Likes: Cinematography – top of my list. The movie was shot almost entirely in Italy. Almost 98%, the setting is in Lake Como which is very picturesque. Of course, cinematography is not just about the beauty of the place but also how it was brought into the picture which compliments AND complements the story.
Plot – it's simple and relatable (for some, I guess). The conflicts and the twists are just enough to make the whole premise of the film interesting. Of course, it's far from what could really happen in real life but as far as cinematic experience is concerned, it's just right.
Acting – Maine's acting has improved since My Bebe Love, it seems that her forte is romantic comedy. There are few instances where it's obvious that she's just a neophyte but she is a natural. Her ad lib and comedic timing are on point and she can banter with Cacai bautista (which is really funny) and Cai Cortez (I love her dialogues). Alden is already a known good actor but what surprised me here was Jasmine Curtis, I know that she has an award in acting already but this is the first time I saw here acting and yep, she's great.
Humor – the movie is a romantic comedy thus its humor is just enough and right. Not slapstick, not corny. Probably, what I like most about the humor in this movie are the ad lib.
Camera Works – the long continuous shots of Mike Tuviera reminds me of Martin Scorsese's trademark. It's fluid and smooth and it brought me into the movie. It's as if I was there.
Candid Moments – I like how the director incorporated the scenes where Maine and Alden are not acting at all. It may have work well because of this next item
Chemistry – it's undeniable. Alden and Maine have it. The last time I saw this kind of chemistry was between Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes. Shouts of glee reverberated in the cinema halls when the screen showed them on the same scene the first time.
Cameo – please do watch out for the cameo appearances. They're funny and cute.
Very Subtle Product Placements – I always cringe whenever I see product placements which where injected in the film and as a result make the movie crass (e.g. Converse in i-Robot, Tide in My Bebe Love, etc) but the product placements in this film are almost unnoticeable except perhaps for the major sponsor(s) and these product placements were executed well.
Dislikes: Sudden Burst of Emotions – the actors deliver what was expected of them but I thought that some dramatic moments were not cohesive to the flow of the scene. It's kind of out of place, dramatic moments could've been better if they were not as unreasonable and unrealistic as I thought they were.
Supporting Characters – Irma Adlwan's character as well as Cacai and Cai and Jasmine were great but I was expecting more screen time from Jerald Napoles, Yayo Aguila and others. Their scenes may have been edited but it would've been nice to see Jerald and Cacai. Hopefully in the sequel.
Over All Impression: I loved it! Not because I'm an Aldub fan but because it was a great film. It was a perfect lead star vehicle for Alden and Maine's love team. I can say this, without bias, that it's one of my favorite local rom-com films apart from Starting Over Again and Just The 3 of Us.
I can't help myself smiling all through out the film except for the climax where I "almost" cried
okay fine, I cried. I got kilig the whole time! And another thing, the maturity that Alden and Maine showed here is superb. Very far from being pabebe. Will watch this again
and again. And the ending!!!!
