A Different Approach

Kiss me! Kiss me!

While I was watching You Changed My Life, a part of me was saying; the film nailed it once more. But then again, my stomach was twinging. It is like eating a sackful of gummy bears until one ends up vomiting a rainbow of empty calories. Yet I am still in high spirits. That could be the effect of this film. Seriously, what I did like in this is that they were able to sustain the charm of the story from the first installment. I am very particular with the narrative as I don’t want to gauge the futile kilig machinations as the prime strength. I am relieved that the film outfit did not exploit or even took advantage of the susceptibility of the audience towards these kinds of films. You Changed My Life is the second installment of the box-office film A Very Special Love directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.

I was like a sponge with the reactions of the crowd I encountered. It is a surprise to see some guys trying to conceal their delight on certain scenes. The premise is not tacky. Laida (Sarah Geronimo) is fetched by Miggy (John Lloyd Cruz) for their first official date. Once Miggy stepped out of his SUV, jeez, the overall response from the ladies was deafening. And mind you, it is not the premiere screening I saw. It was during the lazy hours of the day and the theatre was just about to explode with people. The sundown screenings I guess might have caused an insurrection. Their rendezvous is set in atop a hill in Batangas while fireworks were set in the skies.

Aside from the fact that love has already been established, the story gradually revolves into the reality of social responsibilities, family affairs, and gender roles in the relationship of the two. It is observed that there is a contrast in the personalities of the characters. The candid Laida is constantly jovial while the serious Miggy is a bit temperamental. It is not exactly a clash of personalities as what mostly happens in romcom flicks. It tilted from this usual conflict and used another spectrum of issues that could be the obstacle for the love story. I know only a few joyless sociopaths will dislike this movie. The concoction of kilig is unashamedly determined to give out what the audience has wanted in the first place. It is of course executed adequately by both Geronimo and Cruz.

On the technical merits the film has presented, I think their major improvement is in terms of the long takes of the climax in the film. It transcends the true emotions of the character and it is proof of how these actors could shell out their superiority in the acting category. True enough, mainstream films’ major advantage in terms of cinematography is that, the night scenes are amazingly executed. And I have also noticed that the musical scoring has been lessened in scenes that need directed focus on pure emotions. It did certainly transcend and it is quite an improvement for Filipino’s compulsive proclivity towards musical fabrication.

In addition to the conflict of the story, Mackoy (Rayver Cruz) is an addition to the casting. He is the long lost best friend of Laida. It is astonishing on how they coated Mackoy’s character in the story such that he has a certain feel of authenticity. He did not come to give a full blast twist to the happy relationship of Laida and Miggy. But instead, he symbolizes a person that is sensitive to the feelings of others. He also embodies the people who might have certain regrets in the past and is trying to make amends. He could have been a good boyfriend nonetheless if he did not leave Laida before.

You Changed My Life lives up to its promise of a light romantic comedy. There are more kilig sequences and the dramatic scenes are just sufficient. It is a well-balanced aspect and even employs great skill in creating the story. As for the love insights the film has shown, I sensed that the audience could relate to it in different ways. Love compels us to be patient and to be kind. I think Laida has shown to us that her patience is quite not enough and her decision skills might be too harsh to her loved ones. It is a lesson she has dutifully learned. Through Miggy’s plight to get the approval of his father and his half-brother and to ameliorate his status from fleckless bastard to successful, trustworthy bastard, he pushed himself up and is stacked with his priorities in life. The best part of the story is that they were able to understand each other. They have resolved their issues not in a turgid way of thinking. But with careful intonations that relationships entail compromise. We can still achieve what we want and be loved in the way our hearts desire. But these things get tougher as we go deeper in loving someone.

You Changed My Life will be adored by most people. I have seen their reactions and they totally enjoyed the film. But watch out for the kilig assortment the film is contrived with. But please, do it infrequently in real life. These characters are special in the eyes of an audience seeking enjoyment. Love is not just kilig dear people. It is just a fleeting emotion. Laida did get tired. And there might be different ways to pump-up a relationship that is worth saving.

Charlie Koon's Rating:

Not Only Me

Rock 'n' Roll!

The film is horrendous. I cannot think of an adjective to better articulate my dismay with this creepy crappy film. I have nearly lost my Filipino sensibility with its hazy ‘crude humor’ which they have deliberately incorporated. What’s with patola? You know, it’s just baffling to me, that somehow, at this point in time, they already know how to adhere with the proper usage of comedic devices in films. This is where we are good at. What I have seen is entirely a mockery of what they have already established (Star Cinema’s recent films).

My Only Ü is the story of Winona (Toni Gonzaga), who happens to have a history of early death from her mother’s side. They have been cursed that before they reach the age of twenty-five, they will die. Bong (Vhong Navarro) is the caretaker of the tenement where Winona lives. He is the closest friend of Winona. He has a deep admiration for her. He tries his best to save Winona’s life who is two days away from her 25th birthday. Things changed when Winona miraculously survives the curse.

