CALL ME MOTHER

Call Me Mother (MMFF 2025)

Directed by: Jun Robles Lana

Tunay na kahit sino man ay maaaring maging nanay—kung meron kang pusong mapagmahal, oras na ilalaan, at pag-aarugang hindi matatawaran. Hindi gaanong naipakita ang mga aspetong iyan sa pelikulang ito.

Biglang napamahal na lang ang bida (Vice Ganda) dun sa bata (Lucas Andalio). Kulang sa pagbuo ng genuine connection at bonding moments. Tatanggapin mo na lang na mahal nila ang isa’t isa dahil yun ang kanilang sinasabi. Kapag may eksena silang magkasama, nakakatuwa naman silang pagmasdan.

Mas drama ang pelikula kesa sa comedy. Karamihan sa mga jokes ay isinisingit na lang at pwedeng tanggalin. Nabibilang lang ang bentang patawa, at nagsisilbi silang maikling pahinga mula sa pagiging seryoso ng pelikula.

May nangyayaring pageant preparation, pero kaunti lang ang mga kaganapan para dun. Limitado ang mga nagawang trainings. Hindi mo tuloy matancha kung ano ang progress ng contestant, kung gumaling ba siya talaga, or kung may pagbabago bang nangyari kumpara sa dati.

Kahit hindi natural pakinggan, pilit isisingit ang mga pang-pageant na katanungan. Para makakuha sila ng mga sagot na nakakaiyak. Hindi swabe ang paglagay sa mga quotable lines. Nakakabigla minsan ang palipat-lipat na anggulo sa iisang eksena. Andaming cuts. Napuputol ang koneksyon.

Mapapaduda ka sa sincerity ng dalawang nanay. Imbes na pag-usapan nang masinsinan ang mga problema, idinadaan sa pabonggahan at kompetisyon. Mas inuuna pa ang audience impact kesa dun sa mararamdaman ng bata.

Nadine Lustre has the elegance of a beauty queen, with a look that is both luxurious and exquisite. However, she lacks the drive, determination, and inner fire typically seen in most pageant frontrunners.

As for the mother role, it does not suit her. When it comes to heavy dramatic scenes, she falls short—as if she’s holding back. Her line delivery lacks weight. Her connection and love for the child don’t come across as strong, which is essential for the character.

A new child star twinkles brightly on the horizon, and the star’s name is Lucas Andalio. He is equally charming and talented. His smile is angelic. His tears always find their way to touch your heart.

Vice Ganda is no longer the same artist as before. He is able to play around more between full-blown dramatic acting and gentle expressions with ease. Even when speaking in whispers, without raising his voice, his words carry meaning. Indeed, you can really call him an actor.

Esnyr literally transforms in every scene, showcasing the incredible effort behind her looks. From makeup to wardrobe, she looks fabulous in all of them.

MC Muah and Iyah Mina inject their personalities into the scene, breaking character in the most hilarious way and catching you completely off guard.

Chandra Romero is convincing. John Lapus gives a raw and honest portrayal. River Joseph has an expressive face. Shuvee Etrata looks cute. Klarisse De Guzman deserves more full-blown comedy projects, because she’s authentic and funny. MikBrent looks good together on screen, leaving you wanting to see more of them. Mika Salamanca is glowing. Brent Manalo has a strong appeal.

While the ensemble occasionally adds a festive touch to the movie, they remain underutilized and offer little support to the main characters. Most of them are nonessential to the core plot.

Kung ikukumpara sa 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳, buong cast duon ay may ibubuga. Ramdam na pamilya sila, dahil nagtutulungan silang lahat upang palakasin ang mga eksena.

Samantalang dito sa 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, sina Vice Ganda at Lucas Andalio ang kadalasang bumubuhat sa pelikula. Kapag natatapat na sila sa ibang artista, nag-iiba ang pakiramdam. Hindi pantay-pantay ang naibibigay na mga emosyon. Parating mas maraming naibubuhos sina Vice Ganda at Lucas Andalio.

If you set aside the acting and casting, the message remains its beauty. The story broadens the definition of motherhood, portraying it as selfless and genderless. That signature walk isn’t just about style—it carries depth and meaning.

Vice Ganda is 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨—not just within the narrative, but also through his performance as an actor. Rightfully so, he has earned every right to be called a ‘𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’.

𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑

Cast: Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre, Lucas Andalio, John Sweet Lapus, MC Muah, Iyah Mina, Carmi Martin, Chandra Romero

With: Mika Salamanca, Brent Manalo, Shuvee Etrata, Esnyr Ranollo, River Joseph, Klarisse De Guzman

Written by: Daisy Cayanan, Daniel Saniana, Jun Robles Lana

Presented by: ABS-CBN Film Productions (Star Cinema), The IdeaFirst Company, Viva Films

Release Date: December 25, 2025 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews

Sinong inaabangan mo sa CALL ME MOTHER?

• Vice Ganda
• Nadine Lustre
• Lucas Andalio
• Brent Manalo

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