The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin

The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin is a comedy action film released in 2014, delivering a combination of laughter, action, and drama all in one package that keeps you enthralled throughout. Back with a sequel after the great success of its predecessor, the film features a powerful line-up, predominantly featuring Vice Ganda, a renowned comedian and television presenter in the Philippines, supplemented by the performance of youthful James Bimby Aquino and accomplished Richard Yap.

The movie is a proud product of Star Cinema and VIVA films, directed by renowned Filipino director, Wenn V. Deramas. Following the resounding success of the original movie, 'Praybeyt Benjamin', 'The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin' holds up to its reputation, exploring new comedic ventures, enthralling action scenes, and absorbing storyline while retaining the essence of its original flavor.

In the movie, Vice Ganda reprises his role as Private Benjamin 'Benjie' Santos VIII, a gay man in the extremely masculine world of the military. This ongoing struggle for acceptance is a central theme in the movie, providing a serious undertone to the overt comedic plotlines and crazy misadventures. The film carefully navigates the thin line between comedy and serious commentary, creating a platform that instigates dialogue around prejudice, acceptance, and individuality.

The plot primarily revolves around Benjie who, after generating considerable fame round his heroics in the battlefield in the previous installment, is now happily leading a civilian life. His peaceful life takes a turn when an unforeseen crisis throws him back into the chaotic world he thought he had left behind. The crux of the movie dwells into Benjie's trials and errors, as he ventures bravely into precarious situations and fights against his odds to emerge victorious and save the day.

In the mix, we have James Bimby Aquino playing a child prodigy whose safety is now under threat from the unseen enemy. Bimby demonstrates a natural flair for acting and makes his character quite appealing. Richard Yap shines as the disciplined military officer tasked with protecting the country while simultaneously struggling to keep his rebellious daughter in check.

For a movie largely known for its comedic offering, the action sequences and stunts are meticulously orchestrated and presented in a grand, visually appealing fashion. It's a lavish spectacle of explosions, gunfights, chases, surprising the audience expectations from a comedy-action genre with such distinctive display.

From a comedic standpoint, the movie delivers excellently. Vice Ganda’s witty dialogues, physical humor, demonstration of comic timing, and clever punchlines ensure that the audience is engaged in an uninterrupted flow of laughter. However, the comedy never overshadows the underpinning social commentary about acceptance and individuality, making sure the movie attains a dynamic blend of comedy and critique.

Much of the film’s charms lie in Vice Ganda’s performance. He completely owns his character, bringing vulnerability and a certain charm to Benjie, making him both relatable and endearing to the audience. Despite playing a character that is atypical in the macho military world, Vice Ganda delivers a strong performance, adding depth to the character that transcends stereotypes and clichéd expectations.

The supporting cast also give commendable performances. Both Yap and Aquino give balanced performances and share good chemistry with Vice Ganda, adding more substance to the unfolding saga. Deramas, with his directorial prowess, captures all these elements in a way that enriches the overall storyline, making it engaging and entertaining.

The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin is, at its heart, a fun and entertaining movie, featuring fantastic comic performances and a substantial storyline. It amplifies humor, suspense, action, and emotions, all while addressing societal perceptions, acceptance, and personal identity. If you're a fan of witty humor, spectacular action or just a good wholehearted Filipino film, this movie would be a perfect choice for you.