If it weren't for Jay Chandrasekhar directing this, I would have skipped out on Easter Sunday. Even though he didn't write the script for this film, his knack for finding good projects (Arrested Development, Community, Psych) is there. This one falls a little flat early and does recover to where it's above average. Not good, but there is much worse. One of the stranger comedies I have seen in theaters.
Jo Koy (Yes, that's his name, a stage name) plays Joe Valencia, A Filipino actor who is trying to find work beyond being a comedian. In the midst of finding that big break, he is also divorced, trying to be there for his son and attend his mother's home for Easter Sunday. What should be a normal gathering of family does not exist. Feuding sisters, scammers, anything you can think of derails what Joe wants to do and he has to keep his sanity in check while making sure things don't go wrong.
This falls into the realm of very dysfunctional family. Only with a Filipino family. It plays a little bit of factor in the plot with Joe not wanting to be a stereotype when going for his big break. I get it being natural has its perks. Doesn't work all the time in Hollywood though. The material is stuff some can relate to. Not every family is happily together. Bickering members and grudges against each other. It's something you can laugh at and have fun watching. Some of it is outlandish such as the character Eugene owing money to gangsters. Otherwise, the script here is something that you'll get a grasp of.
This doesn't have the most recognized cast, though some familiar faces will leave you wondering how they managed to "insert actor's name" in it. The cinematography was excellent and the lighting was done great. Music was hit or miss. This is not a gut busting type of movie and the first 20 minutes or so will feel a bit slow. Once it gets to where Joe and his son being around his family does it kick up a bit and be funny. Lots of chuckling. If Easter Sunday is right up your alley, go see it. Otherwise, watch at your risk. Your mileage may vary on if it interests you greatly.
Score: 6.5 out of 10
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