The latest installment of the Enteng Kabisote series recently caused a controversy in the 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). When Enteng Kabisote 3: The Legend Goes On and On and On was adjudged as the Best Picture during the awards night held last December 29 at the Aliw Theater, not everyone agreed with the decision of the MMFF Execom. Some questioned the inclusion of box-office returns in determining this year's Best Film.
This review might not settle the controversy but it does give a glimpse into the fantasy world of Enkantasya and the increasing commercialism being promoted by this MMFF entry.
ENTENG KABISOTE 3: THE LEGEND GOES ON AND ON AND ON
Cast: Vic Sotto, Kristine Hermosa, G Tongi, Oyo Boy Sotto, Aiza Seguerra, Bing Loyzaga, Antonio Aquitania, Allan K., BJ Forbes, Paul Salas, Isabella de Leon, and Pia Guanio
Director: Tony Y. Reyes
Writers: Tony Y. Reyes and Isabel da Rosa
Production: M-ZET Productions/OctoArts Films
Plot: Enteng (Vic) is now a materialistic businessman. In director Tony's words: "Mayaman na si Enteng ngayon. Sa pagpasok ng maraming pera, nabago nang konti ang ugali niya. Naging materialistic na siya. Pera na ang laging importante sa kanya." Meanwhile, an alien named Zarkov (Antonio) teams up with Satana (Bing) and clones Enteng to totally ruin his relationship with his wife Faye (Kristine). With everything in peril, Enteng and Ina Magenta (G) join hands once again to subdue the evil forces.
Box-Office Potential: The first two Enteng Kabisote movies were both filmfest top grossers. "Bossing" Vic was crowned Box Office King for two consecutive years. We don't see why this third installment can't make that three in a row.
Awards Prediction: The producers did not make this film to win awards. It is purely family entertainment, which is probably what viewers want for Christmas.
PEP reviews Enteng Kabisote 3
The plot. The battle between good and evil continues as Satana (Bing Loyzaga) comes back to steal the throne from Ina Magenta (G Tongi), the reigning Queen of Engkantasya.
To accomplish the plan of conquering Engkantasya, Satana teams up with Zarkov (Antonio Aquitania). The latter plays as the clone of Enteng Kabisote (Vic Sotto), the Tagalupa husband of Faye (Kristine Hermosa), who happens to be a fairy and only daughter of Ina Magenta.
In the third installment of the Enteng Kabisote series, Enteng has become a materialistic person. He is no longer a poor tagalupa-as Ina Magenta often calls him. Enteng's personality has changed and money has become more important to him than anything else. Faye gets frustrated and drives Enteng out of their house.
It was then that Enteng underwent a self-reflection, realized his mistake and decided to go home to apologize. But on his way back, Enteng and Jose (Jose Manalo) were swallowed by the ground and transported to another dimension.
Back in Enkantasya, the face of Ina Magenta was accidentally transformed by the fairies to look Allan K—this caused her magical powers to weaken. Ina Magenta got worried since she is scheduled to have that duel with the evil fairy Satana.
Satana took advantage of this string of events and she immediately apppointed Zarkov to become Enteng's clone and ruin his relationship with Faye and his children.
Enteng found out about Satana's plan. He then sought the help of Ewok-like beings so he could be transported back to the real world. He then joined forces with Ina Magenta, Faye and his son Benok (Oyo Boy Sotto) to fight Satana and her evil allies.
The verdict. Enteng Kabisote 3: The Legend Goes On and On and On may not be an artistic film, but the lively pace of the movie could be a plus point in convincing a lot of moviegoers to watch this MMFF entry.
"Bossing" Vic Sotto, and his sidekick Jose Manalo, never fails to entertain the moviegoers. Their punch lines are quite hilarious and you can tell that their timing has been enhanced by the time they spent together in Eat Bulaga's "Bulagaan." Their excellent rapport with each other keeps the humor flowing constantly.
As for the story, of course, the battle between good and evil continues. The end of the film is quite predictable, but the special effects of the movie somehow make up for it.
Enteng Kabisote 3 includes spoofs of Hollywood films such as Star Wars and Shrek—just notice the setting, the props and costumes used, and even the animation and special effects.
Another interesting thing to note is the special participation of other Eat Bulaga hosts such as Joey de Leon and Vic Sotto's girlfriend Pia Guanio.
This film is good for people who want to relax, but be warned that Enteng Kabisote 3: The Legend Goes On and On and On is a "commercialized" movie, literally. Just like the other mainstream movies, Enteng Kabisote 3 showed products—eight brands to be exact—in certain portions of the film. With these products interespersed all throughout, the movie seemed like a regular TV show with commercial breaks. I just think there were too many product interstitials. It was a good thing that the numerous interruptions did not break the momentum of the film.
In addition, watching Enteng Kabisote 3 almost felt like watching an extended episode of Eat Bulaga on the big screen since most of the hosts of the said noontime show participated in this movie.
Overall, this 2006 MMFF entry is just like the two previous Enteng Kabisote movies—it is a fantasy-filled film that includes action-packed scenes and the classic humor of Vic Sotto and the rest of the Eat Bulaga gang. It's a typical family movie that is a hit among children or to someone who is a solid fan of "Bossing" Vic.