Key MMFF questions posed–and answered
DIZON AND YAP. The lightbulb idea of pitting “poor” Ryzza and “rich” Bimby “against” each other is an inspired brainstorm.
Every MMFF entry poses a key question in viewers’ minds: For instance, the major consideration in Vice Ganda’s starrer, “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy,” is how well he’s able to rise up to the huge challenge he’s set for himself to depict all four “genders.”
In “Boy Golden,” will director Chito Roño come up with a period action-drama that is not just full of grand, diverting conceits, as most Jeorge Estregan starrers are, but is also a good, integral production?
And, in “My Little Bossings,” will tyro movie child actors, Ryzza Mae Dizon and Bimby Aquino, pass muster as the local screen’s newest juvenile leads?
Let’s answer that last question first: In Marlon Rivera’s comedy-drama, Ryzza connects with moviegoers due to her masa looks and appeal, but her character is developed only in erratic snippets, one joke or sight gag at a time, so the result isn’t a totalized performance.
We’ll have to wait for another, more focused screen portrayal to see if the gung-ho girl has it in her to measure up to the fuller and richer portrayals that Snooky Serna or Aiza Sequerra turned in as child stars.
As for Bimby, his tyro performance is even less winning, because he doesn’t appear to be all that enthusiastic about being a screen actor. He’s game enough and dutifully does what he’s told, but his heart and zest don’t seem to be in it. He could learn to enjoy himself more in follow-up films, so here’s hoping.
Spicy humor
Having said which, we should note that the lightbulb idea of “pitting” “poor” Ryzza and “rich” Bimby “against” each other is an inspired brainstorm that results in scenes strong on point of comedic conflict, the stuff of which potentially spicy humor is made.
SEGUERRA. Exceptional portrayal.
Unfortunately, their lack of buildup and climax frustrates the attainment of those comedic peaks, and the kiddie characters stop squabbling and become friends much too easily for comfort—and delight.
The fact that “My Little Bossings” is doing so well at the tills indicates that at least one follow-up costarrer for Bimby and Ryzza may be in the cards. Should that encore engagement materialize, we hope that it focuses more fully on their characters’ relationship, and keeps adult characters from upstaging them.
If the kids’ participation is the main reason why their first film is a runaway hit, they should hold stage center in their followup costarrer, to show what they can really do.
It’s also instructive to note that the most exceptional portrayal in “My Little Bossings” is turned in by former child star Aiza Sequerra, as Ryzza and Vic Sotto’s initially mysterious relative. It isn’t clear until the movie’s final third section exactly how they’re related, and once it’s revealed, viewers finally understand why she’s been so glum and conflicted all the while.
To her credit, Aiza manages the surprising shift without turning it into an over-the-top, heavingly “emotional fireworks” display, and her artistic discretion makes her portrayal truly exceptional.
Aiza is also able to do both comedic and dramatic scenes in equally convincing interplay, which is no mean feat on the local movie screen. Clearly, she’s learned her thespic lessons well.
Which is why we pray that Ryzza, this TV season’s new star, will follow her fine example and ultimately also become a creditable and versatile serio-comic talent whose performing career will productively and profitably extend into adulthood!
