Predictable and out of this world yet still, “Catch Me…I’m In Love” is one of the best feel good movies I’ve seen in recent years that will sensibly make you smile and twitch your heart in a good way.
The cinema was jam packed on its opening day; some people were even sitting in the carpeted stairs inside. Thankfully this movie didn’t disappoint. The success of any romantic comedy can only be attributed to one thing: CHEMISTRY! And I am telling everyone this movie is oozing full of that irresistible chemistry between Gerald and Sarah.
The first team-up of Gerald Anderson and Sarah Geronimo, “Catch Me…I’m In Love” tells the love story of a simple lass who’s working for an NGO (Helping Hands) dedicated in servicing kids of less fortunate families and those in remote areas of the country, and the spoiled, conceited son of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Opposing each other from the first time they met, Roan Sanchez (Geronimo) was tasked by the President (Christopher de Leon) to facilitate the immersion of his son, Erick Rodriguez (Anderson) to make him realize the value of government projects and servicing the country. And sooner, an unexpected attraction blossomed but will they be brave enough to fight for love amidst the complications of the vastness of extreme differences their worlds have?
You do not need a genius or the best film critique in town to tell you that this movie is predictable but there is something about this film that makes it very enjoyable and won’t waste a minute of your time. The rawness and authenticity of the script makes it so genuine and close to home. The premise of the movie is already out of this world as it is, a story you’ll dare say, it only happens in the movie. But Mel Mendoza del Rosario penned a script that made an out of this world love story so close to reality that it’s very relatable and believable as true. The last thing you would want for a formulaic rom-com is a script full of flowery and mushy lines. What I love about this movie is that it free us all of that tackiness and instead presented a love story that honest to goodness is a one in a million likelihood to happen in real life but with a script that is sincere, you have a cliché that looks and feels fresh. It also helps that the characterization of both main characters were both flawlessly solid and that’s just one of the best things to back up a plot of this genre.
For a movie that wrapped up shooting three days before its nationwide screening it is just commendable how Director Mae Cruz executed this movie. There was not much fanfare in each scene but trust me it worked and it made things in the movie as real as it can be. Cinematography is admirable and mind you editing was seamless. It was great!
Sarah Geronimo is not really fit for drama. This is the genre where she excels and you can tell that she’s already a pro in it. She’s just so natural and spontaneous. You can count on Toni Gonzaga in terms of spontaneity of humor in a romantic comedy movie but if eliciting that instinctive uncontainable feeling of kilig, that’s Sarah’s forte. I’m not really a fan of Sarah G. but she is very lovable here. There’s no point elaborating and talk like a broken record just how good-looking and HOT Gerald Anderson is. It’s too obvious that I adore every inch of the guy! Acting wise, I maintain my opinion that he’s one of the best actors of his generation. Next to John Lloyd Cruz he’s the best for me. The role of Erick Rodriguez is hands down perfect for him. I also have to say that one of the things I love about Gerald is that he can portray whole lots of versatile roles so convincingly. He can do kilig-kiligan like this one, he can be a drama actor, and he’s very good in action and that for me is an ACTOR. Trust me, no one can match the handsome vain, self-conceited, and over confident aura of appeal he exudes on screen the way he does.
Honestly, this is what I love about Star Cinema rom-coms, you know the formula: boy meets girl, they fall in love, then a complication arises, they break up for a while, they make up and end up living they’re happily ever after, but somehow they are able to present love stories of such typecast with rawness and sensibleness that will stir in you a realization of some sort. I am not saying “Catch Me…I’m In Love” is the best feel good movie of the year. I’m simply saying it’s worth your time and money.
It’s the feel good movie that will really make you feel good. And once in a while it’s great to feel that irrepressible kilig deep within. Most importantly this movie is a great reminder that we can choose a lot of things in this life but we can’t choose who our heart loves. Ultimately who determines our compatibility with the person we love is ours to make. Who cares what the world says when people will each have varied opinions. True love nowadays is such an elusive emotion bestowed to but a few of us and so you take it where you have it. You go for it and fight for it because at the end of the day, the opinion that matters the most in a relationship is the ones of those in it.
And when I say that this movie proves Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson individually and together have the kilig down pat, it’s that someone my age, with my history of bad love, could actually still get kilig. Yes, kilig to the bones circa 1980s, complete with stomping foot, loud laughter, sinking into my movie seat, nudging elbows with my younger sister (ex-student now friend) beside me, in the end tired from the roller coaster ride that a two hour love story can still be. Kapagod pala kiligin. Some things I’ve forgotten.
In Catch Me I’m In Love, the kilig is difficult to ignore, as it carries what is an otherwise expected story through to its logical happy end. It’s also a surprisingly believable love between a girl and boy who are really only bound by country, and when I say that, I mean the government of the Philippines complete with scenes of Malacañang Palace.
Gerald plays Eric, presidential son, who’s unhappy with being in the Philippines and is sent by the President to a far away provincial community so he may learn of purpose. Eric is accompanied by Roanne (played by Sarah), an NGO worker who deals with nation from the grassroots level, a confident girl who inadvertently shoots down the presidential son at an awarding ceremony in her NGO. She is appointed by the President (Christopher de Leon) to be Eric’s mentor in living with a community he would otherwise not care about.
The rocky start is obvious, even more so in the context of impoverished Isabela: between waking up at 4 AM to walking long distances, Eric was beyond his comfort zones of clubbing, girls, the gym. Never mind, since all that would be forgotten by the time he comes home from Isabela and is in his words, “a better man” because of Roanne. She who challenged his spoiled boy sensibilities, pointed out in cliché terms the fact that what these children in impoverished communities need is time and attention, not money.
Eric was changed by the experience, Roanne was only in her turf. But Roanne’s intelligence and confident stance about nation was happening alongside her crisis as a girl, who wants to stand in front of a boy, and ask him to love her. This she will do at the end of the movie, but in the meantime she is just sad about her status as NBSB (no-boyfriend-since-birth to the unlearned in local pop culture), as she is teased by her three older brothers about it, as she is oblivious to the fact that the rapper neighbor Vito (played so well by Matteo Guidicelli) is trying to court her but doesn’t know how.
Suffice it to say that between Eric’s need to become a better presidential son, and Roanne’s dream (literally) of getting a love life, this movie set it up so it all seemed possible. It also speaks of NGO life and the nation it builds as wonderful, where changing the world begins with talking to people and knowing how they live — a great thing to see in a mainstream commercial movie.
