Brillante Mendoza weaves brilliance in the award-winning MMFF entry ‘Mindanao’

The cast and crew of Mindanao led by award-winning director Brillante Mendoza and one of the best actresses of her generation Judy Ann Santos.  

Whenever people talk about director Brillante Mendoza, his work would often be described as thought-provoking, moving, socially relevant and award-winning.

Who can forget Mendoza’s first film Masahista in 2005 where a newcomer Coco Martin portrays the role of young man offering massage service to gay men and touches the harsh realities of life?  Four years later, Coco was again tapped by Mendoza for the movie Kinatay where the later won the best director plum at the 62^nd Cannes Film Festival, the first Filipino to achieve such milestone.

Mendoza has also worked with the Superstar of Philippine Cinema Nora Aunor in the movie Thy Womb (2012), his first movie set in Mindanao, and Cannes Best Actress Jacklyn Jose for the 2016 drama Ma’ Rosa.

In this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Mendoza is bringing his winning ways with the much-acclaimed movie Mindanao to compete in the box-office with other entries:  The Mall, The Merrier (Vice Ganda/ Anne Curtis); Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity (Vic Sotto/ Maine Mendoza); Sunod (Carmina Villarroel/ Mylene Dizon); 3POL Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon! (Coco Martin/ Ai-Ai Delas Alas/ Jennylyn Mercado); Miracle in Cell No. 7 (Aga Muhlach/ Xia Vigor); Write About Love (Roco Nacino/ Miles Ocampo); and Culion (Iza Calzado/ Jasmine Curtis-Smith / Meryll Soriano).

Mindanao does not lack star power with Judy Ann Santos leading the cast of this movie graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board. Juday won the Best Actress award for this film at the 41st Cairo International Film Festival while the full-length feature was also recognized as Best in Artistic Contribution.

If you need a good cry this holiday season, Mindanao is a certified tearjerker. Make sure that along with your popcorn, you have a lot of tissues on hand because things can be messy when you started to sob with Juday. Another good news is that you can now tag along your kids watching a Brillante Mendoza film because the multi award-winning director used animation in his feature for the first time to incorporate the epic tale of Rajah and Sulayman in this action drama film about Saima (Judy Ann) who spent the final days of her daughter Aisa (Yuna Tangog)who was battling cancer at the House of Hope in Davao City while his husband Malang (Allen Dizon) dodges bullets as a medic in the military operation in Maguindanao.

My personal takeaways after watching Mindanao is that, regardless of religion, beliefs and social status, we are all equal when we see death waving at us. Whether its cancer or a loaded gun that is slowly killing you, it doesn’t even matter because the bottom line is if you don’t survive, you’re dead. Plus, it was quite an experience even just through this film to witness how our Muslim brothers and sisters pay their last respect to their loved ones who passed away.

But the movie is not really that gloomy because Mendoza was able to weave scenes of hopes and colourful moments to balance the heavy premise of the story. Watch out for the heart-warming grocery store scene and you might whisper, “Faith in humanity restored.”

Indeed, the brilliance of Mendoza is flying and spewing fire like Ginto and Pula from the popular folktale from the South, in this yet another eye-opener and one of the front-runners for the Best Picture at the MMFF award ceremonies.

Babae at Baril: A shot in the arm to a society of gender stereotypes

What can a girl do with a gun?

This is the premise of the Janine Gutierrez starrer Babae at Baril, an official entry to the ongoing QCinema International Film Festival.

(Spoiler alert: Some key scenes of the movie will be discussed here)

The film begins by introducing the audience to the city landscape that regular commuters can easily identify as Cubao. Different angles of the setting were shown but the sense of horror that ordinary Filipinos experience when they go through the tunnel or the overpass bridge is felt ---- traffic jam, smog or even threats of possible physical harm of any form.

When a timid yet angelic face of Gutierrez graced the screen, you can’t help but smile because how can a movie go wrong with a gun-slinging pretty woman on the lead role. But what is quite impressive is how director Rae Red built the persona of Gutierrez from a silent, calm and submissive saleslady to a tough reckless alpha woman. The movie is Red’s sophomore feature and first solo directorial effort.

Gutierrez’ character was a victim of many predator’s and unpleasant situations in the first part of the film. She held out against workplace verbal abuse and unending catcalls day in, day out. Until the unfortunate night came when she was raped by her co-worker (Felix Roco) who was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It was also the same night she found purpose to a gun she found right on her doorstep.

