Lolo and the Kid

Written and directed by Benedict Mique, Lolo and the Kid follows Lolo (Joel Torre), a grifter, and Kid (Euwenn Mikaell), the boy he took in, routinely conning the upper classes.

The film portrays the grandfather/grandson relationship, how they go through their lives going to karaoke nights, living in motels, and routinely deceiving the wealthy. Upon reflecting on what is in Kid's best interest, Lolo begins to have doubts if their way of life is the best course of action. Kid never went to school, and this is presented as a hindrance to being successful and making money. Kid wants to go to school, but Lolo's opinion at first is reluctant about what school can teach you that the streets cannot. As a hustler, he is the kind of person that sees street-smarts not only as something better, but as the only real education worth having. Lolo thinks there are two kinds of people: those who cheat and those who get cheated.

Benedict Mique's feature has its problems. To begin with, despite its many attempts at crying-inducing scenes, it does not have the emotional weight it aims at. It simply doesn't. When the script and execution are good enough, there is simply no need for unnecessary non-diegetic emotive music or excessive crying onscreen to provoke sympathy. It feels like a bad trick to manipulate the audience in a very obvious way, like a puppet master does with its marionettes.

The routine of them conning people is also tiresome and makes its short runtime of 97 minutes feel much longer. Lolo and the Kid has its moments, and it offers good performances from its two leads, but it doesn't have any memorable moments, and the same ideas have been seen better portrayed elsewhere.

THIS IS LITERALLY ONE OF THE TEARJERKING MOVIE I'VE EVER WATCH. It's literally the best movie! As someone who grew up with a grandparent, I can relate to this movie a lot. Also, I can't say this enough but the storyline, cinematography, actors, crew, director, and everyone else who played the part of making this movie. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! U GUYS DID A GOOD JOB! This movie literally bawled my eyes out and made me realized how lucky I am to have my grandparent. I love them so much. Hands down also to Joel and JK (also the kid who is playing) for their phenomenal acting that moved the audience hearts especially mine. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO GIVE THIS MOVIE A CHANCE AND WATCH IT CUZ ITS THE BEST! :)

This movie is probably not easy to watch if you are someone who has never struggled, experienced lost or know the depths of living in the streets.

Even though Lolo knew one way to survive the streets, he managed to overcome what I assume to be a deep depression and addiction in order to provide for a child that wasn't his.

I cannot imagine giving up the only thing that has brought hope to your life, but that is what this movie is about. The purest form of loving is letting go.

The child was an amazing actor and I am truly happy to watch a short, heartbreaking, well written film. For those questioning the "morality" in this film, it may be time to question a lack of knowledge and empathy.

"Lolo and the Kid " surprisingly not a family oriented movie due to it's theme but the movie is worth the experience. The first and second half of the film is about bonding and scamming of these two characters, Lolo (Joel Torre) and Kid (Euwenn Mikael Aleta). It's funny and you feel the special bond of these characters. The last is heartbreaking. Kid is now grown up (played by JK Labajo). This film may not be for everyone by that last half is great! I love JK Labajo's redition of "Through the Years" it is heartbreaking specially during that scene where he open the box and crying. I think everyone gives brilliant in comes to acting department. Kudos to Director Benedict Mique for giving us another great Filipino movie!

Overall, "Lolo and the Kid" ends with a usual Filipino movie now a days and that's making us crying. This film delivery what we want and that's family, adventure and a memory that's heartfelt.

Here is a tale of an old man and a kid, with no names, (living on the streets apparently means you don't know your own name), who steal from people to get money. Yes you read that right. My question is, when people keep offering them money + a better life, why would they keep stealing instead? But that isn't the worst part. The lead adult actor seems to care for the kid a lot, yet continues to teach him stealing is ok (oh sorry...Resourcing, yes he actually says that), and when even the first couple say they would adopt him, if he wants what's best for the kid, wouldn't he agree to give him a better life?

The acting is quite good, but i couldn't get past the fact the film keeps trying to get the viewer to accept theft is acceptable + ethical + a good thing to teach a child. I couldn't even stomach the whole film, made me feel mad tbh.

My advice, ignore the fake reviews from crew + don't waste your time. This would have been way better if how it started was how it continued; a heartfelt story of striving instead of the lead trying to teach a child respect while simultaneously teaching him stealing is hilarious and an ok thing to do.

The kid is a good actor though, that's why i give it 2 stars not 1.