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“P77,” GMA Pictures’ summer offering, may understandably become a polarizing film. Released through GMA Public Affairs’ film division, one would expect the movie to carry some concern over the social responsibility of the media, and, like their 2024 offering, “Green Bones,” would loop back to some didactic end. Initially slated for a 2023 release, its early promotional materials said that it was a film about the horrors of homelessness in a city of ghettos and skyscrapers. The final result shifted towards something else.

Barbie Forteza plays Luna, a daughter in a family facing precarity, who signed up to work on a cruise ship. Her employment was cut short as she rushed back home after learning of a medical emergency involving her sickly younger brother, Jonas (Euwenn Mikaell). With her mother missing in action, Luna takes matters into her own hands to work again for her family. She then finds out about Penthouse 77,...

“Lolo and the Kid” is one of those films that we have all seen umpteen times, but still have an impact. One way to tell is that the film topped the Filipino (and Peruvian!) Netflix charts after just a few days last summer. It was in the Netflix top ten in 38 other countries. Its success in its home country is of course due to the popular stars that appear in the film, including Joel Torre as Lolo (“Grandpa”), Iza Calzado, Joem Bascon, Markki Stroem, Juan Karlos and many others, as well as the wonderful child actor Euwenn Mikaell. And last but not least, it is due to the very simple but heartwarming story that we could all write in a sleepless night – only we don’t.

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It was written, however, by Benedict Mique, who has worked in all sorts...

Tucked within the crowded streets of Manila lies a heartwarming tale of two unlikely companions, just trying to find their way. Lolo and the Kid introduces us to a pair of homeless grifters, known only as Lolo, or “Grandfather,” and his young friend simply called Kid.

Played brilliantly by veteran actor Joel Torre and newcomer Euwenn Mikael Aleta, these two bring light to each other’s lives despite their unfortunate circumstances.

Lolo takes the boy under his wing, and together they rely on their wits to survive on the streets. Through clever cons, they manipulate sympathetic families for money and goods. But beneath the schemes, a true bond forms—one that provides solace in an unstable existence. As the two spend fun-filled days enjoying the spoils of their scams, it’s clear they deeply care for each other.

Not everything is easy, though. Kid desires stability and education that their transient lifestyle can’t offer.

In Lolo and the Kid, we have seen there are some characters who have significantly impacted the lives of the grandfather and grandson duo: Lolo and Kid. Let’s delve into this through the cast and character guide of the film directed by Benedict Mique.

Spoilers Ahead

Lolo

Lolo, played by Joel Torre, is a complex character deeply shaped by his past. He’s an old man who saw hard times when he struggled with addiction and lived on the streets. His character shows a mix of deep-seated pain and an intense, albeit flawed, sense of responsibility. Lolo’s relationship with Kid is both tender and troubled. On one hand, he is a protective and caring figure. Despite his own struggles, Lolo takes Kid in and tries to shield him from the worst of the harsh reality of life on the streets. He looks after him and even involves him in their daily survival tactics.

Picture an old man and a young boy looking out at a picturesque golden-hued sunset only for it to disappear into blackness. That’s how it feels to watch Lolo and the Kid. A heartwarming tale of an elderly man and his grandson, running around town scamming people. Yes, you read that right. The film’s beginning is slightly rocky because it takes a good amount of time to establish one basic truth. Lolo and Kid use their acting skills to cheat wealthy people in search of a child. I’m not sure this is a very realistic concept, but it definitely works in the very “made for slice-of-life” kind of way. It is not easy to write this review without spoilers; I mean, even the Netflix description gives away the whole film in one simple line, but if you haven’t read that and want to watch a cute movie,...

“Lolo and the Kid” is a Netflix movie starring Euwenn Mikael Aleta, Joel Torre and Jk Labajo. It is written and directed by Benedict Mique.

“Lolo and the Kid” is a delightful yet poignant film that centers on the bond between a grandfather and his rather… spirited grandson. These two characters, who navigate life on the streets and engage in minor cons, form the crux of this story. Despite their seemingly aimless existence, the grandfather strives to provide the child with a semblance of education. This charming film captures the essence of individuals who, though lost in life, manage to get by day after day in their own unique way.

This movie is particularly appealing if you are fond of narratives that touch the core of your emotions. Don’t expect an abundance of cinematic flair or an avant-garde masterpiece, for “Lolo and the Kid” is crafted to tug at...