After watching "Kimmydora", I believe the standards for local comedy films were set to a higher level. Every funny film I watch I now compare unknowingly to Direk Joyce & Eugene's masterpiece.
I've already watched the trailer of "Ang Tanging Pamilya" and I felt by just watching it I've already seen the best of the entire film. In fact, I was expecting the usual slapstick and the likes. But when I watched the film last night at their premiere night at Megamall, I got more than what I was expecting for. To start with, Erap and Aiai proved to be very convincing- even endearing-as a couple. Erap was sport enough to make fun of his english deficiencies and Aiai on her part seemed to have mastered and perfected the comedic-mother role. Storming in with a big surprise was Mommy Dionisia who in her first movie acting gig was able to keep up and at times even match with Ai-ai. Their animosity towards each other in the film had magical chemistry. Even if Mommy Dionisia was occasionally struggling with the lines and seemed to be exerting much effort in some of the scenes nevertheless she made a lot of people laugh. There's something in her personality thats very charming it shines through the silver screen... making her technical shortcomings somehow immaterial.
Sam Milby, on the other hand, was very daring in the movie in the sense that he was able to play around with his character. What otherwise could have been a very "Safe" boy next door role he in some scenes was able to turn to something wacky and hilarious. One of my favorite scenes was when Sam called a cheap shot by asking Toni to be intimate with him over the net resulting to him getting beyond what he dreamed of... hahaha (its better if you watch this scene yourself). Sam's version of some scenes from "In My Life" and "And I Love You So" were also very witty and craftily done leaving a lot of people laughing to the bone.
But more than the humor, what I loved in the film was the strong message it brought. Both Erap and Sam's character were examples of men consumed with trying to save the world. They always find themselves in the middle of emergency situations: from pregnant woman suddenly giving birth to inner city gangsters starting a riot. But in the process of aiding others they turn their back on the people who need their help the most... their family.
In the end, both men realized that even if they gained the favor of the world yet lose the love of their family they're lost. So the movie ended with them putting their love first and foremost where they belong.
In the advent of indie-films tackling the dark sides of human nature, its nice to come across movies celebrating the bright side of life. "Ang Tanging Pamilya" through its comedic approach celebrates age-old values that define what a family should be. And in times like these, a lot would benefit getting a good reminder and a good laugh :) :)
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