The character build up was so effective that I overheard someone from the back, “Ay, bakit di niya binaril sa mukha?”

This was when Gutierrez decided not to gun down Roco when she was able to corner her after a chase scene. Anyone who is carrying a yoke on their shoulder can relate to Gutierrez’ role and for sure is also cursing in their head along with her when she fought back to all the people who have wronged her in the past.

Aside from vividly showcasing the realities of domestic physical abuse and office sexual harassments, Babae at Baril also tackled extra judicial killings and even the poor working conditions of many Pinoys are currently just bitterly swallowing because of lack of opportunities and power-tripping bosses and their threats, “Kung ayaw mong sumunod, huwag ka na nang babalik dito.”

My favorite line in the movie is Gutierrez in-your-face –back-to-you anger growl with gun pointed to Roco, “Gusto mong iputok ko sa ‘yo ito!?” which you will only appreciate if you go watch the it  during festival run (October 13 to 22) at Gateway Mall, Ayala Trinoma, Robinsons Galleria, UPFI Cine Adarna, Cinema ’76 Anonas, and Cinema Centenario in Quezon City.

The film also stars Elijah Canlas, JC Santos, and Sky Teotico with special participation of Ruby Ruiz, Allan Paule, and Archie Adamos.

The musical scoring is also commendable. The sounds were on point to set the mood of the scenes. The classic rock hit "Magnanakaw" by Asin is fit to the film and was played timely in during some of the more important film sequences.

You better watch Babae at Baril because depending of its success, I personally see at least a part 2 or spin-offs based on the lives of the other characters. Whatever happened to Gutierrez’ female dorm mate who was a victim of physical and sexual abuse? Or the young step sister of the EJK victim? Or Cruz, the employee of the month awardee whom Gutierrez bumped into during a bus ride? They all seem have interesting back stories to tell. Remember that there is a box-full of guns shown in the middle of the movie which were never seen again.

In today’s world, women in many developed countries now enjoy equal rights to men. However, reality bites that there are still gender stereotypes that pervade our culture. Films like Babae at Baril maybe the shot in the arm our society need. Maybe.

Babae at Baril is one of the three recipients of production grants amounting to P1.5 million each from QCinema and is presented by Cignal Entertainment in partnership with Epicmedia. The movie will be competing along with Glenn Barit’s The Cleaners and Arnel Barbarona’s Kaaway sa Sulod, and against entries from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, and China.

Imagine you and #AlDub

For someone who has a full-time day job, my excitement for the weekends starts as early as Monday morning while trying to convince myself to rise up for work.

My Saturday lunchtime is booked all year round in front of the boob tube to watch my favorite noontime show ever since I learned how to open the TV. It’s been a lifelong routine which I think I will never get tired of doing. I am a proud laking Eat Bulaga happily married to someone who also grew up breathing the TVJ humor.

That’s why when Kalye Serye was born last year, we are one with the millions of dabarkads who followed the story through replays via YouTube and live broadcast on Saturdays when we don’t have work.

We love every member of EB especially the phenomenal love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza that captured the hearts of every loving and sentimental Pinoys of all ages in and out of the country. That’s why this Saturday, after watching Eat Bulaga, my wife and I will have a movie date with our favorite pair.

The movie Imagine You and Me, shot in Italy, is a romantic film directed by Mike Tuviera that will be shown on July 13, 2016, three days before AlDub's 1st anniversary on July 16, under APT Entertainment, GMA Films, and M–Zet TV Production, Inc.

The movie also features Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Irma Adlawan, Yayo Aguila, William Martinez, Luis Alandy, Elijah Alejo, Cacai Bautista, Jerald Napoles and Cai Cortezas.

Last July 10, I was one of bloggers invited to the blogcon held at Relish, Tomas Morato, Quezon City as part of the promotion of the film.

For those who want to catch the happenings during the blogcon, watch this full coverage from Orange Magazine TV:

Batman v Superman v Me and my Pop Corn

When I was young, I had this crazy fantasy that I will be a superhero someday.

I would often draw in my notebook my possible costumes and even had a list of my superheroes name that I will use in case a beautiful female reporter asks me during the post-battle-with-a-sinister-villain interview.

My weekends are spent watching Super Friends, the DC animated TV series featuring Superman, Batman and Robin, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and the Wonder Twins with their pet monkey Gleek.

