'Mary Poppins Returns' Movie Review: Practically Perfect Perpetuation

Disney’s “Mary Poppins Returns” stars Emily Blunt (“The Girl on the Train,” “Into the Woods”) as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn a routine task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure.

In this all new sequel, which has a fresh sensibility yet celebrates the spirit of the original, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives after they experience a personal loss. The enigmatic nanny is joined by her friend Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”), an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London. “Mary Poppins Returns” is directed by Rob Marshall (“Into the Woods,” “Chicago”) and produced by Marshall, John DeLuca (“Into the Woods”) and Marc Platt (“La La Land”). The screenplay is by David Magee (“Life of Pi”) and the screen story is by Magee, Marshall & DeLuca based on The Mary Poppins Stories by PL Travers with music by Marc Shaiman (“Hairspray”) and songs by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray”). 

The first film released 54 years ago, making it one of the longest gaps between film sequels in cinematic history. The 1964 film was considered as Mr. Walt Disney's crowning live-action achievement after earning a Best Picture nomination - the only one in his lifetime. Plus, it features Julie Andrews in her unforgettable feature film debut.

The first film that starred Julie Andrews will always be an all-time classic. Plus it has some really great soundtrack, from "Chim Chim Cher-ee", "Feed the Birds" and my favorite "A Spoonful of Sugar". With these all in mind, it is hard to exceed or at least, meet the expectations set by the first. So it is quite challenging to make a follow-up to the 1964 classic. But Rob Marshall managed to create a sequel that is as fun and entertaining as the first.

Unlike the first film, the conflict in 'Mary Poppins Returns' is more economical in nature as the Banks family is now struggling financially. This sets up the events in the film as they try to find a way to save their family's home from being repossessed by the bank. The film has a more energetic and lively tone that matches the serious threat in the story. There's more humor here than the original film, making it more light and easy to take in.

Of course, the musical numbers are more extravagant than the first film. The scenes are more imaginative and colorful, thanks to the help of amazing CGI and production value. The songs were okay, but admittedly the music was the film's weakest point. But thanks to the fantastic performances of Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the magic of the movie never faded. Blunt's portrayal of Mary Poppins was the film's biggest strengths. She was perfect for the role and I couldn't think of any other actress that can fit into the character.

'Mary Poppins' (1964) may have better songs, but its sequel, 'Mary Poppins Returns' is more enjoyable and heartfelt than its predecessor. And Emily Blunt is that 'spoonful of sugar' that makes everything so much fun.

Rating: 10/ 10 • Verdict: Must Watch

Verdict: Must Watch • Highly Recommended • Entertaining • Tolerable • Boring • 

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MMFF 2018 Movie Review : "The Girl In The Orange Dress" is Slick, Sweet and Seriously Good

Anna, a conservative girl wakes up in bed in a 5-star hotel room with Rye, the biggest celebrity actor of the country and has no memory of how she got there. Now she has to avoid and escape the media and fans swarming outside the hotel, along with Cacai, her best friend who has given her whole life to loving Rye. 

The Girl in the Orange Dress ventures into a reverse-courtship -- getting to know and falling in love after a night of intoxication, into stereotypes and perceptions that break down walls, into friendships that know no bounds, and into love that withstands the price and baggage of fame. (Quantum Films)

This slick romcom from director Jay Abello boasts some believable performances from it's two leads, Jessy Mendiola and Jericho Rosales. Jericho plays Rye in a cool, calm and classy manner that perfectly matches Jessy's frantic and worrisome Anna. In addition to their great portrayal of their characters, the two leads are also oozing with chemistry on screen. Ria Atayde, Sheena Halili and  Hannah Ledesma did a good job of portraying Anna's close friends. Their subplot added more emotion to the story. I also enjoyed watching Juan Miguel Severo, Kai Cortez and Nico Antonio playing some media reporters hungry of  getting some scoop out of the two.

Director Jay Abello manages to create some really cute and romantic moments for the two that will make audiences giddy and delighted. The way that the story unfolded was really genius, with the main plot happening in a matter of the whole day. But what really surprised me was the fact that he was also able to turn this romance tale into an exciting and heart-pounding cat and mouse chase as Rye and Anna try to evade fans and reporters who are trying to catch up on them inside the hotel.

This MMFF entry has the complete formula for the perfect romcom. No wonder it's my favorite entry from this festival so far this year. It's slick, sweet and seriously good. Someone's catching up for the category of the best local romcom of 2018.

