Easter Sunday

In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Joe Valencia, played by Jo Koy, is a striving comedian facing the challenge of balancing his dreams with the responsibilities of single parenthood to his bright and spirited son, Junior. Known for his catchy phrase “Let’s Get This Party Started” from a popular beer commercial, Joe’s career takes a twist when his agent, Jay Chandrasekhar, lands him an audition for a sitcom. However, complications arise as the producer’s discovery of Joe’s half-Filipino heritage pigeonholes him into an embarrassing stereotype. This audition creates a clash with Junior’s school meeting, leaving Joe grappling with prioritizing his commitments.

Eager to create unforgettable memories, Joe decides to take Junior on a trip to Daly City for their family’s Easter Sunday celebrations. The weekend promises joy, laughter, and cherished moments as they reconnect with family. Upon their arrival, Joe reunites with his loving mother, Lydia Gaston, his sister Catherine (played by Carly Pope), and a quirky assortment of family, including his aunt Yvonne (Melody Butiu), uncles Arthur (Rodney To) and Manny (Joey Guila), and aunt Teresa (Tia Carrere). The day kicks off with a church visit, where Joe hears a shocking revelation about his cousin Eugene’s financial blunders involving a regrettable investment in a “hype truck” that sells frivolous items.

As the day progresses, Joe uncovers that Eugene has borrowed cash from the notorious gangster Dev for this ill-fated venture. In a bid to salvage the situation, Joe and Eugene devise a scheme to sell Manny Pacquiao’s boxing gloves, which Eugene had “liberated” from Dev himself, to their acquaintance Marvin. However, they quickly discover that Marvin’s familiarity with Dev’s dangerous reputation puts a halt to their plan.

Determined to find a solution, Joe and Eugene, along with Junior, head to the mall, where they unexpectedly encounter Tala, Junior’s crush. Their encounter is abruptly interrupted by Dev, who compels them to make a swift exit. Undeterred, they seek out a mysterious figure known only as “The Jeweler,” who turns out to be the actor Lou Diamond Phillips, ready to help them secure the funds needed to reclaim the boxing gloves.

Amidst the Easter festivities, Joe receives shocking news from Nick: he has scheduled a last-minute flight back to Los Angeles for a crucial meeting about a new TV project, promising that if Joe plays into the tired stereotypes, the role is virtually guaranteed. However, Joe stands firm in defending his artistic integrity, no matter Nick’s encouragement to comply.

Meanwhile, Junior’s invitation for Tala to join the family dinner triggers playful teasing about their budding romance. Tensions escalate when Susan and Teresa enter into a fierce argument steeped in the past, related to Joe’s upbringing. With a calming presence, Joe steps in to mediate, and when Junior’s frustration boils over, he storms out while Tala follows closely behind.

In a bid to bring harmony back to the family, Joe delivers an emotional address on the significance of unity, prompting an impromptu karaoke session that lifts everyone’s spirits. Just when reconciliation appears within reach, chaos ensues as Dev and his cohorts crash the celebration.

In the fray that follows, Dev menaces Junior, prompting Arthur to create a diversion while Joe takes matters into his own hands. With a fierce exchange of blows, Dev is soon knocked out, leaving Joe to wait for the police alongside Arthur.

As calm returns to the gathering, Joe’s ordeal escalates when he discovers that Nick had been watching their chat with the producer during the chaos. Overwhelmed by anxiety, Joe collapses, leading to a hospital stay where his family surrounds him in worry. Here, the producer reveals a twist: rather than the stereotypical sitcom Joe auditioned for, she envisions a show centered around Joe’s unique family dynamics.

In the end, as preparations for the new sitcom begin, Joe’s family is seen imparting their colorful wisdom to the cast, gearing up for the wild adventure that life promises to be with the endearing and often chaotic Joe at the helm.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 11:50