Picking up the lines.....



Photo inset courtesy of link



After seeing "My Amnesia Girl" Yes I've watched a Tagalog film and I'm posting my take on this reel. It's a relief and a nice feeling that I'm no longer just compelled to write something about it as a response to a friend's challenge that I can't appreciate a local film. But I can't help it, local movies to date are more themed for gross commercialism, rather than with characterization, deep plot and great story. But for the fact that local film studios will not stop producing love and movie dramas I might as well appreciate what's the best they can offer and be entertained in its face value. 

Surprisingly this film has been the subject of talks in the office weeks after releasing it and what's amusing is my male colleagues are the most vocal about it. So I thought maybe I should give this a shot.

Seeing the trailer gave most viewers the impression that it's a typical Hollywood rip-off of "50 first dates" but to my surprise it didn't turned out to be. The film is in its own distinct and unique plot which I haven't seen even in Korean movies, well I consider them by far superior when it comes to love story genre. I lately realized that this was directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the same director behind who brought us "One more Chance".

Following the movie's premise, Apollo and Irene met in a speed dating event where Apollo is among the participants and Irene is the event photographer. So technically she was not part of those who can be dated with. Apollo however took a shot with the first pick-up line in the movie"Do you believe in love at first sight? when Irene replied No, Apollo then went to left her side, only to reappear behind her and said "What about second sight?". This is how they started exchanging corny pick up lines, the ones used in SMS Messages before, though I'm not sure if there some or maybe still who crack those lines nowadays. Now I've heard and read most of these pick-up lines but not this one, “Tae ka ba? Di kasi kita mapag-laruan eh”. This one made me laugh.

Moving over the course of the movie. (Just to warn you, this is a spoiler) Their relationship grew until one day Apollo asked Irene to marry him which Irene excitedly said yes then comes the day of their wedding, Apollo however suddenly had a bout of cold feet and left Irene alone in the aisle. Irene was naturally devastated, adding to our sympathy that she is sick (asthma) and an orphan.

Some years later their paths cross again. When Apollo approaches Irene, she gives no hint a memory of him and instantly claims to have amnesia. whoa that's one quick reaction, and probably the most sarcastic way to greet your ex, that you have no recollection of him at all(you literally chose to forget all his existence because of what he did), but in the film's contrive Apollo took Irene's claim without really validating, but this gave him an opportunity to pursue Irene again. That begins his resilience and hilarious misadventures chasing Irene and to be able to undo all the past, by offering Irene the best memories she could ever have.I can somehow relate to Apollo's effort in winning Irene back as I remembered planning it to one of my ex, unfortunately she couldn't wait and got married.(LoL) but true love is hard to resist, they learn, and just when they find themselves ready to commit to each other, the past catches up with them. I suggest you go watch the rest of the movie.

Photo inset courtesy of link

The script is smartly written; clever and witty. The lines were delivered in an ample humour and not over-acted. The two main characters have the habit of throwing pa-cute, pa-sweet funny little lines which are charming enough that you’d even might want to adapt some if you're in a relationship or linger one or two of those lines. These are the moments which I consider as intentionally corny; yet tickling and charming. To say the least, “hindi baduy”. For me, this is a better comedy than other films claims to be.

To those who think or thought that it’s all funny scenes, well how about the scene in the cottage where they went to shield from the rain. Irene pretending to forget the sad part of their cancelled wedding and desperately wanting answers from Apollo. That part was so touching to the point that Irene's breathing again was impaled by her Asthma. This scene perfectly executed by the filmmaker. For me it was even far more superior to the film’s climax.

And the characters? Who wouldn't fall in love with John Lloyd and Toni? Their chemistry blended perfectly. Both characters possess a very playful and witty sense of humour that makes a comedic and dramatic interplay between the two. I'm not really a Toni Gonzaga fan even for all her talents I just can't simply find her charismatic; But here, her onscreen acting presence left me nothing else but to adore her. The childlike fun-loving personality complements well in her character. For John Lloyd, there's nothing much to say, I'd say in his generations, he is the best in what he does, acting so naturally, so human, so honest, so true, and with such natural humour he is so candid that fits to his character as well. In local mainstream most male leads tend to do pa-cute antics, for John Lloyd he does it unconsciously and not ridiculously makes an effort in his acts. “Bumenta sya tsaka hindi baduy”.

Added to the main casts are the “barkadas”. Not over-acted either by supporting casts although there are some pa-cute antics but it’s tolerable. Another thing that's nice to watch is Toni's best friend is my crush Beatriz Saw(since PBB), she's funny and had a perfect chemistry with the female lead not to mention that she is cute and sexy.

Direk Cathy seems to have mastered this type of formula for commercial success. The movie shines as a romantic movie. Judging from her previous creations, she is one of those who exercise some degree of originality which is rare among local directors. She perfected this genre and does it uniformly so well (see her other films) her skill in creating romantic movies is already in such a celestial degree that leaves all my skepticism's in local romance films, she built a credibility that I just have to simply put my trust in her crafted film to be entertaining and fun. For me she is the saving grace of “Tagalog” romantic movies

There's some part of the movie that disappoints me though. It's how the two leads reacted to a suppose problem, now knowing the fake amnesia. I thought it was not such a big fuss and can be easily sorted when discussed clearly by heart. Now that they're back in each other’s arms despite of what happened with them before (I don't think there will be any or gravity wise wicked than Apollo leaving her on the wedding day). Irene totally forgave and accepted him again. The ploy was just too obvious, to create some tension in the films climax; yes it could be arguable but not enough to be so upset about. This was just to create an obligatory climax that nearly ruined or cost the perfect ending. 

All I can say the movie was worth viewing. It'll make you smile, laugh, cry and fall in love in love all over again. It's a lesson of Forgive and Forget. Too bad it was not shown in the love month, this could have been a perfect date movie. 

If romantic movies are your cup of tea, then this is for you.