It’s in this setting that the NGO worker and presidential son fall in love, without the trappings of the usual. After another trip where boy surprises girl in Isabela (that’s what I call going the distance), they come home to Roanne’s lower middle class family to tell them the truth: without the process of conventional courtship, they were now together (kami na, in the vernacular).
Which as it turns out is unacceptable to the general public who think Eric to be eligible bachelor, and who will make Roanne subject of tsismis, evil as that becomes: she doesn’t deserve him, she looks like a maid, it won’t last long. To add salt to wound, a socialite who is the complete opposite of Roanne in looks (Sam Pinto) enters the picture and makes like she’s out to win the presidential son. Now Sarah is no ugly girl, in fact she was overwhelmingly Pinay pretty in most the movie. But vis a vis the socialite and the trappings of a presidential dinner she pulls out that social class card and it just works.
In fact discomfort and insecurity is a game that Sarah plays well, and it’s in these moments of crisis that we see how she’s gotten better at acting, allowing us to forget her iconic character Laida Magtalas (her role opposite John Lloyd Cruz). In this movie, Sarah’s role as intelligent NGO worker comes in painful contradiction with the insecure girl-in-love, and when Roanne breaks down and breaks it off with Eric, Sarah proves a broken heart in real life does wonders for one’s acting.
Gerald meanwhile needs to get over the fact of his good looks, and into acting like it doesn’t matter. Because his role here is that of Fil-Am heartthrob, Gerald sometimes seems like he’s playing himself. Yet when he was an arrogant presidential son in the beginning, it actually worked; when he became the gentleman who would carry Roanne on his back because she had a sprained ankle, he knew to balance arrogance with machismo; when he became this boy who’s pushed against the wall by Roanne’s insecurities about herself that brings her to suggest they break up, Gerald’s helplessness as he asked “Kaya mo?” will melt your heart. And let you forget his abs.
Which is what there’s plenty of in this movie, generally un-needed since it’s done in relation to pagsasaka, and Sarah isn’t one to show some skin or have a kissing scene. If the goal was to establish Gerald’s, uh, hotness, then one scene with abs seems enough doesn’t it? Plus there are his good looks, which is used to the hilt in this film; and those eyes, the use of which Gerald has mastered.
Sarah meanwhile, has mastered this role of the lower middle class girl getting paired off with the rich guy, fulfilling the layers of impossibility in love. Now this isn’t a new role at all (think Judy Ann opposite Piolo Pascual, Marian Rivera opposite Dingdong Dantes), but it’s one that’s done only by Sarah in her age bracket. This is all fine, but maybe it’s time to give Sarah something she can sink her teeth into. After Laida and Roanne, it would do commercial audiences well to be shown a role that doesn’t peg Sarah to financial and emotional immobility because of love. Maybe a role that doesn’t put such a premium on the latter, and lets the intelligence and independence shine? Maybe a movie that stars as well that bunch of supporting characters who make for Star Cinema movies.
Ketchup Eusebio and Janus del Prado play two of Roanne’s brothers here. These two were not only comic relief, they point to the value of supporting characters that hold the main story up, and remind us of the travesties that surround the fact of star power in this country. That the infinitely talented Eusebio and del Prado are not starring in commercial films has become normal to us. That I dream for these two a bigger project, becomes possible given a star like Sarah, who I think will ably carry a film all her own, maybe with Eusebio and del Prado as (gay) friends to a Sarah without a big time love interest, if with love at all. Now that would be a powerful image, wouldn’t it. One that hasn’t been done before. Ah, the dreaming is what happens after the kilig.
PEP REVIEW: Catch Me...I'm In Love is a simple love story with a lot of heart Link
We've seen it happen in real life: Girls without suitors; family members picking on their "no-boyfriend-since-birth" status.
This is how Star Cinema and Viva Films established the story of Catch Me...I'm In Love, which pairs Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson for the very first time.
Sarah, plays the role of Roan Sanchez, a plain Jane working as a social worker in Helping Hands, a non-profit organization.
Roan believes that "true love waits." She is the only girl in the Sanchez family— composed of brothers played by Ketchup Eusebio, Alchris Galura, and Janus del Prado—and is usually the center of attention.
Completing the Sanchez family are Joey Marquez and Arlene Muhlach who portray the parents who manage a flower shop.
On the other hand, Gerald Anderson plays the role of Erick Rodriguez, the president's son and tagged as the "most eligible bachelor in the country."
After completing his studies in the United States, he returns to the Philippines and girls go after him in a frenzy.
Christopher de Leon and Dawn Zulueta play the roles of president and first lady.
It is during an event organized by Helping Hands where Roan and Erick's paths cross and they fall in love.
There's really nothing remarkable about the plot. The movie is fast-paced and straightforward unlike most Tagalog films with a lot of drama and conflicts.
The characters, however, are wrought with personal issues, like Roan's insecurities and Erick's complicated relationship with his dad.
But love conquers all and the social worker ends up with the presidential son.
Sarah effortlessly conveys the emotions of a girl who falls in love for the first time, and she falls real hard.
Gerald, on the other hand, was convincing as the guy who falls for the girl way out of his league, and stays true to his feelings.
Expect: Cheesy lines, giggling and swooning in the theater.
Don't Miss: Matteo Guidicelli's rapping scene.
Please applaud: The movie's attempt to tackle social issues. The immersion scene in a provincial community is a heartwarming backdrop to the blossoming romance of Erick and Roan.
Catch Me...I'm In Love is showing in theaters nationwide starting today, March 23, 2011. It is directed by Mae Cruz and is graded B by the Cinema Evaluation Board.
Come to think of it, we never had a local rom-com involving a presidential child as one of the lead characters. Hollywood once had a thing for this when it released two movies, in the same year, depicting the highs and lows of a first daughter in love (Chasing Liberty starring Mandy Moore and First Daughter with a pre-Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes.) I guess it is easier for Americans to re-imagine such a situation because Chelsea Clinton literally grew up in the public’s eyes during the 8-year stretch of his Dad’s administration. Malacanang did experience a wedding when Jackie Estrada married Beaver Lopez, but Erap’s daughter is not exactly a teenager at that time. We never had a Chelsea Clinton moment in recent history unless you count Imee Marcos or Kris Aquino as possible counterparts. (In terms of controversies, Imee and Kris has no equal in the White House.) So it comes as a pleasant surprise that in the latest offering of Star Cinema, the lead male character is a presidential son. No. He is not patterned after the son from the past administration. (The closest we had was in For the First Time where Richard Gutierrez played the son of a vice president. However, the movie focused more on KC Concepcion and the Greek island Santorini, so it never really explored his situation.) When Gerald Anderson stepped out as the presidential son Enrique Rodriguez III with Christopher De Leon as the president as the president and Dawn Zulueta as his wife, I wondered if it will work. And if the latest pairing of Gerald and Sarah Geronimo has on-screen magic.
