |title='BuyBust,' Anne Curtis get rave reviews from Hollywood press |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/08/10/1841372/buybust-anne-curtis-get-rave-reviews-hollywood-press |newspaper=The Philippine Star |access-date=August 10, 2018 }}</ref> Rotten Tomatoes gives a score of {{RT data|score}}, with an average rating of {{RT data|average}}, based on {{RT data|count}} reviews from critics.<ref name="tomatoes">{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/buybust|title=BuyBust (2018)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Fandango|access-date={{RT data|access date}}}}</ref> On Metacritic it received "Generally favorable reviews," with an average rating of 68 out of 100 based on 10 reviews.<ref>{{cite web |title=BuyBust Reviews |url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/buybust |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive (CBS Corporation) |access-date=August 11, 2018}}</ref> Members of the Cinema Evaluation Board gave the film an "A" grade.<ref name="best">{{cite web |last1=Bayle |first1=Alfred |title=Erik Matti believes 'Buy Bust' his best work so far |url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/284580/erik-matti-believes-buy-bust-best-work-far |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=July 20, 2018 |access-date=July 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720101323/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/284580/erik-matti-believes-buy-bust-best-work-far |archive-date=July 20, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Foreign and domestic critics praised the film for the intensity of its action scenes, commentary on the Philippine drug war, Anne Curtis' against-type performance, Neil Derrick Bion's cinematography, and Erwin Romulo and Malek Lopez's score.<ref name="kuipers">{{cite web |last1=Kuipers |first1=Richard |title=Film Review: 'BuyBust' |url=https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/buybust-review-1202874011/ |website=Variety |date=July 16, 2018 |access-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717034240/https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/buybust-review-1202874011/ |archive-date=July 17, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="berra">{{cite web |last1=Berra |first1=John |title='BuyBust': NYAFF Review |url=https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/buybust-nyaff-review/5130918.article |website=Screen Daily |date=July 16, 2018 |access-date=July 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717033204/https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/buybust-nyaff-review/5130918.article |archive-date=July 17, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hawson">{{cite web |last1=Hawson |first1=Fred |title=Movie review: Explosive 'BuyBust' not for the faint of heart |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/01/18/movie-review-explosive-buybust-not-for-the-faint-of-heart |website=ABS-CBN News |date=August 1, 2018 |access-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801044856/http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/01/18/movie-review-explosive-buybust-not-for-the-faint-of-heart |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Yonzon |first1=Zach |title=Movie Review: BuyBust |url=https://www.spot.ph/entertainment/movies-music-tv/74675/movie-review-buybust-a1869-20180806-lfrm |website=Spot.PH |publisher=Summit Media |date=August 6, 2018 |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807044929/https://www.spot.ph/entertainment/movies-music-tv/74675/movie-review-buybust-a1869-20180806-lfrm |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Clarence Tsui, in a positive review for ''The Hollywood Reporter'', described the film as essential viewing on the Philippines where it is "bound to raise a ruckus when it opens" and "likely to captivate audiences".<ref name="tsui">{{cite web |last=Tsui |first=Clarence |author-link=Clarence Tsui |title='BuyBust': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/buybust-film-1127222 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 17, 2018 |access-date=July 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718154909/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/buybust-film-1127222 |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Fred Hawson on ABS-CBN News complimented the film for being "very badass, very hardcore, yet so engrossing and entertaining", and gave it a score of 9 out of 10.<ref name="hawson"/> Oggs Cruz of Rappler liked Matti's depiction of violence as an attempt to deliver his political message across, "It isn't just a film to be enjoyed for its stunts and astounding set pieces, thrilling and exquisitely choreographed as they are."