bbanatlao Reviews

Finally Found Someone (2017)

I want to give it a higher rating, but...

[5/10 · 31 March 2019]

I really do want to give it a much higher rating. However, I was hoping there would be a different twist from your typical Filipino romcom formula. The meeting of two people, the getting to know/falling in love, then a wrench is thrown in to turn their budding love upsidedown, and then getting back together in the end...

The chemistry these two have, saved this film from bombing. Just like in their first trio of romcoms together. Their acting isn't canned or forced. They do it so naturally that you will get enamored with the two characters', Raffy and Aprilyn, developement throughout the entire movie.

There were some parts that seemed to have been too drawn out, two in particular. The entire abandoned bride segment, although comical, could've benefitted from scenes being edited out. Second is the ending, where it was just Apriln and Raffy by the fountain, was slightly too long with their back and forth talk and sharing of feelings.

The romcom aspects come more from the supporting actors and not from Aprilyn or Raffy themselves.

This is a decent (almost subpar) movie for the casual moviegoer. But most would agree, that it is disappointing for the fans of AshLloyd.

It Takes a Man and a Woman (2013)

Another hit for the AshLloyd fanatics

[7/10 · 31 March 2019]

I must say, I was also drawn into the trilogy, not because I am a fan of the duo, but more of Sarah's songs. This third installment is the best of the three. As corny as Filipino rom-coms can get, this one follows all hollywood rom-com formulas. This shows a stronger more independent Laida, while Miggy's character reverts back to the "I am seeking acceptance/success" character from "A Very Special Love" with a twist of the careless badboy type.

Laida's character shows a strong facade, but is in turmoil inside, both from family and love life matters. She puts on a show of strength up to the point where the audience is about to get fed up with it, but Sarah played the character so well, that she shows Laida's soft and loving side in subtleties where the audience will laugh or cry with her.

Miggy on the other hand is very hard to read at times. Which I think was well acted by John. From his sometimes self-centered persona to his side that loves Laida, John did it well. But all in all Miggy's character in this movie was overshadowed by Laida's much more vocal and sometimes arrogant persona.

The movie was made more enjoyable with the trio of Matet, Joross, and Gio. In my opinion, they made the comedy aspect of it funny and at the same time revealing what Miggy and Laida really feel for/about each other.

All in all an enjoyable movie if you like Filipino rom-coms. The rabid AshLloyd fans will rate this movie a 10 for sure, due to how the movie ends on a high note.

On the other hand, those that have never heard of Sarah or John (which is impossibe in the Filipino community) will probably not enjoy this move that much. The corny ways Filipino rom-coms are will probably get plenty of head shakes from that group of audience.

A solid 7/10.