Erick Rodriguez (Anderson) is the only son of the president of the Philippines (De Leon) who came back from the United States as ordered by his father. You see, Erick is a feckless kid and his Dad felt that he needs to do something substantial as part of his legacy-building going into his last year in the office. One day, Erick had to represent his mother (Zulueta) for the anniversary of Helping Hands, a non-governmental organization. There he met Roan Sanchez (Geronimo), a social worker. To say the least, their first meeting was a bit awkward. Word reach the president of his son’s encounter with the feisty social worker and he came up with a brilliant idea: appointing Roan as Erick’s supervisor for his first immersion. He told his son that if he passes this test then he can go back to the U.S. Begrudgingly, he went with Roan in Isabela where he had to live with the townspeople. Something must have hit right for liking the immersion and loving Roan. Finally, Erick and Roan made their budding romance official during an unplanned return to Isabela. But personal insecurities and public disapproval soon rock the beautiful relationship of the dashing presidential son and the charming social worker.
It is unfair to compare this movie with Sarah Geronimo’s blockbusters with John Lloyd Cruz. Gerald is not yet in the JLCB: John Lloyd Cruz Bracket. Actually, no one falls under that elusive club but Lloydie. Still, Gerald acquitted himself well in his first post-Kim Chiu project. Sarah, on the other hand, has perfected the bumbling, no-girlfriend-since-birth, blithe girl who transforms the selfish, snobbish rich cutie. She is a rom-com sub-genre on her own. Sarah and Gerald has the required chemistry and credit goes to the very natural Ms. Geronimo. Her giggles (“Nag-iiba ang boses ko.) and one-liners (“Parang kanina lang ‘di mo ako girlfriend.) are delightful and spot-on. The problem is that the movie bogged down in the second half. When the story shifted back to Manila, the ideal and idyllic blossoming romance in Isabela dissipated. As one moviegoer commented last night, “Mas maganda noong nasa Isabela sila.” See? Even the usual fans of these movies felt the change. (I also breathed a sigh of relief that the usual product placements were limited to just one per actor, myPhone for Sarah and Milo for Gerald. Is it too much to ask to stop product placements in movies?)
One cannot fault the filmmakers from taking a page from other successful rom-coms as its influences in the final product is quite obvious. Spoilers ahead.
Influence 1: Notting Hill
Aside from the celebrity-falls-for-the-mere-mortal angle, the last scene where Roan had to prevent Erick from leaving during a press conference is reminiscent of the Julia Roberts hit. It did not however, happen in actual press conference and instead came up with a different take.
Influence 2: Forevermore
You still remember this movie starring love team partners Kristine Hermosa and Jericho Rosales? The one that has gleaming mangoes whenever true love prevails? Check out the scene where Erick asked Roan to be his girlfriend with a little from children. Moments before this scene, I had a feeling that the movie will go Forevermore on me. It did!
Another rom-com staple are the entertaining supporting cast that lifts an uneven rom-com from further doldrums. Luckily, Catch Me I’m in Love (And is it also too much to ask to change this habit of using song revivals for movie titles?!) has several scene-stealing and sincere actors. Let me just note that Matteo Guidicelli’s role, regardless of his prominence in the promotional poster, does not have much bearing on the plot. Ditto for Sam Pinto. I think Ms. Pinto is stunning but bland. She just does not have the MRE: Maricar Reyes Effect. Then there’s Christopher De Leon. Several critics have noted his diminishing acting returns as he seems to prefer the over-the-top performance in his recent movies like Philip Salvador. He still took that route albeit lesser than the usual. All is not lost though as the comebacking Dawn Zulueta demonstrated once again that is not the role but the actor that matters. Bless her soul! (It is also commendable that class differences were not exploited and instead limited it to awkward situations such as social and dining faux pas to present the difference between Roan and Erick.) Even the likes of Joey Marquez, Arlene Mulach (as Roan’s parents) and the ever-reliable Ketchup Eusebio (as one of Roan’s brothers) kept the rom-com juice flowing. On that positive note, I will discuss the most important reason for watching this movie: Janus Del Prado.
As a member of the still unestablished Janus Del Prado Fans Club, I believe that it is high-time he receives his break for his consistent scene-stealing performances in all his movies. If his possible break necessitates a love team partner then I suggest Allyzon Lualhati, the Eugene Domingo of the Millennial Generation. Both stars have thrive doing supporting roles of all sorts of characters. But Del Prado seems to be relishing his present career and does not mind his second tier status. Lead or not, the Janus Del Prado Fans Club remains behind this gifted thespian.
Catch Me…I’m in Love is predictable and that is a no brainer. The plot is loose and simple, it looked like the other Sarah films. Her role, seemed like a rip off from Laida Magtalas, a modern day lass who now works in an NGO called “Helping Hands”, a woman with high ideals about romance wishing that she’ll meet the man of her dreams someday.
The acting is good, and when good I mean it’s not dry, like everything is raw and believable. I believe Sarah’s acting went off naturally for her role. People are like, used of seeing her with that very Maria Clara image and she’s good on it.I just hope that she’ll do more challenging roles in the future and I hope that her Mom won’t mess up with the films she’ll make someday.
In case you didn’t know, it was reported that the shooting of Catch Me…I’m in Love was delayed on no end due to Mommy Divine’s (Sarah’s Mom) intervention.
Well anyway, about Gerald Anderson on the film. He’s really good on his piece. His acting is impressive but his role is somehow not challenging at all. He’s hot and that made the girls around scream crazy as hell. But his heavy built and mature looks is more appropriate on action movies. Hehe. .
What’s so good about the movie is that it gives you this kilig feeling like no other films can do. It’s very raw, it’s very natural. If I could only elaborate the feeling of kilig this post might not end at all. Basta! Kaka-kilig.
The other casts, Christopher De Leon, Dawn Zueleta, Joey Marquez, Arlene Muhlach, Janus Del Prado, Charrie Pineda gave their best performances too. Everything seemed fine on the acting but like other films the movie has flaws too!