Rating: 10/ 10 • Verdict: Must Watch

Verdict: Must Watch • Highly Recommended • Entertaining • Tolerable • Boring • 

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MMFF 2018 Movie Review: "One Great Love" is Totally Unexpected

Enrico S. Quizon's One Great Love follows Zyra Paez played by Kim Chui, a woman who believes that love will complete her and will bring her joy. JC de Vera plays Carl Mauricio, Zyra's one great love. However, because of Carl's turbulent past, he unintentionally keeps hurting the woman he loves. Dennis Trillo is Ian Arcano, Zyra's dependable friend, who eventually falls in love with her. These three lives are intertwined in a story that reveals to us that like all human beings, we all seek for love, but everyone see it differently.

To be honest, I didn't really expected a lot from this film. And I thought this will just be like the typical romance drama film that we get in our theaters every year. The first half of the film was okay. There wasn't anything special nor intense that happened. The film seems like it's playing too safe.

But once the film reaches its second half, the film reveals a twist that I didn't see coming at all. The trailer was able to hide this twist and you'll only get to realize what kind of film you're watching once you're halfway through it. This surprise was quite shocking and effective. It's something you won't see coming from this year's festival. It manages to give the film some kick- the film suddenly became so interesting and exciting.

The film boasts incredible performances from its leads, particularly Kim Chui who surprised us with the unexpected turn of her character. JC De Vera was very effective in his role. But I rather not discuss about that part any further to avoid spoiling the film. Miles Ocampo was really fun to watch with her role. And for the first time, I admired Dennis Trillo in a movie. Though I've seen him before in many shows, this is the first time that I noticed his acting skills. The film was the perfect project for him because he was able to showcase his acting prowess here.

One Great Love manages to surpass my expectations with the unexpected outcome of its story. Kim Chui will surely surprise everyone with this film.

Rating: 8/ 10 • Verdict: Entertaining

Verdict: Must Watch • Highly Recommended • Entertaining • Tolerable • Boring • 

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"Class Of 2018" Movie Review: The Kids Are Goin' Crazy In This Fun Teensploitation

T-Rex Entertainment brings together some of the country's favorite teen stars in one of the most highly anticipated local films this year. "Class Of 2018", directed by Charliebebs Gohetia, and co-written with Jericho Aguado, features "Goin' Bulilit" alumni Sharlene San Pedro, Nash Aguas ,Kristel Fulgar, CJ Navato and Kiray Celis. They are joined by T-Rex Artists Lara Fortuna and Aga Arceo, together with veteran actors like Yayo Aguila (Kiko Boksingero), Adrian Alandy, Dido dela Paz (Respeto) and Alex Medina (Babagwa, Heneral Luna). The film also stars Jomari Angeles (Ma' Rosa, Hintayan Ng Langit), Ethan Salvador (2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral), Michelle Vito, Kelvin Miranda, Nikki Gonzales, Shara Dizon, Hanna Francisco, Renshi de Guzman, Dylan Ray Talon (Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus), Micah Jackson, Jude Servilla (Bagyong Bheverlynn), John Vic De Guzman (Seklusyon), Yvette Sanchez, Jerom Canlas, Noubikko Ray and Sherry Lara.

"Class Of 2018" follows the students of Section Zamora, the section where Del Pilar National High School’s young misfits, losers, and delinquents usually end up in. Everyone knows that anyone in Section Z has no chance of a good future. When Section Z goes on a field trip to Mt. Bantayog for an Earth Science project, one of them contracts a mysterious virus. The infected student quickly develops disturbing symptoms, eventually driving him to attack the rest of his classmates. Out of nowhere, the military swoops in and quarantines the class in an abandoned facility somewhere deep in the forest to control the spreading of the virus. While inside the quarantine zone, everyone in Section Z is forced to fight for survival. Their issues with each other arise as quickly as the spreading of the mysterious virus, which heightens the infected’s aggression and thirst for violence. Believing that a proper future is waiting for them outside, the surviving students gear up to fight their infected classmates, who have transformed into mindless violent monsters. With the additional threat of the military who quarantined them for suspicious reasons, will the students make it out alive?

