MISS GRANNY (2018) Review
Directed by Bb Joyce Bernal
Though it didn’t include some elements from the original, the Philippine adaptation of Miss Granny is entertaining and heartwarming. Thanks to the excellent performances of Sarah Geronimo and Nonie Buencamino.
The film tells the story of Fely (Nova Villa), a 70-something year old widow who gave her remaining years helping the family of her son (Nonie Buencamino) but seems to have intervened to much with their lives that it caused the health of his son’s wife (Lotlot de Leon). But things turn around when she gets to be 50 years younger and gets to do the things she wanted to do when she was young.
Love for family, career and the people that cares for you, Miss Granny isn’t short on what the Filipino audience would want to see in a family movie. It’s entertaining and at the same time heartwarming to watch as you go through the story from Fely to Odrey (or Audrey?). Because it really is a story of a family, even if it’s an adaptation of a Korean movie, the essence of how we Filipinos care too much of our family is there.
We get to see how a grandmother favors their grandchildren over their own children or their in-laws, we get to see how our dreams aren’t as big as our love for our family. Sarah Geronimo shows that she’s more than just who is partnered for her, or that she can be the star without a love interest (though in the original, there should have been). She’s just wonderful, dedicated to her craft, adorable and talented in acting like a 70-something lady. From the comic punches to the dramatic scenes, she delivered satisfyingly.
One character that also got my attention is Nonie Buencamino. That although the story isn’t about him, his portrayal made the film more grounded, closer to the viewers hearts. And though I think James Reid’s and Xian Lim’s characters were underused, they were really enjoyable to see on screen without the need to make the audience “kilig.” It’s fun.
What the film lacks though is how to present the story smoothly without being too loud. Yes, the character of Fely/Odrey is loud but there are too much going around that the message of the scenes weren’t delivered the sincerest way possible.
Miss Granny is your go-to for an entertaining family movie. It delivered what we want to see but did not go beyond what it should have been. Isa Pang Araw will probably in your heads for days after hearing it as well as those lovely scenes of Sarah Geronimo singing Kiss Me, Kiss Me and other classic songs.
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Miss Granny” is now showing in cinemas nationwide from VIVA Films and N2 Productions. Rated PG by the MTRCB.