CRIME, COMEDY AND ALL THE SLAPSTICKS IN BETWEEN: D' NINANG (2020)

Photo by Mark Anthony Bautista

D' Ninang Red Carpet Premiere last January 20, 2020 at SM Megamall

D’ Ninang is Regal Entertainment’s first offering this 2020. It revolves around the character of Ninang Ditas, a thief, but named as the most generous personality in their barangay as every request of material thing whether cash, or cellular phone are always quickly given. The tables turn when she stumbles upon her long-lost daughter who wished to become a lawyer to decrease the number of criminals in the country. Find out how Ditas faces her fate of being a criminal mastermind while being there for her daughter’s wishes all at the same time in this wacky laugh-out-loud comedy from Regal Films. 

I would give the movie a rating of 7 over 10 for it satisfies its supposed intention to entertain the viewers in the most hilarious way possible. Though the story's execution started strong, it felt rushed in its last hour. Formula used to narrate is somehow generic and is unsurprisingly predictable. Slapstick lines work but the movie can stand without some of them. What makes it unique from recent comedies is the new faces of actors served fresh in your eyes. The director’s way of attacking the audiences secretly in its lines are very much appreciated too, for it tackles lots of issues including political views that are relevant in this present age.

Aiai's performance here is undoubtedly good. She proved that she is still the reigning comedy queen throughout the years. In comparison with her recent rom-com, Tripol Trobol which is an official entry to the MMFF 2019, her portrayal in D' Ninang is far better throwing laugh-worthy dialogues scene after scene and proving to the masses that she has great acting skills aside from just making the crowd laugh. 

Kisses plays the role of Mikhai, Aiai’s daughter. The role is important for the build-up of the story. It is good, but it can be pushed further.  Though several scenes that requires Kisses’ strong emotions felt lacking, it still does not ignore the fact that she has potential to act better. I guess she’s still in the adjustment stage after transferring to GMA Network a few months ago which I think became a factor in her performance here. 

What surprise me the most is Angel Guardian’s performance. She portrays Sol, as the anak-anakan and the helping hand of Ninang Ditas in their illegal deals. It is my first time to see her act and I saw the highest potential in her acting skills. Every scene she is in felt remarkable. I can see the emotions in her eyes as the scenes required it so and her lines were delivered brilliantly. If critiques would notice it, Angel Guardian can go far.

Though included in the official movie poster, Mccoy De Leon, Joey Marquez, Lou Velasco, Kiray Celis and Kelvin Miranda only plays minor roles in the film, atleast for me. Basing it in their screen time, I guess they deserve more exposure for I know they can act good. Especially with Kelvin Miranda who seems like an add-on in the film as the love interest of Sol, who was given almost non-sense lines that were not that necessary for the build-up of the story.

Looking in its technicalities, the color grading is what caught my eyes. It is refreshing and indeed sets the mood of the story. The scoring is fine, but it can be better. I have no problems with the editing too for the director’s usage of right timing is perfect especially every time Aiai delivers a hilarious line. Overall, D’ Ninang is still worthy of your time. Start the year right by being happy while still absorbing something from what the film is trying to say. D’ Ninang is now showing nationwide!