The Mommy Returns

The Mommy Returns is a delightful and humorous 2012 Filipino family comedy and fantasy film, starring an incredible cast consisting of Gabby Concepcion, Ruffa Gutierrez, and the inimitable Pokwang. The movie is directed by the talented Joel Lamangan. The film is an enchanting mixture of comedy, family drama, love, and supernatural escapades that keeps the storyline captivating and exciting, laced with a good dose of humor and Filipino familial values.

The story revolves around a warm and loving man named William (played by Gabby Concepcion). William seems to have it all – he is a successful dentist, has two adorable kids, a beautiful home, and a loving wife named Ruby (portrayed by Ruffa Gutierrez). But one twist of fate changes everything when Ruby unexpectedly passes away. While still trying to cope with the loss and holding his family together, an interesting chain of events follows as he falls in love with a lovely woman named Catherine (apparaled by Pokwang). Catherine, a charming and free-spirited woman, step-by-step invades and rebuilds the lives of William and his family. However, her happiness is short-lived.

Little did Catherine know that someone's watching her every move – and it’s not from this world. From the afterlife, the late Ruby is observing her husband and the mother of her kids slowly know and fall for another woman. Reluctant to concede her family to Catherine, Ruby gets unfathomable permission to return to earth as a ghost, with a mission to ensure her family's well-being and disrupt the growing relationship between William and Catherine.

Ruby’s ghostly presence sets the stage for witty and comical misunderstandings and quarrels as Catherine begins to witness the inexplicable and paranormal events in their house. Being the only one who can see Ruby, she embarks on a pointless struggle to convince everyone about Ruby's spectral existence. The interactions between Catherine and the ghostly Ruby as they hilariously compete for the affections and attention of William and the children forms the crux of The Mommy Returns.

The impressive performances of the cast, particularly Gutierrez and Pokwang, are at the heart of the film. Gabby Concepcion delivers a grounded performance as the patriarch of the family, trying to balance his love for a new woman and his loyalty and love for his deceased wife. Ruffa Gutierrez delivers an electrifying presence as the spectral mother, pressing her case in a comic spectral vs. human rivalry. On the other hand, Pokwang’s comedic timing and delivery, successfully personifying the hilarious struggles of a modern mother, lover and an unexpected ghostbuster, provides a great deal of film's comic flair.

The Mommy Returns brilliantly blends comedy with the supernatural, giving the audience a hearty laugh while also adding an interesting twist to the ever-popular 'love triangle' dynamic. It is with this unique blend that the narrative manages to infuse human sentiments towards life, loss, moving on, family values, rivalry, love, and dedication.

Notably, The Mommy Returns refreshingly captures this unusual story with its distinctly Filipino sense of humor, comic timing and cultural nuances. The film has an engaging storyline, bolstered by a seamless script and direction. The cinematography colorfully yet authentically captures the eccentric chaos ensuing in the family’s life.

In conclusion, The Mommy Returns is a compelling film that offers an excellent mixture of comedy, family drama, and romance. Despite its aspects of fantasy and comedy, it is at heart a film about familial love and moving forward no matter the circumstances. Its delightful moments of laughter, poignant insights and narrative quirks will certainly leave you entertained and possibly witnessing family dynamics in a more insightful light.