I’m already in my thirties but the illusion of being able to wear a cape, fly high and run as fast as a bullet train still tickle my imagination.  Now, if the Gods from Planet Krypton can read this, I hope they can lend me the powers of Clark Kent even for a limited time only. Or if only I am rich as Bruce Wayne, I will build my very own Batmobile that has special features like traffic-detection alarm, videoke machine and a donut holder. I also welcome a ride in Wonder Woman’s invisible jet if I will be offered.

Simply nostalgic.

That’s why when it was announced that the live action flick Batman v Superman was announced several months ago, the DC fanboy in me just went berserk (in a good way) and followed every updates I can find online.

Last March 29,  I was fortunate to be invited by Devant, makers of the most technologically advanced and smart TVs in the country today, for the special block screening of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 5 in Makati City.

With fellow bloggers, Devant’s corporate partners, and other VIPs, I experienced all an exciting evening to be among the first to watch the thrilling and most anticipated movie event of the year, where Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) clash in an epic collision for supremacy and power between two of the world’s greatest super heroes, a monumental collision to gain the trust and confidence of the people of the world as to who will be their ultimate savior.

For more than two hours, I was that young boy again munching a bag of popcorn while watching with awe the Dark Knight slugging it out with the Man of Steel. Not to mention the amazing moments of the eye-catching stunning beauty of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot).

And that’s not all as premium loot bags and exciting raffles prizes were given away by Devant for lucky moviegoers prior to the screening, much to their delight.

Ms. Aileen Chan President  of 1st Megasaver

Devant also reminded their guests that the “Battle for Supremacy” promo is still ongoing. For every purchase of Devant’s big-screen TVs like the 65-inch UHD200 Ultra HD TV, the 55 and 50-inch UHV200 Ultra HD TVs, the 58 and 50-inch DTV700 Smart TVs, customers can enjoy quality home entertainment by pairing them with equally impressive home entertainment accessories, all offered at special add-on prices.

Enjoy clear and distinct audio of your favorite movies, concerts or sporting events with the DV-5270 Devant 5.1 Channel multimedia speaker (270W), DV-280 Devant 2.1 Channel multimedia speaker (80W), and DV-5160 Devant 5.1 Channel multimedia speaker (160W).

Daddy, you have a tummy like Kung Fu Panda

I was minding my own business watching basketball on TV last Sunday night when my 6-year old son butted in, "Daddy, you have a tummy like Kung Fu Panda."

Charles must have been watching me caressing my just-had-dinner stomach while lying in bed.  I just smiled at my little boy and asked him to play outside the room with his cousins instead of staring at my belly.

How could this boy be that insensitive after bringing him to the special advance screening of Kung Fu Panda 3 at SM Megamall Imax Theater courtesy of the generous people from 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Dreamworks, Dream Play and WWF Philippines (I just have to thank them this way because we really had a great time last weekend).

That's my son (nope, not the Panda) with his newly-met friends during the advance screening of Kung Fu Panda 3 in 3D.

Just in case you don't know, Kung Fu Panda is one of the most successful animated film of all-time featuring the voice of ace comedian Jack Black as the clumsy yet heroic Panda named Po. For the third installment of the series, other Hollywood heavyweights were included in the cast namely Dustin Hoffman as Shifu; Angelina Jolie as Tigress; Jackie Chan as Monkey; Seth Rogen  as Mantis; Lucy Liu as Viper; Kate Hudson as Mei Mei; and a lot more.

Now, I'm starting to think the what my son said s actually a compliment. Imagine how many big stars were assembled just for a Panda film. Now here's one trivia you might want to know (no matter how useless it may sound): In the movie, Po is known as the Dragon Warrior. But did you know that Panda's has a list of aliases?  The Chinese call giant pandas daxiongmao or “large bear cat.” Pandas have also been known as “beast of prey,” “white leopard,” “iron eating beast,” and “bamboo bear.

Now, if you still have a few minute to spend reading, here are three more interesting Panda trivia that you can pass on to your child:

1. A panda mother is 900 times bigger than her newborn cub, which weighs less than 5 oz. In comparison, an 8-pound human baby would have a mother that weighed 7,200 pounds.

2. On average, a panda eats 25-30 pounds of bamboo in one day. In the spring, a panda may eat 100 pounds in a day.

3. Under its fur, the skin of a giant panda is black where its fur is black, and pink where its fur is white.

Coo, right? Anyways, just in case you want to catch Kung Fu Panda 3 in your favorite movie house, regular screening nationwide starts on March 9.