Oh! I almost forgot the other actor who’s on the poster. Well, Matteo had an ideal role but it’s just that they didn’t seem to explore on it more. His role was a bit unnecessary, he didn’t look good tanned on the big screen and the rapping in awkward accent is so not funny. Nonetheless, I’m still excited about his movie “BASTED“.
Another thing, they should have let us see how the private plane flew or landed. It irked me, like did they just magically flew back and forth?
The last scene – OH! not again? I remember the last scene of You Changed My Life where Sarah went chasing against time to see her love and tell her what she realized. It happened again!
Sorry for the spoilers, the movie will be out in theaters(literally) by the time I’ll post this and the dvd might come out a month after so there’s no harm in spoiling. lol. What you should be on the look for is the kissing scene – if there is? I couldn’t tell.
Overall, Catch Me…I’m in love is a sweet kilig account that will make you smile up to the end – it’s a feel good movie afterall!
I’m giving Catch Me I’m in Love. . .3/5
Predictable and yet , “Catch Me…I’m In Love” is one of the nice, feel good movies I’ve seen in recent years that will sensibly make you smile and twitch your heart in a good way.
At first I was a little hesitant to watch this movie since I am having doubts if Sarah G. and Gerald A. has any chemistry in them but when I get to watch the movie, well, Sarah G. is the most charming actress I’ve watched ever, she can be paired up to any actor and manage to make the people “kilig” whoever that actor may be just like what happen with John Lloyd Cruz, now I am beginning to wonder who’s the next lucky actor that can be paired to Sarah G. and can still manage to hit the box office surveys.
The first team-up of Gerald Anderson and Sarah Geronimo, “Catch Me…I’m In Love” tells the love story of a simple girl who’s working for an NGO (Helping Hands) dedicated in servicing kids of less fortunate families and those in remote areas of the country, and the spoiled, conceited son of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Opposing each other from the first time they met, Roan Sanchez (Geronimo) was tasked by the President (Christopher de Leon) to facilitate the immersion of his son, Erick Rodriguez (Anderson) to make him realize the value of government projects and servicing the country. And sooner, an unexpected attraction blossomed but will they be brave enough to fight for love amidst the complications of the vastness of extreme differences their worlds have?
You do not need a genius or the best film critique in town to tell you that this movie is predictable but there is something about this film that makes it very enjoyable and won’t waste a minute of your time. The rawness and authenticity of the script makes it so genuine and close to home. The premise of the movie is already out of this world as it is, a story you’ll dare say, it only happens in the movie. But Mel Mendoza del Rosario penned a script that made an out of this world love story so close to reality that it’s very relatable and believable as true. The last thing you would want for a formulaic rom-com is a script full of flowery and mushy lines. What I love about this movie is that it free us all of that tackiness and instead presented a love story that honest to goodness is a one in a million likelihood to happen in real life but with a script that is sincere, you have a cliché that looks and feels fresh. It also helps that the characterization of both main characters were both flawlessly solid and that’s just one of the best things to back up a plot of this genre.
For a movie that wrapped up shooting three days before its nationwide screening it is just commendable how Director Mae Cruz executed this movie. There was not much fanfare in each scene but trust me it worked and it made things in the movie as real as it can be. Cinematography is admirable and mind you editing was seamless. It was great!
Sarah Geronimo is not really fit for drama. This is the genre where she excels and you can tell that she’s already a pro in it. She’s just so natural and spontaneous. You can count on Toni Gonzaga in terms of spontaneity of humor in a romantic comedy movie but if eliciting that instinctive uncontainable feeling of kilig, that’s Sarah’s forte. There’s no point elaborating and talk like a broken record just how good-looking and HOT Gerald Anderson is. It’s too obvious that I adore every inch of the guy! Acting wise, I maintain my opinion that he’s one of the best actors of his generation. Next to John Lloyd Cruz he’s the best for me. The role of Erick Rodriguez is hands down perfect for him. I also have to say that one of the things I love about Gerald is that he can portray whole lots of versatile roles so convincingly. He can do kilig-kiligan like this one, he can be a drama actor, and he’s very good in action and that for me is an ACTOR. Trust me, no one can match the handsome vain, self-conceited, and over confident aura of appeal he exudes on screen the way he does.
Honestly, this is what I love about Star Cinema rom-coms, you know the formula: boy meets girl, they fall in love, then a complication arises, they break up for a while, they make up and end up living they’re happily ever after, but somehow they are able to present love stories of such typecast with rawness and sensibleness that will stir in you a realization of some sort. I am not saying “Catch Me…I’m In Love” is the best feel good movie of the year. I’m simply saying it’s worth your time and money.
It’s the feel good movie that will really make you feel good. And once in a while it’s great to feel that irrepressible kilig deep within. Most importantly this movie is a great reminder that we can choose a lot of things in this life but we can’t choose who our heart loves. Ultimately who determines our compatibility with the person we love is ours to make. Who cares what the world says when people will each have varied opinions. True love nowadays is such an elusive emotion bestowed to but a few of us and so you take it where you have it. You go for it and fight for it because at the end of the day, the opinion that matters the most in a relationship is the ones of those in it.
Sarah Geronimo has definitely mastered the art of the Filipina romantic. In Catch Me... I'm In Love, she effortlessly pulls off the "I've never had a boyfriend ever, but I'm willing to wait it out" schtick. This time she's paired with Gerald Anderson, who is also a veteran on these romances from Star Cinema.
I guess it's the pairing of these young stars that makes the tired plot of "girl who ends up with the most eligible bachelor in the city" seem a little fresh. There's really nothing in the story that most viewers have not seen before in a rom-com-- except that there's a sever lack of humor in this movie. Also, romantic sparks are thinly spread in the movie that will disappoint a lot of the viewers.
I also want to take this chance to call out Star Cinema. In the theater I watched the film, the ticket price was much higher than most movies (by 50%!). Yes, this is the only Filipino movie showing right now and being the only show in town means you're a virtual monopoly (thus able to dictate the price as you please).
For a movie with no originality and only a few genuine "kilig" (romantic/warm,fuzzy) moments, Catch Me... I'm In Love qualifies as a rip-off by my standards. But since it stars Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson, and it's the only local movie showing in the major cinemas, this is the movie we Filipinos deserve and will queue up for.
