Firefly: MMFF Movie Review

Firefly MMFF Movie Review: A Magical and Dramatic Tale for All Kinds of Audiences

"Firefly" is a charming blend of light-heartedness and drama. With stunning visuals and an engaging narrative, this film effortlessly captivates throughout its runtime - though it occasionally stumbles with forced elements that disrupt the experience. Nevertheless, it's a movie that appeals to audiences of all ages, offering entertainment and emotional resonance in new and unexpected ways.

The story revolves around Tonton Alvaro (Dingdong Dantes), the author of the children's book "Firefly," who agrees to an intimate interview to clarify the true origins of his award-winning story. Tonton reminisces about his childhood as a 10-year-old boy (Euwenn Mikael) and attributes his book's inspiration to his mother's (Alessandra de Rossi) bedtime stories.

Initially expecting a predictable family drama, we were pleasantly surprised by the film's unique spin on storytelling. The narrative effortlessly weaves between Tonton's past and present, adding an intriguing layer to his revelations. However, while this technique enhances the film's allure initially, it also occasionally interrupts the flow of the crucial backstory at the backend of the narrative. The performances, notably by the seasoned actors, are commendable and are of expected quality, with Miguel Tanfelix as having the most surprising turnout in our opinion.

The story and script by Angeli Atienza strike a balance between lightness and drama, incorporating fantastical elements that make the journey through Bicol both enjoyable and educational. For us, it was near flawless. It was able to showcase a child's imaginative mind while also alluding to its setting's natural beauty (Bicol region in the Philippines). Unfortunately, some supporting characters, like Billy (Miguel Tanfelix) and Erica (Ysabel Ortega), feel underdeveloped, lacking depth as compared to pivotal figures like Mang Louie (Epy Quizon). Their actual roles in the screenplay at times appears forced, affecting the natural progression of the narrative.

Visually, "Firefly" is a treat, with competent and well-executed visual effects that complement its storybook setting. Despite minor imperfections in this not-so-high-budget film, its visual appeal remains impressive nonetheless. Overall, "Firefly" stands out as our best Filipino film this year, offering a magical and inspiring experience transcending the typical family drama, resonating with audiences across the board. 

Rating: 4 and a half reels