A pedestrian take on MMFF 2024 entry ‘The Kingdom’

Patriotic. That was my gut reaction in the opening scene. This is a reimagined Philippines that refused to bow, a nation that never saw the shadow of colonization. It’s bold, it’s aspirational, and it sets the tone for a film that dreams big.

Now, let’s talk Vic Sotto. I grew up watching him on Eat Bulaga. My childhood favorite of the trio, the guy who laughed so hard at Allan K’s tumbling pustiso, he had me laugh-crying too. But here? As Lakan Makisig, Vic ditches the comedy slapstick and brings depth.