Panda trivia source: facts.randomhistory.com.

Who wants a Christmas Date with Yaya Dub?

Had an opportunity to sit beside the VIC (Very Important Comedian) and Ms. Ai-Ai Delas Alas during the blogger's conference for the movie My Bebe Love. If only Yaya Dub was there, things might have been dub-ble the fun.

If there is one woman, aside from my wife, who I want to spend Christmas with this year, it’s definitely Maine Mendoza, Yaya Dub, Meng or whatever term endearment every Kalye Serye loving guy want to call her.

Who is not mesmerized by Maine? Even people from the “other side of the fence” were not spared of this amazing she. How can you not? You see her every TV commercial break, along main roads, on your Facebook feed and even in the eyes of your mother-in-law who seems to be in good vibes since June this year.

Now, I am supposed to be very excited about the latest Star Wars installment since I dream of being a Sith Lord when I was young. But I have to postpone my crave for Hans Solo, Chewbacca and R2-D2 ‘till January next year because my movie budget this December will be for Yaya Dub’s first movie. Well, my family already booked a hotel room on the 24th so we will be first in line when the mall opens. Btw, our hotel is in front of the mall so as early as breakfast time, so we can already plan the best way we can maneuver our way to the entrance.

Now going back to the movie of our beloved Meng, she will be paired to that guy who will always make us question if life is fair every time we see him--- Alden Richards. Imagine this: the undisputed Philippine box-office king of comedy Vic Sotto and box-office queen Ai-Ai delas Alas will join forces with the newest record-breaking, phenomenal loveteam Aldub in one groundbreaking movie during the holiday season.

Now that makes this movie more appropriate to have the sub-title “The Force Awakens.”

I am not Nostradamus but “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” is going to make a killing at the box-office and set higher heights in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) History.

Now, who wants to date Yaya Dub this Christmas? Count me in.

Where to watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens during the Metro Manila Film Festival

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has been a part of the Christmas celebration of many Filipinos. It is one of those sure things to happen every holiday season just like the parol, Christmas tree, bibingka and puto bungbong, and your ninong and ninang temporarily relocating homes.

After all, MMFF has been in existence for 41 years. Even older than your very much-married “feeling hunk” officemate who still preys helpless OJTs and new hires.

Anyways, for the curious souls, here are the eight (8) official MMFF entries (from 21 nominees) this year in no particular order (although obviously, I will mention last the one my family will watch):

Beauty and the Bestie – Vice Ganda and Coco Martin teams up with #JaDine and try to kick this action comedy to box-office success

All You Need is Pag-ibig – Kris Aquino and son Bimby brings this family/ romantic comedy with the help of Derek Ramsay’s abs.

Buy Now, Die Later – Alex Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro tries to resurrect their respective careers with this horror, suspense, thriller (terrifying redundancy with the use of words).

Haunted Mansion – Janella Salvador tries to OMG us with a cast of thousand newbies in this another horror, suspense, thriller (now It’s becoming creepier).

Honor Thy Father – John Lloyd Cruz gives everything (including his medicine kit full of Biogesic) in this (take a deep breath) action/ drama/ suspense/ thriller/ crime (breath out).

Walang Forever – Jennylyn Mercado and Jericho Rosales team up in this romantic comedy of two of the gorgeous faces in local showbiz today (I hope I did not sound bitter).

Nilalang – Maria Ozawa. Nuff said.

My Pabebe Love: #KiligPaMore – I’ll be lucky if I can get a decent seat any day during the first week showing of this first #AlDub feature. Might as well join the twitter party instead and watch on January.

Now if you feel not watching any of the films mentioned and you are about to start an online petition on for Malacañang to allow of J.J. Abram’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens to be shown during MMFF week, don’t exert any effort because I will tell you where to watch this much-awaited sci-fi giant in the Philippines this December.

Here’s a portion of the article “The Force awakens MMFF 2015” publish on The Philippine Star last November 8.  I would love to rewrite it but I got a call for a meeting now so I’ll just quote the “important” item.

“The seventh franchise of the Star Wars saga opens globally on Dec. 17 and closes on Dec. 24 in the Philippines as required by law. The MMFF opens on Dec. 25. Only new Filipino film productions are allowed to screen during its two-week run. Regular screenings resume after it ends on Jan. 7 such as The Force Awakens on Jan. 8.

