Becky and Badette: Entertaining and value-driven.

 

Becky and Badette: Entertaining and value-driven.

When the Metro Manila Film Festival committee released its official entries for this year's film festival, Becky and Badette topped my “to watch” list. From its teaser, I can’t hid myself laughing and re-watching it. When I finally get to see it on the big screen, Becky and Badette is entertaining and surprisingly value-driven. 

 Jun Robles Lana’s latest comedy foray Becky and Badette tells the story of two best friends Becky Naman (played by Eugene Domingo) and Badette Imaculada (played by Pokwang). Their friendship began in high school (the backdrop was mid-90s) and continued to the present time. They were not as successful as their batchmates such as mean girl Nirvana (played by Agot Isidro) and campus crush Pepe Feniz (played by Romnick Sarmenta).  Nirvana invited Becky and Badette to attend their high school reunion. On the night of their reunion, the two “besties” got drunk and did a scene which was recorded on video. The video went viral on social media and made them instant celebrity.

 

Strengths:

The comedic prowess of Uge and Pokwang is undeniably effortless. From their facial expressions to their punchlines, you will surely have consistent laughter.

But not only in the comedy scenes they excelled. The dramatic highlights of Uge and Pokie were commendable too.

The production design is grand and visually appealing. From the costumes in the musical prod numbers, beach scenes, and even the colors of office girls' outfits (guest stars Iza, Sunshine, Karylle), they are very flashy.

The narrative of the story is fluid and easy to follow. The twist of the story of why they went viral is unexpected.

Punchlines are witty, catchy, and relatable. It's well thought out.

The story is value-driven as it highlights the redeeming factor of integrity and honesty towards the end of the movie

It’s LGBTQA+ friendly too.

I love the revival of 80’s hit song Working Girls of Chona Cruz which was used in the opening sequence.   

The iconic Vilma Santos movie scenes and dialogues as points of reference for several scenes are remarkable.

Weaknesses:

Since the narrative of the story is easy to follow, some scenes come across as very predictable, especially on the part of the vengeance of Pepe Feniz and Nirvana.

The ending of the story could have been established more. I have a feeling that there’s a part two in the offing hence audience was quite left hanging.

Rating:  8/10

ctto to Idea First Company