"Class Of 2018" doesn't really work as a horror film. It's more of a scifi thriller infused with some comedy. Imagine "The Maze Runner" meets "Battle Royale" with a Pinoy flavor. Its premise may not be new to us since we have seen many stories about experiments gone wrong in movies, but the script from Charliebebs Gohetia and Jericho Aguado manages to be interesting enough as they stuffed it with many twists and turns. Gohetia, who recently directed the Cinema One Originals comedy film "Bagyong Bheverlynn", infused the story with effective humor that creates a perfect balance between violence and laughs. The production values were okay, plus it has some nice visuals (despite some rough CGI), particularly the playful cinematography.

But the biggest aspect as to why the film works is because of its cast. It was so nostalgic to watch Sharlene San Pedro and Nash Aguas together since I have witnessed these two grow up from those cute little child actors back then to the teens that they are now. Their acting prowess were on full display of the film. NashLene fans will also get their money's worth because of their sweet little moments together. Kiray Celis was so fun to watch as your typical mean girl/ queen bee. I don't know why Michelle Vito keeps on getting typecast as the dumb rich or mean girl in movies ("irregardless?") but to her credit, she does the job really, really good. CJ Navato was okay as the nerd of the group, though he didn't really have anything to do except to make theories about what's going around them. Ethan Salvador and Jomari Angeles (both from the film "2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten") did a great job with their roles as Nash Aguas' buddies. Lara Fortuna was a revelation as the ass-kicking fighter in the group. But it was Kristel Fulgar who stole the spotlight as the mean girl turned good girl of the class. Her character was the most interesting one among the class. Kristel's performance was probably the best in the film. Her funny and quirky portrayal added to the enjoyment of watching the film.

Of course, the film isn't that perfect. It has several plotholes, some really bad characters who always choose making stupid decisions (like risking your life and another person's for a necklace?), and those weird visions of the characters' future whenever they die. The scares also don't work that much. I also sensed that some of the characters don't feel any danger at all.

Despite its flaws, "Class Of 2018" is a pretty engaging and amusing teensploitation. And aside from its entertainment value, it's also a morality play on today's society and a critique on this generation's youth, in the guise of a teen horror thriller with lots of comedy. It has its moments of fun and thrills, and loads of fan service. It's the type of film best enjoyed with friends as it promises viewers a really good time at the cinema.

Rating: 8/ 10

 "Class Of 2018" is now showing in Philippine cinemas from T-Rex Entertainment.

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TOFARM 2018 Review: "Sol Searching" Finds It's Heart Amidst It's Laughs

Despite the obvious budget constraints, this dramedy starring Pokwang manages to win the hearts of it's audiences. An official entry to the ToFarm Film Festival 2018, Roman Perez Jr.'s "Sol Searching" stars Pokwang as Bb. Lorelei Baloloy, Joey Marquez as Djanggo Bustamante and Gilleth Sandico as the titular character, Sol. It also features JM Salvado as Bugoy, Raffy Tejada, Raul Morit, LotLot Bustamante, Mayen Esther, Kenken Nuyad and Troy Aquino with the special participation of Paolo Rodriguez, Francis Magundayao, Lee O'Brian, Sue Prado, Jelson Bay, Skyxz Labastilla & Chokoleit.

The dark dramedy follows Lorelei as she tries to give her co-teacher/ best friend Sol a proper wake and burial, while remembering the life of Sol: her struggles, pains, and sacrifices when she was alive.

Now on its third year, it was my first time to catch TOFarm (which stands for The Outstanding Farmer). The annual film festival will run in select cinemas from September 12-19, 2018. 

The film's story is actually bigger than what it seems during it's first half which shows the efforts of Lorelei as she tries to find a decent place for her friend's wake. But after that, we get to discover so many things about Sol's character, changing our initial impression of her. The best aspect about this film is it's rich narrative, though it may come a bit muddled at times due to too many overlapping subplots. Still, it was able to tell the truth, Sol's truth, and managed to stir our hearts with it's revelation.

The best performances comes from Gilleth Sandico, JM Salvado and Pokwang. All three of them were    consistent in providing the laughs and sometimes, manages to touch our hearts at times. And just like what Pokwang, she accepted this project not because of the money but because of her desire to hone her craft as an actress. She was able to showcase her acting chops and proved her talent as a dramatic actress. 

JM Salvado's raw and honest portrayal of a student who looks up to the woman who acted as his teacher and mother was really touching. And of course, Gilleth Sandico whom we usually see in movies and teleseryes as a side character is finally given her moment of spotlight as Sol. Her performance in the film was redoubtably her best work yet as she brings her character to life with devotedness and verisimilitude.