Catch Me I'm in Love - Movie Review (English) Link
WE’RE HAPPY for Sarah Geronimo as her “Catch Me, I’m In Love” is a hit. She has proven that it’s not just her films with John Lloyd Cruz that can be a hit. “Catch Me” will remind you of Julia Roberts’ “Notting Hill” where she played a big movie star who falls in love with a simple guy, Hugh Grant, with the roles reversed. Here, it’s Sarah as Roan who’s a simple girl working with a non-government organization called Helping Hands. Her big secret crush is Gerald Anderson as Eric, the irresponsible, carefree son of the president of our country no less. They meet at her office when Eric represented his mom, the First Lady. It’s a cute meet with Sarah bumping her head on the glass door then making a snide comment against Gerald that he hears. She was then called to Malacanang and she thought she’d be scolded by the President who, in fact, wants to get her to be in charge of Eric’s immersion program to make him a more responsible person. It’s easy to see na ito that this will be the chance for them to fall in love with each other. Roan takes Eric in the province where she does volunteer work. As expected, they are at odds at the start. Eric doesn’t even know how to cross a hanging bridge. In the rice fields, he slips and falls into the mud then pulls Roan into it also for a cute “kilig” moment where Gerald takes off his shirt to display his buff torso. Soon, he’s asking Roan: “Will you be my girlfriend?”
They go steady, but it’s not the typical Pinoy love story with villains. Eric’s parents quickly accept Roan and even one possible contravida, Nicole (Sam Pinto), turns out to be harmless. The main conflict here is internal: it’s Roan’s fears and insecurities that their relationship won’t work after she heard people saying “Hindi sila bagay sa isa’t isa.” But in the end, she realizes she loves Eric so much and she doesn’t really care what people would say. The ending where Sarah gatecrashes in the presscon of Gerald as he’s about to leave for abroad is borrowed from the ending of “Notting Hill”. Another comic scene, the dinner where Sarah doesn’t know how to eat escargot (snail) is also taken from Julia Roberts’ “Pretty Woman”.
In all fairness to Sarah, even if her scenes were copied from Hollywood films, she was able to carry them all with aplomb. She’s a natural comedian who’s very charming in her hilarious scenes but she also handles her dramatic scenes well, particularly that farewell scene she had with Gerald at the Manila Hotel grounds. Gerald also shows that he can act well (he already did in “Till My Heartaches End”), aside from the fact he looks every inch a heartthrob leading man. He certainly proves he can be on his own and not just identified with his love team with Kim Chiu.
Star Cinema really supported them with Christopher de Leon and Dawn Zulueta no less as Gerald’s parents and with Joey Marquez and Almira Muhlach as Sarah’s parents. No doubt, this movie’s intention is to just make kilig the viewers and Director Mae Cruz definitely succeeds in her intentions. Cathy Molina now has a rival in making rom-coms of this sort that is lifeblood of Star Cinema.
Watched the latest Star Cinema and Viva Films team-up movie Catch Me…I’m In Love with my brother Danison last night at the Premier Cinema of Mall of Asia. I didn’t intend to see it but my brother offered to get me a ticket so I acquiesced. My brother is a big Sarah Geronimo fan and based on his facial expression after watching the movie, I could tell he had a great time. As for me, I think it’s safe to say that I liked it. If it were otherwise, this review wouldn’t have been here in the first place.
Directed by Mae Czarina Cruz, Catch Me…I’m in Love is a light, rom-com film that centers on the lives of two young adults searching for that something that could complete their existence. For Roan Sanchez (Sarah Geronimo), it’s finding that one, true love. For Eric Rodriguez (Gerald Anderson), it’s learning how to appreciate his life and those of other people around him. The two would fall in love but conflict would arise to try to break their special bond. It was up to them to fight for their love despite the odds, or not.
It’s undeniable that Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson had chemistry. It showed in the entirety of the movie. Geronimo’s infectious laughter and youthful vibe combined with Anderson’s hot looks and superb acting were a sure fire formula for an enjoyable cinematic treat. They were both effective in playing their roles. There were a lot of cute lines from the cast that would either make you smile, giggle or even holler with laughter. All this and the two lead stars’ showing of genuine affection for each other gave the movie a high entertainment value.
Cinematography was good, too. The lighting was done in such a way that the lead stars would look fairer and more flawless. Fast-paced as it may seem, the scenes were played wonderfully in solid hues and with good backdrops. I particularly liked the scenes in the rural areas where Roan and Eric had their immersion.
The plot was predictable, yes, but it was refreshing to see new and familiar faces that worked together to deliver their lines well and contribute to the film’s effectivity and overall, bankable packaging. Matteo Guidicelli‘s character as Roan’s friend and secret admirer was lacking in depth and development, though. He could have posed a love triangle with the two lead stars and this would have added color to the story. (At least that’s what I think the movie poster above was trying to tell me.) But I guess the director only wanted to focus on a single conflict. That is, to establish initial insecurity in Geronimo’s character so that she would question the validity of her first romantic relationship and her love for Anderson’s character and eventually give up on the blossoming romance. Or maybe, the developments in the movie unfolded a little too fast there was barely enough time to inject the love triangle aspect. But at least the viewers would know about Guidicelli’s character’s true feelings for Roan at one point in the movie. That scene you should watch out for, otherwise you won’t know about it at all.
Acting wise, the cast did well. Expect funny antics coming from Roan’s family and casual and serious acting from Eric’s side of the fence. The ending happening in an open, public space is a given as it’s always been a characteristic of many Star Cinema movies.
All in all, Catch Me…I’m in Love is a light, feel-good movie. The kind that will leave you with a light, happy feeling after watching. No need for strong analytic skills or anything, just watch it to be entertained, see your fave local stars on the big screen and get reminded that indeed, true love waits.
When my Cable Channel 509 (TFC) announced another Star Cinema presentation is going to be held in Calgary, I knew exactly it will be their latest flicker movie “Catch Me – I’m In Love”. Starring Gerald Anderson and Sarah Geronimo, the movie was a tester to see how the public will take on a new tandem. I should say I am an avid showbiz fan so I myself was curious as to how the new partnership will work in an industry whose fanfare was a major contributor to the success of a so-called ‘Love Team”. Lo and behold, the duo was well-accepted with flying colors.
My friends and I called each other and arranged to watch it on its first day of showing. Surprisingly, the movie is up for a two-week run as opposed to the previous Filipino movies that only ran for a week. The earlier showing of 6:45 PM was sold out. Made me realized, must be good alright. A 45 minute-wait time at the box office did not deter me from backing up.
