Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy is kind of tricky in the sense that it was named after a very scandalous and often controversial topic – LGBT. However, the movie delivered well when it comes to portrayal of the family setting – the drama is there, and the comedy is just on point.
What probably amazes me in the movie is the justice that Vice Ganda was able to portray all four roles well. For me, he might have struggled with the “Tomboy” character but he’s a natural and was able to deliver excellently.
The Plot
The play about the family set up was intense and was handled carefully. It is all about a son’s feeling of abandonment from his father. And he turned out to be the gay guy… While this is probably cliché, this works well with the audience and quite easy for the directors. But, it would leave you wondering how it would be if the abandoned one was the straight one? Or the one who finds conflict with the situation is the lesbian?
Moving forward, Pia gave birth to quadruplets who were split up by her wicked stepmother after Joey Marquez (Pete) left for US. These kids never knew the existence of each other; but the secret was revealed when one of the quadruplets, Peter, needed liver transplant. Pete decided to fly back to the Philippines with Pete and his daughter, Girlie, to reunite with Pia and the rest of the quadruplets – Mark and Paying. It turns out that Mark is the solution to Peter’s liver problem. But, Mark resents his abandonment and before agreeing to his father’s request, he demanded his more affluent siblings to come with him in an outing-turned-immersion to what his life was in the farm.
The Missing Angle
I find it awkward that a liver problem was prioritized over anemia. At some point, people would really love to know the gravity of the illness and why it had to be injected in the movie. Was the movie rushed or was the movie too much or too corny if the anemia angle was added? Here also arose the passive attack on Panying’s role, which isn’t much of a big deal as the other three.
The movie was a bit too long… the good part is, everything was really bliss to watch but for some very offensive scenes:
- There was a scene when the kids were using another kid’s body to mop the floor.
- One scene also teased the supposed “Bakla”, in a very offensive manner.
- There were also scenes with ‘Kiray’s’ role which were a bit off, demeaning her skin color.
While there were scenes that focused on the differences between the sexualities, nothing much was stressed about.
The film lost its viewer’s interest three-fourths before the end, as the biggest dilemma was resolved. The finishing parts of the movie felt like a bunch of subplot resolutions and the tendency to add more scenes just to cater the other artists that were casted for the film.
The Cast
Maricel Soriano (Pia) never lost her luster. She is the shining star of the movie. She has the ability to turn every confrontation or emotional scene into something very effective and impactful. She turned every opportunity to give a worthy dramatic performance. You’ll probably be taken aback at how the film evolves from comedy to drama in an instant, once the actress switches her acting prowess on.
The blend between her and Vice Ganda was awesome. The latter was able to neutralize the seasoned star’s being timid and hesitation because she is somehow always depicted in heavy parts in the film.
Vice Ganda did very well in throwing punch lines and even better during dramatic scenes. Other notable characters are: Xyriel Manabat and Kiray Celis – both of which played very significant roles as ‘wake-up calls’ for the ultimate resolution of the story. JM Ibanez and Rhed Bustamante added the pleasantry for this film, as these four child stars were quick-witted as they play the role of Maricel’s adopted children.
Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy is definitely a better comedic and family-oriented movie than My Little Bossings for the sole fact that this Star Cinema offering is something everyone can relate to. What sets it apart is that this film does have a heart. You’ll get that comedy craving you’ve been anticipating for.
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