With one major exemption. The Force Awakens continues screening in 3D and IMAX theaters as allowed by the MMFF rules. For about double the regular price of an MMFF ticket, it will continue to screen in IMAX Aura Premier, Cebu, Clark, Lanang Premier, Mall of Asia, Megamall, North EDSA and Southmall.”

So there you go. Now you know where to watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens during the Metro Manila Film Festival.

6 reasons to watch “VIY: The Spirit of Evil” aside from a chance to win an iPhone 6

Halloween is just a couple of weeks from now and for sure you are already thinking of a scary movie where you’ll have a chance to hug or cling on your date especially during creepy scenes. Well, I have one “astig” recommendation which I saw last night at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3 during a special screening by Futuretainment, Inc.

I have six reasons for you to watch VIY: The Spirit of Evil and on top of them is a hair-raising news that you might end up owning a brand new iPhone 6 by just watching the film which will be shown in 3D in select theatres in Metro Manila, and in in 2D nationwide starting October 22.

1.  “VIY: The Spirit of Evil” is a hit dark fantasy film loosely based the story “Viy” by Nikolai Gogol, a legendary Russian poet. Gogol has been featured many times on Russian and Soviet postage stamps; he is also well represented on stamps worldwide. Several commemorative coins have been issued from Russia and the USSR. In 2009, the National Bank of Ukraine issued a commemorative coin dedicated to Gogol.  At least ten streets have been named after Gogol in various towns and cities and Russia.

2.  If you’re a big fan of the worldwide monster HBO hit series “Game of Thrones” and deeply missed just about everything about the said TV show, you’ll have at least Charles Dance who plays Tywin Lannister in GOT in an important role in VIY. Plus, shades of special effects, gore and brutality of GOT can be felt in the movie.  VIY was shot in Prague at the Gatteo, Barrandov, and Letnyany studios, world-renowned locations that are also called the "European Hollywood" and home to the production of many blockbusters such as Van Helsing, The Brothers Grimm, The Chronicles of Narnia, Casino Royale, Hellboy, and Blade.

  

3.  VIY is produced by Russian Film Group and Marins Group and is distributed internationally by Universal Pictures, one of Hollywood so-called “Big Six” film studios. Lead star Jason Flemyng, who played the role of “Master Scientist” Jonathan Green, has also appeared in some of recent Hollywood box-office hits like Transporter 2; Case of Benjamin Button; Clash of the Titans; Kick-Ass; and X-Men: First Class.  

4.  VIY is the name of the dark and notorious monster responsible for the deaths of many village people in a sleepy 17th century Ukrainian village. It’s most terrifying ability is to murder and cut through the soul of any one with just the gaze of his many eyes. There is one very creepy sequence in the film where a number of terrifying monsters of all shapes and sizes appeared that made me blurt, “This is nightmare!”

5.  Jason Flemyng on VIY: “It's a classic story of redemption and of love and of adventure. “The special effects and the 3D is as good if not better as I've ever seen it, so the potential is limitless. I've made a hundred films now and five of them I love, and Viy is one of those five.”

6. The film became a certified hit when it was first released in Russia earlier this year. The first weekend take was $17 million, an all-time record for a Russian movie. 

Now if I happen to convince you to watch VIY, hold on dearly to the tickets that you’ll purchase because they might be your only chance ever of owning an iPhone 6. Here’s how:

a. All viewers of the movie are qualified to join the promo.

b. Participants must write their name and signature on their movie ticket (the side where the movie title is visible), and then take a selfie with their movie ticket.

c.  Go to the movie’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/futuretainmentinc and they must like th page and click the Watch and Win iPhone 6 promo logo for the next step and complete details.

d. There will be 3 winners of an iPhone 6 unit each, which will be drawn on October 25, 28, and 31.

e. Winners will be announced via Futuretainment FB account, Instagram account (@futureupdate) and the registered mail. Participants can only win once during the entire promo.

If this stuff still can’t charm you to watch VIY, don’t let the monsters in the film (watch the trailer below) make you.

Growing up with Robin Williams

Image credit: fanpop.com

I was sipping coffee for breakfast when a breaking news flashed on the TV screen: Hollywood actor Robin Williams dead at 63.

I felt a jolt of hot liquid inside my throat because a hurriedly finish my cup, not minding if my tonsils will get 3^rd degree burns, so I can reach out the remote control and increase the volume of the boob tube.