As the movie began, I started being home sick again. With the familiar sight of a typical neighborhood in Metro Manila, the location takes you back to the “back home” feeling. Shoot mostly in Caloocan City, and some in the Province of Isabela, the movie was trailing a feel good sensation already.
The story line evolved in the “heaven and earth”, “water and oil”, and simply put in, “rich and poor” scenario. Many believe those two don’t meet “tete-a-tete” in the realm of life. I personally loved the way the flow went through as to how love can truly develop in the most unexpected places and times. The romantic knuckles and chuckles that brought the “kilig factor” to the entire movie was not a set-back but in fact made the movie lively at all times. I am glad there were only very few shots on super duper tear-jerker parts as the movie was almost all about bringing out the fun in romance.
The showcase of young & veteran talents in the movie was well blended in. I personally like the wacky and comedic characters that Al Tantay and Arlene Mulach played, & with the equally wackos sons headed by Ketchup Eusebio, the team was a big blast. Upcoming and budding actor Mateo Guticielli (oops..hope I spelled it right), was funny in playing korky and nuthead whose secret admiration to the main character added just a bit of spice. Although typecast as a very serious actors, the roles played by Dawne Zuelueta and the “Famas award winner” Christopher de Leon were pretty light as they did not deliver any heavy lines in the movie. But surely, the couple made justice to their characters as President and First Lady.
Another flick, another stint… another season of a movie hit. Watch out for the next offering in the big box office . That’s all I can say folks!
THIS should have been the movie they entitled “You Changed
My Life” because clearly when an American-educated, bratty only
son of a Philippine President goes to Cauayan, Isabela for an
“immersion” and gets transformed so profoundly that it also alters
his mind on the kind of woman who should be worthy of his attention
and affection, that is definitely a life-changing experience. And when
that presidential son falls for a middle-class NGO worker from
Caloocan who has been “single since birth,” surely that womanʼs life
would never be the same again. For one, the entire Filipino people
get to make commentaries on her lovelife — in real time, no less.
” But they called the movie “Catch Me…Iʼm In Love” instead
because “You Changed My Life” was already that box-office hit
movie of Sarah Geronimo with John Lloyd Cruz. Thatʼs probably
why there were several scenes in the movie
where Sarah and Gerald Anderson had to
literally fall and be caught — to justify the
movie title.
” Yes, I watched the Sarah and Gerald
movie with my mom on its second week last
Sunday. And we both really enjoyed it. We
are now certified fans of the new love team
who had more onscreen chemistry with each
other than they ever had with their previous
partners (John Lloyd Cruz for Sarah and Kim
Chiu for Gerald). Sarah and Gerald really
sold the story to us. They had us convinced.
And to think I actually worked in Malacañang
and had been up close and personal with
Philippine Presidents and their children.
Having a Presidentʼs son fall in love with an
NGO worker is not really that far-fetched, if
you come to think of it. Actually, it makes
more sense that I wonder why it doesnʼt
happen all the time. Oh, wait, we never had
a President like Christopher De Leonʼs
character, thatʼs why. Just imagine how
different PNoy would have been had Cory
Aquino sent her only son to live in a rural
community more remote than Tarlac with an
NGO worker who was as inspiring and
charming as Sarahʼs character in the movie.
” This got me thinking. Most children of
powerful politicians resent their parentsʼ role
as public servants because that made them absent fathers/mothers.
As a consequence, these politiciansʼ kids grow up either shunning
any kind of community involvement or having a sense of entitlement
and abusing their privileged position as a form of revenge against
the country. That is why a community immersion program facilitated
by an enlightened, committed, and attractive person from the
opposite sex of the same age could be an effective strategy to bring
about their “Aha!” moment. Maybe it would be a worthwhile project
for the Congressional spouses or the National Youth Commission. In
a system where political dynasty is the norm, perhaps it would be
wise for politicians to have their children go through a community
immersion summer camp. Aside from it could help resolve some of
their childrenʼs angsts and make them better appreciate what their
parents are doing for the bigger community, it would also better
prepare them for public office should they choose to go into the
“family business” later in life.
” Maybe this is a strategy NGOs should explore, too, as they
try to engage the government in their development work. Instead of
projecting a self-righteous, holier-than-thou attitude towards
politiciansʼ brats, they should try to be more understanding rather
than condescending. Perhaps, they can develop ways to make
public service more attractive and exciting to these resentful,
wounded kids. I am sure we can make community development
work a cool thing to do for young people living privileged lives. We
only need to get them into it even for a brief period and trust that the
experience, no matter how short-lived, will change them. Because it
will. I havenʼt heard of anybody who volunteered in the Peace Corps
or in any similar program who was not transformed by the
experience.
” I believe it was his immersion program experience that
enabled Geraldʼs character to fall in love with Sarahʼs character in
the movie. He was moved first by the social before he was moved
by the personal. Becoming socially aware heightens your sensitivity
to the problems and issues of humanity. It makes you a better
human being. And a better human being loves deeper, falls harder.
Prior to Geraldʼs characterʼs social awakening, he viewed women as
mere conquests and sex objects. When his eyes and mind were
opened to realities other than his own, his perception of women has
also broadened. The NGO worker
character Sarah plays made Geraldʼs
playboy character realize that women can
be powerful catalysts for social change,
too, and he starts to respect women more
because of what he saw in Sarahʼs
character. And only when he started
seeing Sarah as a strong, empowered
woman capable of raising funds for the
rural communityʼs irrigation system and
being loved by the people sheʼs helped
(“Big time ka pala dito,” said Geraldʼs
character) did he begin looking at her in a
different light and entertain the idea that
he could fall in love with this woman. That
just goes to show that true love can only
happen between equals. The presidentʼs
son may enjoy a higher social status than
the NGO worker but she definitely evens
the imbalance by being the more socially
and politically involved one. If you ask
me, she had more social value.
” But despite all of her significant
a c c omp l i s hme n t s i n c ommu n i t y
development work, the NGO worker still
measures her worth by superficial
standards like physical appearance and
economic status. She still could not see
how ridiculous it is to be insecure of the
pretty but inane and ignorant (she
actually believed a bad travel advisory
against Caloocan) socialite played so unimaginatively by Sam Pinto.
And this is something that the presidentʼs son could not understand
because, to him, nobody could be more important and more worthy
of his love than the woman who made him appreciate his father and
his country more. Which just proves that most women, even the
strong and smart ones (or especially the strong and smart ones),
still believe that our society gives more premium on physical
appearance over character and personal accomplishments. She
was not intimidated before when she was put in charge of the
presidentʼs sonʼs immersion program. She never doubted herself
and, in fact, was proud of what she does and who she is. But when
the relationship dynamic changed from trainer-trainee to girlfriendboyfriend,
the dysfunction started to kick in.
