REVIEW: Of All The Things
Director: Joyce Bernal
Producer: GMA Films and Viva Films
Distribution: Viva Films
Date of premiere: September 26, 2012
Sorry that this review is late; I have been really busy this week to write this, even though I have viewed the movie on Wednesday. [I also wrote a review for one website but it has not yet been posted.]
Nevertheless, this has to be said: Joyce Bernal's Of All The Things is exceptional.
It needs to be praised for its storytelling.
It's unhurried. The story focuses on the characters than on a forced love story. In fact, the romantic sub-plot does not appear until after half of the film is over.
This lets the romance grow naturally. This movie has no irrational romantic scenes that do not happen in real life--there's no chaotic first meetings, pathetic twists that lead to break-ups, and synthetic love triangles. (Seriously, why do all romantic movies today have to have triangles?)
What happens instead is a gradual showcase of a good relationship between Umboy (Aga Muhlach), a failed-law-student-turned-notary-public, and Berns (Regine Velasquez), a professional fixer.
It's fun to see the two try working together. Umboy is too indebted to laws that it was hard for him to adjust to Berns's many illegal rackets. This contrast helps the plot chug along.
It also helps that both Aga Muhlach and Regine Velasquez turn in great performances. Whatever chemistry they had making their first successful films remain up to this movie.
The supporting cast also does well, particularly Gina Pareno, Eric Santos and John Lapus.
I loved the moments when these actors deliver funny lines in a deadpan manner. The best one that I can remember is when Aga Muhlach quips: "Ang kuya kong masuwerete."
I really liked this film and I think you should see it. Still, I deduct a point off for the varying physical looks of the lead actors in between scenes. The film was shot in a span of three years, and Aga and Regine's yoyoing weights are obvious in the film.
Nevertheless, this has to be said: Joyce Bernal's Of All The Things is exceptional.
It needs to be praised for its storytelling.
It's unhurried. The story focuses on the characters than on a forced love story. In fact, the romantic sub-plot does not appear until after half of the film is over.
This lets the romance grow naturally. This movie has no irrational romantic scenes that do not happen in real life--there's no chaotic first meetings, pathetic twists that lead to break-ups, and synthetic love triangles. (Seriously, why do all romantic movies today have to have triangles?)
What happens instead is a gradual showcase of a good relationship between Umboy (Aga Muhlach), a failed-law-student-turned-notary-public, and Berns (Regine Velasquez), a professional fixer.
It's fun to see the two try working together. Umboy is too indebted to laws that it was hard for him to adjust to Berns's many illegal rackets. This contrast helps the plot chug along.
It also helps that both Aga Muhlach and Regine Velasquez turn in great performances. Whatever chemistry they had making their first successful films remain up to this movie.
The supporting cast also does well, particularly Gina Pareno, Eric Santos and John Lapus.
I loved the moments when these actors deliver funny lines in a deadpan manner. The best one that I can remember is when Aga Muhlach quips: "Ang kuya kong masuwerete."
I really liked this film and I think you should see it. Still, I deduct a point off for the varying physical looks of the lead actors in between scenes. The film was shot in a span of three years, and Aga and Regine's yoyoing weights are obvious in the film.
RATING: 4 stars out of 5
SUMMARY: This movie tries hard not to be a generic romantic film, and it succeeds.
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I like the way Aga controls his pain all throughout the movie. And I love how he gradually rises through the "dubious" influence of someone who genuinely loves him. That's how love should work. Sniff.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the story. I wished he topped the bar exam in the end, but I guess not giving it to him works too.
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