Despite some clunky parts and uneven pacing (and the ending feeling rushed), the film was very funny and entertaining. Admittedly, there were some gags that were hit or miss. Despite that, the film does have some truly hilarious moments, thanks to the amazing performances of the cast. 

"Sol Searching" is definitely worth your time and buck. It's a small film loaded with big laughs and a big heart.

Rating: 9/ 10

Movie Review : "Sin Island" (2018)

Star Cinema's latest Valentine offering is probably it's most risqué and controversial film to date. A titillating and suspenseful erotic thriller, "Sin Island" is a movie you will not expect from a big company outfit like Star Cinema which is known for it's family-friendly comedies and romance flicks. And that makes this movie even more exciting. 

Directed by Gino M. Santos, "Sin Island" tells the story of a picture-perfect married couple David (Xian Lim) and Kanika (Coleen Garcia) whose paradise in each other’s arms will be put to the test as she enters into a dangerous affair shortly after his career tanks into a downward spiral. As David discovers Kanika’s transgressions, he flees to Sinilaban Island where he meets and engages in a carnal affair with a girl named Tasha (Nathalie Hart). Despite their mistakes, the couple decides to rekindle their marriage, but Tasha refuses to let go of David.

The film starts off in a rather slow but effective introduction to the pitch perfect marriage of David and Kanika. As the story progresses, we witness David plunge into depression after his business falls down the drain. Because of what event, he eventually gave up on life and retreated into staying at home, cleaning the house and doing home based works. On the other hand, Kanika ends up feeling like she is the only one carrying their whole marriage and becomes exhausted of trying to bring back the old David. She ends up being attracted to a pilot (TJ Trinidad) which David soon discovers. This forced him to take the chance to getaway to Sinilaban Island (hence the title) where he meets Tasha whom he became close and ends up sleeping with her. But Kanika soon realizes that he loves her husband more so he goes after him and decided to fight for their marriage.

The film is basically a rip-off of other past erotic thrillers we have seen in he past like Fatal Attraction (1987) and The Boy Next Door (2015),. But what makes this film much more enjoyable than those mentioned is that the film knows how to have fun. And this is very evident with the laughter and screams inside the cinema when we watched the movie. Gino M. Santos is one of the most promising filmmakers of this country today. And so far, "Sin Island" is his most fun and entertaining film to date. 

Xian Lim took quite a big risk in accepting the role of David. It was so refreshing to see him in a character like this because we have been so accustomed to seeing him in romance comedies and dramas before. Coleen Garcia was really good in portraying the role of Kanika. She has definitely gone a long way when it comes to her acting since her first movie, the indie film #Y (also under the direction of Gino M. Santos). But the real break-out star of this film is Nathalie Hart who plays the antagonist Tasha. She is like the equivalent of Anne Curtis' Kara in "No Other Woman" and Glenn Close's Alex in "Fatal Attraction". Her character goes through a lot of transformation all throughout the film and she was able to be consistent in her character. She also gets to throw most of the film's funniest and unforgettable lines like "I only give my puta self to the man I love."

Technical-wise, this is one gorgeous picture. From the beautiful location of the island to the stunning cinematography, everything is just so pretty and perfect. The scene when David and Tasha first had sex was probably one of the most beautifully shot bed scenes I've seen. It's actually way better than the past "Fifty Shades" movies combined. The execution and direction of the scene was so artistic and sexy at the same time. Then, there are those zoom in shots of the characters which add some campy feel to the movie, like those films from the 80's.And don't start me with that alluring soundtrack featuring KZ Tandingan's cover of "Isang Linggong Pag-ibig".

 The film itself is made more fun because of the sudden shifts in tone from the first to the second half of the film. It change gears and turns into a "Fatal Attraction" type of thriller that will shock viewers and put everyone at the edge of their seats. People were really screaming during the final act of the film and it was so fun hearing them. I must say that Gino M. Santos definitively knows his genre because he maneuvers the film smoothly and very effectively. If he has other plans for a movie like this, then I am looking forward to it.

"Sin Island" is the type of movie best seen when you're with someone, with your partner of friends. It's a sexy yet fun and exciting roller-coaster ride of emotions. An intoxicating serving of a film that is worth the price of admission.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

Movie Review : Mr. & Mrs. Cruz (2018)

After the surprise box-office smash hit of 2017, Kita Kita, director Sigrid Bernardo is back to give us another romance film that will surely give us the feels. Mr. & Mrs. Cruz stars JC Santos and Ryza Cenon as two strangers with similar surnames who cross paths during their soul-searching trip in Palawan. The film is produced by Viva Film who gave us last year's tearjerker, 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, together with Spring Films, the same team behind the movie Kita Kita.