” What is it about romantic relationships that bring out the
worst, instead of the best, in us? I think itʼs those darn Cinderellatype
love stories which promote the myth that belonging to different
social and economic backgrounds is automatically a problem. You
know, the “langit-at-lupa” syndrome. It is not. It is oneʼs lack of selfesteem
that is often the problem. That is why it is always a bad idea
to get into a romantic relationship with someone if you do not love
yourself in the first place and are not proud of who you are (and you
have to know who you are, of course). Good thing the NGO worker
got over her self-doubt fast enough, with the help of a loving and
affirming family. Because finding true love starts with loving yourself
(and this also applies to the presidentʼs son, by the way).
Day after day I must face a world of strangers
Where I don't belong, I'm not that strong
It's nice to know that there's someone I can turn to
Who will always care, you're always there
When there's no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won't come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won't last a day without you
So many times when the city seems to be without a friendly face
A lonely place
It's nice to know that you'll be there if I need you
And you'll always smile, it's all worthwhile
When there's no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won't come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won't last a day without you
Touch me and I end up singing
Troubles seem to up and disappear
You touch me with the love you're bringing
I can't really lose when you're near ... when you're near my love
If all my friends have forgotten half their promises
They're not unkind, just hard to find noypistuff
One look at you and I know that I could learn to live
Without the rest, I found the best Oooooooh
When there's no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won't come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won't last a day without you
Without You
Won't last a day without you...
Last edited by GERASHER; Jul 24, 2012 at 02:56 PM.
A romantic comedy that seeks to reinforce the love team between singer-turned-actress Sarah Geronimo and Big Brother housemate-turned-matinee idol Gerald Anderson, Raz de la Torre's Won't Last a Day Without You does not stray far from the established story map and intention of a merchandized movie. It is feel-good, fun, funny, and extremely charming, like most of what Star Cinema has been mindlessly producing the past several years. The film is undoubtedly a product of formula, and quite surprisingly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
De la Torre is not exactly a newcomer. He wrote Cathy Garcia-Molina's A Very Special Love (2008) and co-wrote with other writers Garcia-Molina's You are the One (2006) and You Got Me (2007), two romances set in very distinct milieus that somehow added color and novelty to the film's otherwise redundant storylines. In A Very Special Love, a hopelessly hopeful employee falls for her stern boss who is up to prove himself to his family by making his men's magazine number one. In You are the One, the familiar romance is set within the world of bureaucratic red tape, an unfortunate circumstance that fortunately gives a glum American who is looking for his parents the opportunity to meet and fall for a government employee. You Got Me is essentially a love triangle between a lady cop, a nerdy officer, and a thief.
Won't Last a Day Without You, like the rest of the films that De la Torre penned for Garcia-Molina, is set in a very specific niche of the Filipino experience. DJ Haidee (played radiantly by Geronimo) is the heartbreak guru for a late night radio show that gives love advice to romantically challenged insomniacs. At home, she sheds her screen name and becomes George Harrison Apostol, daughter to rock legend Pablo Apostol (Joey de Leon), sister to up and coming rockers, and victim to an ex-boyfriend who replaced her for her best friend. One night like all the other nights where she disparages playboys and heartbreakers on air, she advises Melissa (Megan Young), a listener who becomes fed up with the flirtatious ways of her boyfriend (Anderson), to terminate the relationship, not knowing that that night's advice would lead her to rediscovering the pleasures of falling in love.
The world that De la Torre sets his romance in is addicted to love. This is a world of late-night workers, of students studying in the wee hours of the morning, of night-owls, all of whom spend their evenings either struggling through their current love problems or quenching their thirst for romance through the disembodied voices sharing their misery to the world. This is a world that has gone cynical because of the abundance of heartaches and heartbreaks. It is a world that is ripe and perfect for that sudden change of perspective, a miracle. The film, moving in the way like most romantic comedies of its like do which is predictably towards a happily-ever-after ending instead of a more realistic conclusion, feels apt in its both its manner and motivation. Its insistence on love's perfection is an aberration in its milieu characterized by the advertisement of love's pains and treacheries.
Won't Last a Day Without You culminates in the revelation of DJ Haidee as someone as normal as the rest of the city who rely on her for certain logic in their romance. It climaxes in the revelation of love as not a private concern pertaining only to the lovers involved. It is has other stakeholders. It also involves the rest of the world who are either in love or in love with being in love, rendered into a community by the airwaves that have brought their needs and concerns in overwhelming union. Admittedly, like the Carpenters' song from which it borrows its title, the film is more sap than substance. However, there is definitely nothing stopping anybody from being beholden to its adorable whims and charms.
Star Cinema’s second installment to the Sarah Geronimo-Gerald Anderson team up faces a tough challenge as it follows the record breaking one two punch of No Other Woman and Praybeyt Benjamin. However, with the good word of mouth that this movie deserves to get, this will definitely be a blockbuster on its own.
As for starters, both Sarah and Gerald are playing new characters. Sarah plays DJ Heidi, a famous radio love adviser, while Gerald is Andrew Escalona, a former playboy slash car lover. When Heidi accidentally convinces a caller to break up with his boyfriend (which happened to be Andrew), chaos and romance simultaneously overlaps giving love an infamous image.
Some disclaimers first: I’m a big Sarah Geronimo fanboy, and I’ve seen all of her starrer films on the first day of showing. There’s really something about her that makes her films appealing and relaxing to watch. Her high pitch delivery, together with her witty facial expressions, did not miss a beat in this film. Gerald Anderson has really came a long way from his Big Brother stint, as he had already mastered the romantic stare and proper angles to the camera. There are times when you can see his Budoy character in some deliveries, but I bet that people will forget that the moment he takes off his shirt. Special mention is given to Joey de Leon, in his most natural and enjoyable role in a while. His rock star character lights up the scene and gives it a natural and charming feeling that complimented Geronimo’s and Anderson’s chemistry.
I’ve learned that this is director’s Raz de la Torre’s first feature, and he did a good job with it. You can feel the enthusiasm and overflowing ideas of the director, yet he did not overdo any of his scenes, something that most first time directors are too conscious about that they miss the point of avoiding it. de la Torre is a good balance to the cast’s overwhelming presence, and hats off that he did not give in to the very tempting “overdone” effect. I’m also interested to know how much of the script was adlib and how much was not. There were a lot of very catchy and memorable lines there.
