Because he makes movies that children and parents want to see, comedian Vic Sotto is not only our reigning "Box-Office King," he’s also become the Filipino’s favorite film father. Whether he’s playing a real dad, a henpecked husband or a surrogate parent on the big screen, something about Vic Sotto’s quiet, easy-going nature makes moviegoers wish they had a dad like him. "Yan ang tatay ko!," declares a proud BJ "Tolits" Forbes in the trailer of "Ispiritista: Itay, May Moomoo," the brand-new comedy adventure he stars in with Sotto. It’s a line many of us wish we could say about the beloved comedian, after seeing his heroically funny portrayals in box-office mega-hits like "Enteng Kabisote," and "Lastikman," as a father or father figure who inevitably makes the world safer for kids by the movie’s end.
"Ispiritista" is another family-friendly comedy adventure that’s sure to endear the tall and lanky comedian to Pinoy moviegoers everywhere. This time around, Sotto plays a dad who has to earn back the respect of his own son after losing it because of a white lie. In the movie, Sotto plays a character named Victor who charges customers for talking to their dead loved ones and helping them with their "unfinished business." Problem is, Victor can’t even see the ghosts, much less talk to them! When Victor’s only son Tom Tom (BJ Forbes) discovers that his dad is a fake, Victor tries everything to regain his boy’s respect. And since "Ispiritista" is a comedy about ghosts that come in all shapes, ages, and sizes, you can be sure that the movie will feature an exciting ghostbuster team-up between father and son.
He may be used to playing the dad every kid would be proud to have in the movies, but in real life, Vic Sotto would prefer to talk about his kids. How son Oyo Boy is also making a name for himself in showbiz. How daughter Danica is being recruited by a five-star hotel to be an assistant chef. How another daughter, Pauline, is a golfer champion .
And Vic Sotto is effusive in his praise not only for his biological kids, but for his surrogate kids as well. Ask the "Eat Bulaga" co-host what was the best thing about making "Ispiritista," and he’ll tell you immediately that it was a kick to work with child star BJ "Tolits" Forbes. "BJ is just an amazing actor," says Sotto, "especially when you consider that this is his first movie. People are used to seeing him act for just 30 seconds at a time because of his TV commercials. Wait till you see him in a 90-minute movie where he communicates all sorts of emotions. Napakahusay niya."
A living showbiz legend who would rather talk about his kids and his pint-sized co-star than about himself? No wonder we all love Vic Sotto! And we’ve just heard that it was Vic’s idea to invite a hundred orphans to see "Ispiritista" at a special matinee premiere next Saturday.
"We’re just so happy with the movie we want everyone to see it," says Sotto. "It’s perfect entertainment and we want to share it with as many people as possible, especially with those kids who may not have the chance or opportunity to see it."
Adds co-producer Lily Monteverde, "During this time of crisis, we all need to forget our problems, and ‘Ispiritista’ is the perfect cure for depression. It’s the kind of movie Vic Sotto does so well. It’s funny and exciting, but in the end it also has a very hopeful message."
