The Mommy Returns

The Mommy Returns is a 2012 Filipino family comedy-horror movie produced by Regal Films. It was released in Philippine cinemas on May 9, 2012. The title is a direct reference to 2001’s The Mummy Returns.

Plot
The Mommy Returns tells the story of a mother, Ruby (Pokwang), who dies right on the day of her 25th wedding anniversary with husband, William (Gabby Concepcion). With her untimely death, she leaves behind her three children Amethyst (Kiray Celis), Topaz (Gerald Pesigan), and Sapphire (Jillian Ward).

Ruby is also temporarily trapped in PURGA (short for Purgatory) with its guardian, Dyoga (John Lapus) and the pesky Manny, the chicken pet of San Pedro.

When Catherine (Ruffa Gutierrez), a younger and prettier woman comes into the life of William, Ruby escapes from PURGA and returns to earth as a ghost to drive Catherine out of the family she left behind.

Cast

 * Pokwang as Ruby Pascual-Martirez
 * Gabby Concepcion as William Martirez
 * Ruffa Gutierrez as Catherine Laurel-Martirez
 * Kiray Celis as Amethyst "Amy" P. Martirez
 * Gerald Pesigan as Topaz "Toffi" P. Martirez
 * Jillian Ward as Sapphire "Saf" P. Martirez
 * Gloria Diaz as Mabel Diaz-Laurel
 * John Lapus as Diyoga
 * Moi Bien as Inday Moi
 * Kerbie Zamora as Gary
 * Ervic Vijandre as Rodel
 * Hiro Magalona as Emil

Distribution
The Mommy Returns had a premiere night in Cinema 9 of SM Megamall on May 8, 2012. It was released in Philippine cinemas on May 11, 2012.

Box office
The Mother's Story grossed P30.6 million in the Philippines after two weeks of release, according to figures from Box Office Mojo.

Critical reception
The Mommy Returns received generally negative reviews from local film critics. Mark Angelo Ching of PEP.ph said the comedy film is not funny, and only works in its dramatic moments. He also commented on the dull performance of the cast.

Johanna Poblete of Business World said The Mommy Returns did not offer anything new, and did not "elevate the local movie industry". Philbert Dy of ClickTheCity.com said the movie is "a dreadful bore."