The premise of the film has uncovered the contrivance I wanted to discuss further. They have integrated a device which has been used by Greek and Roman drama called dues ex machina. It is probably the idea behind the ‘fantastic’ or rather the insoluble plot. Of course a double usage might not be harmful and the film has gotten hold of it in the presence of Doctor Duke (Benji Paras). Obviously, the premise has something to do with the unexplained curse, which they have lethargically narrated in a very pseudo-comical way. They showed the ancestors of Winona who passed away before reaching twenty-five and has explained how they died. It is confusing though that they have explained the unlikely way they die rather than simply explaining the curse itself. Doctor Duke just comes out of nowhere to resolve the problem.

What can we do, the intractable problem in the plotline has already been completed. It is not entirely healthy to use this kind of device simply because it implies a lack of skill on the part of the writers (Emmanuel dela Cruz, Chinno Marquez, John Roque, Tanya Winona Bautista). It does not compensate to the appropriate logic of the story itself. What will the characters do? Just act out what has simply been the idea in the first place? Does it mean that the character’s seemingly sparkling romance is a bit off to put it further? It is a bit insulting for me as part of the audience watching it and persuading myself with its machination. I could not simply partake of it.

The moment I sit in that theatre, I know what they have to offer and that is to entertain. Actually, there is a promise of entertainment in the film which is easily recognized. Audience might need a little participation for this as they must be willing to overlook the limitations of the film and not interfere with the approval of the premise. It is quite interesting though, but even on its entertainment aspect, the film deeply subsides.

The cinematography is irrevocably bad. It doesn’t adhere to the very essence of why it was made in the first place. It looks dull at times, the color grading is a bit dark, or does it embody death? Actually it must look brighter. Nonetheless they have been proud of the fact that it is a black comedy after all. The supposed to be humor that surrounds death is a bit offensive. It tries to be humorous but it appears to be more on the scornful aspect of it. The idea has totally gone off-beam as their objective of a lighter approach towards the subject of death has not been reasonably thought of.

It is also noteworthy to define the jokes they have injected in the film. Filipino Culture is unique towards this and I have no condemnation with how ethnocentric the jokes have progressed. It is at times funny. The parody has been a very good device to extract laughter. But My Only Ü has been sloppy with the off-color humor it has projected simply because it is not hilarious at all. I never heard the audience laugh for some of its ‘in-jokes’. They could have been forced to laugh simply because there is a cue that it is indeed the punch line. I have no doubts that the actors have made their very best to make it humorous. They have done it with caution and much more, with precision. But I cannot simply give away my laughter for those silly lines. Anyway, Gonzaga and Navarro have this charm in how they handled their characters. It could save the film. Actually, it is funny that we still criticize films like this. Why not? If they could have known their strengths, they could have stuck with them. I did not feel any risk on their part as they get to use a hasty device.

Garcia-Molina might have done a great job with A Very Special Love simply because it is written with grace and is confidently executed. For now, it has been a hit and miss. My Only Ü has used a device not so common to all. People die for strange reasons and at times, even if they have sickness, it is still uncommon to the general Filipino public (You should go to PGH). Tragedy still requires a logical explanation for any occurrence as well as with comedy. Even with a comedic interpolation, it must be coherent. Films must give justice to what has transpired because after they have shown it, they can’t explain further what it tries to achieve.

Charlie Koon's Rating:

A Surprisingly Special Love… Indeed

Sun dance is not anymore an Ancient ritual

Every local film pitched with a romantic theme will never escape this harsh pre-judgment; it is a copycat, baduy or trashy. As the saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But in reality, not all of us are critics, who have a lot of time in their hands to check out this “chick flick” to reassure the relevance of this adage.

A Very Special Love is a romantic comedy film produced by Star Cinema, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and written by Raz dela Torre. The story is about a moody Editor-in-chief Miggy Montenegro who is in the verge of losing his staff as well as his men’s magazine, Bachelor. Laida, a naïve young girl, applies as an Editorial Assistant hoping to be close with the man she dreams of every night. The plot is fairly identifiable to the movie The Devil Wears Prada wherein a recent college graduate gets a job as an assistant to a powerful magazine editor. But this time, it is a love story. Although originality in the story is not a strong quality nevertheless the basic necessities of a Romantic Comedy were all addressed.

Geronimo’s performance in particular was quite a revelation. From her quirky antics, and humorous lines, to her on-screen charisma, the audience can’t stop laughing and crying and giggling and laughing again, a metaphoric state just like the theme, Love. On the other note, Cruz’s character was made complex and was wisely portrayed. He plays a not-so-likeable character you will despise at first sight. But as the film thoroughly progress, you will sympathize with him and be captivated with his charisma. I don’t want to elaborate any further as to how his character was layered as this might reveal the twists.

The probably advantage in having Star Cinema produce a film is the technical quality will not be compromised. Although I have qualms in certain dialogue scenes that were dubbed and its live recording needs to be improved. Too much musical scoring is what I loath in most mainstream local films. Moderation might ultimately be the cure.

Romantic comedy films are movies with light-hearted, humorous plotlines, centered on romantic ideals such as true love being able to surmount most obstacles. This is what this film offers. It is simple in definition, but hard to attain. It is a rare treat to watch a film in this genre and be able to say in the end, it was pleasing… and funny indeed.

Charlie Koon's Rating:

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Negative Reviews:

A Rather Mundane Love by Philbert Ortiz Dy

Death by Artichoke by Richard Bolisay

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See also my review of: You Changed My Life