<ref name="oggs">{{cite web |last1=Cruz |first1=Oggs |title='BuyBust' review: Violence, deaths, and discourse |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/208778-buybust-movie-review/ |website=Rappler |date=August 3, 2018 |access-date=August 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806052347/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/208778-buybust-movie-review |archive-date=August 6, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rokey Desingaño in ''Manila Bulletin'' complimented ''BuyBust'' as "first-rate" and credited it with bringing Philippine action films "to another level".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Desingaño |first1=Rokey |title='BuyBust' brings action films to another level |url=https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2018/08/08/buy-bust-brings-action-films-to-another-level/ |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |date=August 8, 2018 |access-date=August 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809050010/https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2018/08/08/buy-bust-brings-action-films-to-another-level/ |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Some critics were less enthusiastic about the film. Stephanie Mayo gave it 1 out of 5 stars in a pan review for the ''Daily Tribune'', criticizing the repetitiveness of the action whose "speedy editing and the shaky cam prevent you from fully enjoying the gore".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mayo |first1=Stephanie |title=Review: BuyBust |url=http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2018/08/05/fantasy-gore/ |newspaper=Daily Tribune |date=August 5, 2018 |access-date=August 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806052043/http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2018/08/05/fantasy-gore/ |archive-date=August 6, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Rob Hunter of Film School Rejects was similarly critical of the action, which he felt were "surprisingly dull and repetitive" and "won't impress in their choreography, but worse, they disappoint in their execution". Though he praised Curtis and Brandon Vera, Hunter said the film was "too long, too sloppy, and too underwhelming" in general.<ref name="hunter">{{cite web |last1=Hunter |first1=Rob |title='BuyBust' Review: An Action Film Where Quantity Reigns Over Quality (Fantasia 2018) |url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/buybust-review/ |website=Film School Rejects |date=July 20, 2018 |access-date=August 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802081912/https://filmschoolrejects.com/buybust-review/ |archive-date=August 2, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Andrew Mack in Screen Anarchy criticized the film's derivative set-up and "awkward and clumsy" action choreography: "All of it feels basic and fundamental at best. Any moments of inspiration or coolness, and there are some, are overwhelmed by mediocre execution."<ref name="mack">{{cite web |last1=Mack |first1=Andrew |title=Fantasia 2018 Review: BUYBUST, Bust is One Word For it... |url=https://screenanarchy.com/2018/08/fantasia-2018-review-buybust-bust-is-one-word-for-it.html |website=Screen Anarchy |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803100132/https://screenanarchy.com/2018/08/fantasia-2018-review-buybust-bust-is-one-word-for-it.html |archive-date=August 3, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Both Hunter and Mack agree that ''BuyBust'' place emphasis on "quantity over quality",<ref name="hunter"/><ref name="mack"/> with the latter concluding: "While it may deliver in volume it is nothing more than just white noise."<ref name="mack"/>
== Spinoff sequel == A spinoff sequel titled ''BuyBust: The Undesirables'' will release as a Netflix series.<ref>{{Cite web|title=‘BuyBust’ Netflix Series Led by Anne Curtis, Gerald Anderson|url=https://rollingstonephilippines.com/culture/tv/erik-matti-buybust-series-anne-curtis/|date=2025-12-02|access-date=2025-12-02|language=en-US|first=Mel|last=Wang}}</ref>
==See also==
*''The Raid'', a 2011 Indonesian action film with a similar premise
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== *{{Official website|https://www.viva.com.ph/entertainment/films/buy-bust|name=Viva Entertainment}} *{{Official website|http://www.wellgousa.com/films/buybust|name=Well Go USA Entertainment}} *{{IMDb title|tt5938084}}
{{Erik Matti}} {{Authority control}}{{DEFAULTSORT:BuyBust}} Category:2018 films Category:2018 action thriller films Category:2018 martial arts films Category:Filipino-language films Category:Films about law enforcement in the Philippines Category:Films about the illegal drug trade Category:Films directed by Erik Matti Category:Films set in Manila Category:Films set in slums Category:Films shot in Manila Category:Philippine action thriller films Category:Philippine martial arts films Category:Reality Entertainment films Category:Viva Films films