It is predicted that this entry of Vice Ganda—‘Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad’ in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 (MMFF) is touted to be the box-office drawer among the eight entries.
In fact, last year when Vice Ganda failed to make it in the magic eight films for the festival; things were quite different. It is great that Star Cinema and Viva Films were able to come up with this production that most likely had the most number of moviegoers.
Here are 10 good points why this Vice Ganda-starrer is still a film suited for its entertainment value.
Formula is Tested.
Yes, most critics would not agree that this is the film that moviegoers should watch in the MMFF 2017. The idea for Christmas is for merry-making and no room for sadness as much as possible.
That’s not also the intention of the film. Vice Ganda as a person is a fun person to watch. Then why offer the contrary?
Though the film doesn’t offer new since the formula is already tested, then expect it to be a non-thinking or no-brainer stuff.
Funny, of course.
Who wouldn’t laugh on the antics of Vice?
Plus you have a bunch of hilarious allies–Pospora (Wacky Kiray), Flawlessa (Lassy Marquez), Higopa (MC Calaquian) and Barna (Karla Estrada)–their characters are just what we can call–novelties.
The bantering amongst each other are truly laughable.
No Dull Moments.
Since this Joyce Bernal-helmed flick is designed to make its audience really laugh; the kind of humor that is offered are that from the comedy bars. So, there isn’t no dull moments in each scene.
In fact, even if Pia Wutzbach‘s failed ‘timing’ in the movie is forgivably funny in a way.
Fight scenes may at times violent, but are indeed engaging as it glue the audience to watch out for the next thing to happen. It is also fun to see Karen Kaladkarin Davila as herself doing a reportage about the superheroes’ battles against their enemies.
And, oh, the cameo appearances of Zanjoe Marudo, Kathryn Bernardo and Marlon Stockinger as the love interests of the respective three leads made the film even complete by providing the ‘kilig’ factor.
No Reason to Think; Just Enjoy.
To reiterate, if moviegoers prefer thought-provoking films–then this might not be their choice of movie.
They can either go for ‘Ang Larawan’ or ‘Siargao’. Both films can disturb the minds of the viewers over a portrait and the clashing waves.
This is the film that can surely address the Christmas blues is this alone.
Family-Centered.
Though masquerading as a fun movie–it still espouses the imporatnce of family.
Even if Gandarra and her allies were living in a simple house in Santa Ana, Manila (at least that’s the way I think or perceive it)–it stresses the value of family.
Daniel as Rappido to whom Gandarra has adopted and considered as his real-brother is an admirable trait that most Filipinos have. No matter how humble their lifestyles are–what matters the most is the togetherness of the entire family.
Encourages Self-Confidence.
Apart from nurturing family; the film seeks to provide a way to encourage individuals to be confident about themselves.
Take the case of Cassey who eventually became Kweenie played by Pia Wurtzbach. Gandarra as a sister was always there to assist and empower her younger sister.
That part between Rapiddo where Gandarra was just there to assist the former with his fights is also encouraging. It is a reminder that as a family member we are expected to help boost fellow family member’s confidence.
A Visual Feast.
It’s a superhero-fantasy movie so expect special effects that would entice the eyes of its main intended audience–the kids.
Gandarra’s costume along with her allies are all colorful and animatedly funny. Seeing these characters are like playing a computer-generated game.
In fact, it will only be this film and ‘Ang panday’ who can vie for the ‘Best in Visual Effec ts’. They could probably have tied in the said award. The People’s Choice Award is fitting for the film.
Daniel Padilla’s first-ever Superhero role.
It is refreshing to see Daniel to assume a superhero character, which is a far cry from his usual dramatic roles.¥
Even if Padilla is known to be a dramatic star–his comic timing were just all right as opposed to Wurtzbach’s.
It is also great to see the teenage king star to act on his own all throughout the film. It has proven that he can or is ready to stand alone even without a tandem.
Introducing: Pia Wurtzbach.
There were some clamor for Pia to be the next Darna, but it’s a good thing that the role wasn’t given to her. But with this, I must say that if Gal Gadot didn’t don the character of Wonder Woman; Wurtzbach could very well fit the role.
Male audience would love to see her in her superhero costume–voluptously sexy.
Here’s hoping that she could assume a future superhero character, too.
For General Public Viewing.
The film’s very nature is to cater to all audiences.
Violence will always be in action-fantasy flicks; but it is just a matter of how the fight scenes are being executed. In its totality, the Movie and Television Revie and Classification Board (MTRCB) would have not considered for G-rating if not for such elements.
Besides, this film along with ‘Ang Panday’ are the only G-rated movies this festival.
Opened last December 25 and still running till January 7–it is predictably winning in terms of box-office returns. Catch it today.