The film follows two strangers, Raffy (JC Santos) and Gela (Ryza Cenon) who flew to Palawan to have some time alone and away from everything else. In a surprising twist of fate, both of them share the same surname: Cruz. This caused an assumption in every people they meet that they are a couple. Eventually, they decided to just pretend that they are a couple and started touring the province together, eventually learning one another's past heartbreaks and getting to know each other. The question is... will they still choose to stay together as Mr. and Mrs. Cruz by the end of their trip?

The film's premise may be a bit familiar to moviegoers as it will remind us of films like That Thing Called Tadhana (2015) or I'm Drunk, I Love you (2017). It features characters travelling around different places in the country as they try to find their-selves while on a road-trip. These road-themed romance films usually features one province, like Sagada (That Thing Called Tadhana) or La Union (I'm Drunk, I Love You) and incorporates the setting into it's story. This movie is no different from these films because the film's setting (Palawan, in this case) also plays a big role in the film's proceedings. Without spoiling anything, most of the movie (except some flashbacks) happened in Palawan-it starts and ends there. The film uses the amazing beauty of Palawan to it's advantage. Every scene is carefully framed and shot to make sure that it will highlight the beauty of the province. The film's shots of the Underground River are truly breathtaking. One can almost feel and taste the clear blue waters of Coron through it's majestic shots. The movie was indeed a great venue to promote the province of Palawan and it's tourist attractions.

The film had some weird moments where the two protagonist suddenly get isolated from the rest of the world. The two characters suddenly being left alone in a boat while cruising the Underground River. The two protagonists dancing while bubbles suddenly flew out of nowhere. As if everyone else around them didn't existed. But aside from these awkward moments, the film was really entertaining and is filled with scenes that will make audiences squeal.

The film's story is quite simple at first, but it gets complicated as we get to know these two characters more. There's more to their story before coming to the island, and this is where the film get's much of it's hugot. These two characters relive each other's past heartbreaks, bringing back all the drama and pain that they've tried so hard to forget. The good thing about this film is that the pain that these characters are experiencing felt so realistic. The actors are very capable in making us believe that these two characters are real humans like us and through them, we can definitely feel that pain. Anyone who has loved before can definitely relate to their characters.

There were some very short moments that admittedly was feeling a bit slow, but they're not that noticeable when looking back at the movie as a whole. The good thing about the movie is that director Sigrid made sure that it takes it's time in building up our two protagonists, Raffy and Gela. Each one's past is slowly revealed through the two character's discussions and conversations. At first, this setup might look boring but JC Santos and Ryza Cenon did a pretty good job in giving life to these characters that we are so hooked to hearing more of their stories and learning more about their lives before. Their self-aware characters were really fun to watch as they deconstruct different concepts of love and marriage and stereotypes of romance and relationships. 

The two of them make for a great pair onscreen. Ryza Cenon was amazing as Gela. This movie was a great way to showcase her acting prowess because her talent was on full display here. In one of the film's most memorable moments inside a bar where the two protagonist are discussing about their pasts while drinking, she shined in her character as she played it with full conviction. JC Santos always impressed me every time I see him in the big screen. From his heartbreaking performance as Fidel in 100 Tula Para Kay Stella last year, he was able to transform into a whole new character with Raffy. He has this great sensibility which aptly matches Ryza Cenon's.

Though not as impactful as director Sigrid's previous effort Kita Kita, the film's ending will still leave a mark in audience's hearts as we watch a fairy-tale come to it's conclusion. The realistic ending borders between sad and hopeful, it's as if the movie is asking us to think what are the possibilities long after the credits roll. It has this lasting effect on you, and it will keep you thinking: what will happen next? 

All in all, the film is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. It is another great addition to director Sigrid's profile as a director, and a great showcase of talent for it's cast.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5

Movie Review : Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes (2018)

Star Cinema opens the year 2018 with a bang as they bring together two of the country's box-office queens in one big movie. Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban both star in Jun Lana's comedy "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes".  The film marks the reunion of Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban, who first worked together in the hit 2001 ABS-CBN teleserye "Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka". The film also marks the return of Judy Ann and Angelica to the comedy genre.