While listening to the confirmation of the authorities that the great funny one was indeed dead after committing suicide inside his home in California, I shed tears not because of a sore larynx but probably the connection I had with Williams growing up watching his films.

Call me a sentimental fool or what but he and his films for me are some of the best things that Hollywood gave to the world. I can still remember in the 80’s the amazement to see Popeye (1980) in a live action film; the contagious Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) spiel of the cool DJ Adrian Cronauer; and who can forget the wisdom of professor John Keating in Dead Poets Society (1989).          

In the 90’s, Williams again proved that laughter is the best medicine in his remarkable performances as Dr. Malcolm Sayer in Awakenings (1990) and real-life Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams in Patch Adams (1998).  To some, he’ll be best remembered as the Genie in the animated film Aladdin (1992) or the android Andrew in Bicentennial Man (1999) or his Oscar-winning performance as Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting (1997) but for me, he will always be Daniel Hillard aka Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire from what I considered my most favorite Robin Williams movie Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).

I was just a college freshman when I saw Robin William’s movie about a father who would do anything just to be with his kids.  Doing anything would mean disguising himself as an old lady to apply as a housekeeper to his ex-wife and three children.  With this simple premise, Mrs. Doubtfire became a box-office hit and was included in the American Film Institute’s list of 100 funniest movies of the 20^th century. Last week, I was able to see the movie again over cable TV.

Incidentally, Marsha Garces, a Filipino American philanthropist and a former movie producer became Williams real-life wife while she's working as a nanny in the 80’s. It’s no surprise that Williams starred in all the three films she produced (Mrs. Doubtfire; Patch Adams; 1999’s Jakob the Liar).

Mrs. Doubtfire is very funny but heart-warming in so many ways.  The story evolves in the life of Daniel Hillard (Williams), an out-of-work voice actor.  His wife Miranda, played by the versatile actress Sally Field, has reached the end of her patience and decided to leave his irresponsible husband.  Since Daniel has no steady job, Miranda was forced to be the main breadwinner of the family.   Miranda gets primary custody of their three children while the court granted Daniel visitation rights limited to Saturday evenings because they find him unfit to be a father (which I think is one of the greatest insults one can hurl to any man)

When Daniel founds out that Miranda was looking for a housekeeper, he moved heaven and earth just to get the job.  With the help of his brother who is a professional make-up artist, Daniel was transformed into the 60-year old widow from England Mrs. Doubtfire who got the name from the news headline "Police Doubt Fire Was Accidental". 

The moment Mrs. Doubtfire set foot to the house of Miranda and the kids, it was the beginning of mischievous adventures of the family.  To add a little more spice to Mrs. Doubtfire’s dilemma, Miranda introduces her new boyfriend (Pierce Brosnan) to the family.  At this stage, Daniel would not only fight for quality time for his children but also for the right to be the person to whom the kids will look up to.  

In the end, Mrs. Doubtfire’s true identity was discovered.  This would lead to the tear-jearker court scenes where Daniel acts as his own attorney as he confessed why he disguised as Mrs. Doubtfire.  The judge, although feeling sympathy for Daniel, finds his behavior somewhat disturbing and awarded sole custody of their children to Miranda.  Daniel's visitation rights were also further restricted as the judge only allows him to see his kids with supervision from a court liaison.  Williams is one great comedian but in this movie, he proves to everyone that he can also make us cry.  You can feel his pain as a father trapped in his worst nightmare in this sequence in the film.

But as they say, time heals all wounds.  Miranda forgave Daniel of all his wrongdoings and decided to give him what a father longs and truly deserve--- the warm hugs and kisses of his children.  The film concludes with Daniel picking up his kids while Miranda is watching a TV show featuring advices to children of divorced parents, saying that no matter what type of family living arrangement children have, love will maintain the bond.

I just feel blessed that I have a loving wife and a adorable child in my life now that I vowed not to be in the situation that I’ll be forced to wear high heels just to see my son.  Let all fathers learn from Mrs. Doubtfire.  

And as the movie world is mourning to the loss of one of the greatest funny man who was able to conquer television, theatre and the silver screen with his wit, charm and humor, let us all be forever reminded that life must go one with a famous line delivered by Mrs. Doubtfire, “But if there's love, dear, those are the ties that bind. And you'll have a family in your heart forever. All my love to you, poppet. You're going to be all right. Bye-bye.”