‘Becky & Badette’ Review: Going beyond comedy

BECKY & BADETTE (2023) Review
Directed by Jun Robles Lana

I’ll save you time and answer the most basic question people ask on comedy movies, yes Becky & Badette is funny. It’s the easiest question to answer about the movie actually because it’s hilarious and at the same time, heartwarming. But what’s great about Jun Robles Lana’s latest film is that it goes beyond comedy. If there’s a word for may kabuluhang comedy, that’s what I would describe Becky & Badette.

The tandem of Eugene Domingo and Pokwang did not disappoint. While Domingo may have a better character from an audience’s point of view, Pokwang didn’t fail in delivering what is needed from her character. But seeing the two made me realize how much I miss their kind of comedy on the big screen. Growing up to Wenn Deramas and Chris Martinez’s comedy films, Becky & Badette feels like a warm embrace to the comedy movies that made us laugh through the years.

What surprised me is that the trailer only revealed quarter of the whole film. People often throw that the film is like the 1997 comedy ‘Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion.’ It may seem that way as you start the film but it’s more than that. The film gets to be a social commentary on the use of social media, on the influence of people on other people, LGBTQIA+ community issues like queerbaiting, and the issues on friendships.

The comedy is current but it also acknowledges the comedy of the past. So, all ages will have something to enjoy watching the movie.

While I do miss the all-out satire comedy movies of Deramas and Martinez, I was happy leaving the cinema with what I saw. It was like, Jun Lana made a love letter to Philippine comedy. I enjoyed some of the references in the film and also enjoyed talking about the ones that I didn’t know.

4 OUT OF 5 STARS

‘Becky & Badette’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide from The IdeaFirst Company and OctoberTrain Films. An official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023. Rated PG by the MTRCB.