In "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes", Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban play devoted wives Lianne and Cindy, respectively, who got cheated on by their husbands who turn out to be gay. With their combined forces, they will make sure their exes don’t get what they took away from them: a happy ending. JC de Vera and Joross Gamboa plays Felix Reyes and Gary Reyes respectively, the cheating husbands of Lianne and Cindy. The film also features a star-studded ensemble, led by Gladys Reyes, Carmi Martin, Andrea Brillantes, Nico Antonio, Cai Cortez, Wilma Doesnt, Quark Henares and Kim Molina. The film is directed by Die Beautiful's Jun Robles Lana and is produced by Star Cinema, Quantum Films and IdeaFirst Company.

The film opens with Lianne and her friend discussing about the possibility that her husband, Gary, is having an affair with another woman. Lianne tries to get her husband's passion for their relationship by making herself sexier, even going as far as having a breast transplant. But it turns out that her husband isn't attracted to her anymore because he is already seeing someone else- another man, to her surprise. On the other hand, Cindy, is being pressured by her mother(monster)-in-law to have a baby already with her husband, Felix. Unfortunately, she wakes up one day only to find out that he has left her for another man. After a series of events, Lianne and Cindy discovers that their husbands are having an affair and decided to conjure a plan to make the lives of their exes to be miserable. 

At first glance, "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes" looks like just another comedy film. But the truth is that the film is actually much deeper than you think. The film is perhaps one of the riskiest projects from Star Cinema in years, one that you wouldn't expect from the country's biggest movie company. The film bravely tackles different mature themes that are all relevant in today's society. Although most of the time, they use these themes to induce laughter from the audience, they are committed to discussing these themes in a serious and relatable manner to give lessons to the viewers. I love how the film tackles a different side of infidelity in marriages. Here, we are given two sides of the coin, the other is from Gary and Felix' point of view. They just want to be truthful to their-selves and they want to be free from everything that is keeping them from revealing their real identities. So they finally decided to come out of the closet so that the two of them can be together, which is what other people would always advise us. But on the other side of the story, we discover that their decision caused others to suffer, particularly Lianne and Cindy. Their wives are left heartbroken after learning that their husbands have cheated on them, and they are left asking themselves where did they go wrong. The film doesn't take sides between the two parties. Instead, it lets the audience realize the consequences of the actions of both parties involved and wants us to understand things from both perspectives.

The film also touches themes of the identification of the LGBT community. The film tackles the different gender identification of the LGBT to shed a bit of light to it's viewers. In one of the film's best moments - scene inside a noodle house - Gary and Felix explains to their wives their identifications. Gary sees himself as a woman while Felix identifies himself as a hetero-flexible, someone who is mostly straight but is still attractive to the same sex. This is probably the first mainstream movie that featured this type of topic in it's storyline. Aside from this, the movie also preaches audiences about the effects of social media and how one simple post online can cause negative effects to the people involved. It gives us an idea on how cyber-bullying can ruin someone else's life, if we are not careful and responsible enough in using social media. Regarding the film's humor, I must say that this is Star Cinema's freshest comedies to date. This is definitely not your regular Vice Ganda comedy. The film is infused with Jun Lana's absurd sense of humor. It pulls laughter from the audience through various aspects, one of which features Judy Ann Santos cursing out loud, a first in movie history. The movie's brand of comedy is very mature, hence the R-13 rating from the MTRCB.

The film's cast deserves a lot of credit in pulling off this film. All the cast were very effective in their roles. Joross Gamboa was believable in portraying Gary, who slowly transitions into a woman all throughout the film. This is probably his best performance to date, way better than the one from Deadma Walking. JC De Vera was also great in his portrayal of Felix. But the film really belongs to Judy Ann Santos and Angelica Panganiban, both who take great risks in their roles here. Angelica Panganiban's performance is reminiscent of her portrayal in Here Comes the Bride and Beauty in a Bottle. Her comic timing was on point and very effective. On the other hand, Judy Ann Santos breaks her reserved persona in this film to take on this very demanding role. Her character cursing out loud is probably the best moments of them. Every time we hear her, we can't help but break into laughter. But aside from their comic timing, Angelica and Judy Ann also manages to show off their acting prowess during the film's heavy moments, inducing a tear or two from the audiences.

Entertaining and thought-provoking from start to finish, "Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes" promises not only laughs but so much more.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰  of 5