'I Am Not Big Bird' REVIEW: Enrique Gil soars high and mighty with cinematic comeback
‘I Am Not Big Bird’ REVIEW: Enrique Gil soars high and mighty with cinematic comeback
From left to right一Nikko Natividad, Enrique Gil, and Red Ollero. Screenshot taken from I Am Not Big Bird’s teaser.
Enrique Gil goes bold, bodacious, and brave in Victor Villanueva’s raunchy comedy, I Am Not Big Bird, in his return to the big screen. Stepping out of the shadows of the loveteam scene after being paired with frequent on-screen partner Liza Soberano, Gil’s comedic chops are put to the test Mas he plays Luis Carpio, a thirty-something virgin who is mistaken to be a famous Thai porn star, “Big Bird,” when he goes to Thailand for a holiday with his friends. Unbeknownst to him, things take a wild turn of events as he tries to find himself and the true meaning of friendship.
Right from the get-go, we are introduced to a character who settles in his comfort zone. Luis (Gil) gets hit by a sudden smack of reality when his girlfriend turns down his marriage proposal and reconnects with friends played by stand-up comedian Red Ollero and dancer actor Nikko Natividad. Much like Luis who tries new things out for a change, I Am Not Big Bird extends its wings and maximizes the joint production between the Philippines and Thailand, allowing the audience to experience a change of scenery in what would’ve been a typical over-the-top comedy.
The trio on a sidewalk in Thailand. Screenshot taken from I Am Not Big Bird’s teaser.
Along with this, there is a balance between representation and humor, with not only sex-driven jokes in the forefront but also jokes on gender, particularly on metrosexuality, and weight. Fortunately, the film isn’t overzealous with these jokes that could’ve gone south and been too repetitive. Villanueva’s direction brings out the camp and “OA” energy and rightfully so, especially with a title that plays on a vulgar term of the male genitalia. It may be refreshing to see Gil in a comedic role, which no doubt he does pull off quite nicely. Ollero is as natural as his comedic timing, which suits the personality of the character he is playing.
Meanwhile, Natividad, who is a heterosexual, plays a metrosexual in the film. It would’ve been nice to have a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in the role, though he makes for great chemistry with the rest of the cast. Rounding out the Filipino cast is Pepe Herrera, who plays Prajak Tithi, who disguises himself as a Thai tuk-tuk driver and tour guide of the gang. Much to our delight, Herrera’s eccentric comedic delivery is also one of the film’s standouts.
When Luis gets mistaken for Thailand’s famous pornstar, he gets a slap in the face by Thai women, as well as Thai men who despise the unrealistic standards (if you know, you know) Big Bird has set when it comes to sex. I Am Not Big Bird may capitalize on crude humor.,still, it also touches on the culture of the porn industry (which they could’ve delved deeper into), relationships in their thirties, and becoming the bigger person.
The trio and Pepe Herrera are running away from a mob. Screenshot taken from I Am Not Big Bird’s teaser.
Ultimately, I Am Not Big Bird is a comedic throwback to the late 90s and early 2000s aesthetic, with notable remnants such as VHS tapes and digicams, as well as an ode to outlandish action films from decades past, adding fuel to the parody fire. The film has little to no downtime, with its vibrant editing and lively atmosphere being one hell of a ride, especially with a funny scene that features Parokya ni Edgar’s “Please Don't Touch My Birdie.”
At the end of the day, size doesn’t matter since I Am Not Big Bird knows how to have a fun time without thinking too much about its zany plot and a wacky, solid cast.
Catch I Am Not Big Bird flying high in Philippine cinemas nationwide.
