The film broke box-office records in the Philippines upon its nationwide release in theaters, even holding the highest opening day record of ₱50.5 million. It previously held the title of being the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time until it was broken by Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy.
In spite of negative reviews from critics owing to its extensive use of product placement, a sequel to the film was made, to which Sotto initially hinted in an interview,[11][12] and was released in Christmas 2014 as one of the official entries for the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival.[13]
Plot
Torky (Vic Sotto) is a bookkeeper working for Baba (Kris Aquino), a millionaire cash management specialist. Because of some conflict in her business that puts her life in danger, Baba entrusts the safety of her son Justin (Bimby Yap) to Torky, who takes him home to meet his daughter Ice (Aiza Seguerra) and Ching (Ryzza Mae Dizon), the street urchin that the latter took under her wing. Given that Justin and Torky are not particularly fond of each other, how all four of them would get along under one roof becomes the focus of the story.
My Little Bossings was released to negative reception from critics, despite opening at first place in the box office.[15]
Much of the criticism was directed at the film's plot and editing, citing lack of production value and its extensive and blatant use of product placement.[16] The most negative reviews came from Rappler and ClickTheCity.com, each giving the film one out of five stars. Joseph Garcia of BusinessWorld branded the film as “one long commercial”, joking that the film is something to watch “if you’re looking to complete your grocery list and need a hint on what to buy.”[17] Philbert Ortiz Dy of Click the City called the film “an insult”, criticizing the film's editing and also stating that it was “banking entirely on the presence of a couple of recognizable names.”[18] A similarly critical review[19] was made by Zig Marasigan of Rappler, also noting the intrusive use of product endorsements as “some of the most distasteful examples of local product placement while no effort is made to weave them into the narrative.” Television host Lourd de Veyra also stated his disappointment for the film in an open letter, lamenting that the film felt like it was “made in just three days”, and that “we never paid 220 pesos to watch the film for the actors to hawk instantpancit canton, bread, laundry detergent, cough syrup” and several other products endorsed by Kris Aquino and Vic Sotto.[16][20]
A more positive review by Myra Grace Calulo of Philippine Entertainment Portal, however, saying that the film is “a family flick that sprinkled with gags and a lot of heart”, although she also noted the lack of character development and the story being “too drawn out at times”.[21]
Sotto later addressed criticism of the film in a taped interview, stating “I’m open to all criticism, most especially if it's constructive. This is what we call democracy. I respect everyone's opinions. Just as how I respect the millions of viewers who were happy and amused at our film,” He later added, “What's important is it was a record-breaking festival.”[15]
Box office
The film grossed ₱50.5 million on opening day, setting the highest record ever attained by a Filipino movie of all time.
The film has grossed some ₱350.9 million by January 4, 2014, setting the highest box office record gross ever attained by a Filipino movie of all time.
Sotto initially hinted at a possible My Little Bossings sequel in a 2014 interview.[11] While not much information has been released about the film at the tine, it was then later revealed that the sequel will be entitled My Bossing's Adventures and is a fantasy-adventureanthology film, with Sotto and Dizon reprising their roles. The film was released on December 25, 2014, as an official entry for the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival.[12]
See also
Mac and Me, a 1988 family film which received similar negative reception for extensive product placement