Don’t get me wrong; this is not a perfect film. Of course, there’s the usual rushed Star Cinema technical difficulties which happened to majority of their films. It’s also somehow long, but it’s not overdone. There were some unnecessary scenes, but it won’t bother you that much.
All in all, this is a good film. You already know what the ending will be like the moment you entered the cinemas, but it’s the journey on the way to the predicted conclusion that stood out here. Won’t Last a Day Without You is a nice, refreshing film that showed some potentials. If you see people not smiling when they came out of the cinema, then they weren’t able to experience love at one point in their lives.
Movie Review: Won't Last A Day Without You
Predictable? Absolutely. Cheesy? Sure. Worth spending your money? Well, if you saw the crappy Praybeyt Benjamin a month ago, then Won't Last A Day Without You is actually a very good deal for you. Haha. I'm serious.
I was expecting a nominal quality of a romantic comedy going in, but I was shocked at how much I enjoyed the movie. I found most Filipino romantic comedies - with a few exceptions, of course - quite stale and monotonous, but this had that endearing quality that's kind of rare. I couldn't have been more delighted, to be honest.
Sure, the story was painfully predictable as I already figured out how things would end up, but there was something about this film that made the awfully tired premise surprisingly fresh. Maybe it's the chemistry of the two leads? I mean, I got completely wrapped up in the characters that I ended up liking the story no matter how cliched it was. Plus, the film actually managed to put all the schmaltz, melodrama and cheese in a completely engrossing manner that it didn't make me ****.
I also found the script highly relatable. No, it's not brilliant by any means, but the fact it got me choked up a couple of times was a testament of how realistic the writing was. Then, add to that the effective performances of the lead actors.
Sarah Geronimo was her usual delightful self in this film, but her delivery of the more serious scenes were fantastic - yes, I'm using that word. Haha. There were a couple of scenes in particular that were so believable, I felt like I wanted to cry with her. I really thought she had a great range of endearing expressions perfect for the film. I've seen her other works and she was distinctively radiant here with the right balance of warmth, charm and spontaneity.
Gerald Anderson was also quite impressive. I saw his previous film with Sarah, and I somehow felt like he was more comfortable and far more effective here compared to their first outing. Together, their chemistry was palpable and that really made the film work. Of course, the rest of the cast did an admirable job as well, especially Joey De Leon.
Won't Last A Day Without You had its own mishaps but it's generally forgivable. And while the inherent cheesiness and predictability cannot be avoided, I genuinely enjoyed the film. It was a sweet, wonderful and enjoyable romantic flick. Absolutely better than the Philippine's highest grossing local film EVER. Haha. Enough said.
RATING 8/10
PEP REVIEW: Won't Last a Day Without You is the antidote to the bitter heart
In truth, the romantic-comedy Won't Last a Day Without You deals with one of the toughest moments in one's life. That heart-sickening phase when one has to summon the courage to accept that a relationship is over and to face every minute of the hours in a day— battling with all your heart and mind not to relive the last scenes of The Break-up or to think about why you had to let go.
That is the challenge of moving on.
And it takes strength to do so.
The constant practice of enduring the pain hardens the vulnerable heart that eventually leads one to learn his/her lessons. Unless someone else comes along, the calloused survivor of heartbreak becomes resentful to all the romantic love going on around the world. Such a feeling of resentment tinged with anger is commonly referred to as bitterness.
Raz dela Torre's film could have oh-so-melodramatically tackled the aforementioned heartbreak crisis as this writer has put it. Instead, it does a favor to those who are in the process of healing by taking bitterness as a genuine emotion that only the failure of love can produce, and creating a feel-good, fresh, and hopeful narrative out of it.
Won't Last a Day Without You presents bitterness in the character of George Apostol (Sarah Geronimo) a.k.a. DJ Heidee (Heidee na iibig!), an advice-giving disc jockey who handles the Heartbreak Hotline of a local radio station. George is the "Dyosa ng mga Sawi" (goddess of the heartbroken) whose personal experience of being left by her former boyfriend for another girl, has turned her into a pessimist about true love. Her top-rating program is fueled by the mantra "'Di bale nang bitter if bitter is better!" Her general advice to the lovesick? "Bawal ma-in love—nakakamatay!"
While George's character enjoys the popularity of her segment, the audience is privy to the fact that she has yet to mend her broken heart. Giving counsel and hearing out all her callers' relationship problems only aggravate her emotional state, not allowing her to break free from the heartache.
At the far end of the spectrum is Andrew Escalona (Gerald Anderson) the happy-go-lucky, classic Casanova with a knack for flirting with women and eventually breaking their hearts.
Melissa (Megan Young) is Andrew's girlfriend who catches him flirting with another woman.
Prodded by her personal chauffeur who is an avid listener of DJ Heidee, Melissa heeds the advice of DJ Heidee to break up with Andrew. "Love comes with pain. Dapat worth it ang pain!" George tells Melissa.
Hearing his name being broadcast and his girlfriend breaking up with him on air, Andrew rushes to the radio station. He finds George and attempts to press charges against her for ruining his reputation on national radio. He blackmails George that if she does not help in getting back his girlfriend, he will continue to file a complaint. George concedes to Andrew's condition.
Thus begins the two's unlikely friendship, initially highlighted by their constant bickering, mocking, and poking fun at each other's differences.
George eventually realizes that her bitterness was not altogether a good thing to hold on to. As advised by her legendary rock star father, Pablo Apostol (the ever witty Joey de Leon), "We all deserve a second chance."
The time spent with each other allows the two to understand and discover each other's inner goodness and flaws. Andrew, most especially, sees George's character in all its beauty, finally enabling him to understand how a woman hurts. On the one hand, George falls in love with the kind of Andrew who changes under her "tutelage." At work, DJ Heidee suddenly becomes optimistic about love; from being the cynical man-hater, she tells her female callers, "Ang mga lalaking yan, may puso din naman!"
The conflict is inevitable as the two fall head over heels. Andrew realizes that George is the right girl for him. Meanwhile, the cautious George struggles to fight off her feelings for Andrew because she knows he belongs to someone else.
In its final scenes, Won't Last a Day Without You maintains the audience's elation and thrill as Andrew decides to man up and choose between George and Melissa.
As a whole, the second Sarah-Gerald team up is even better than their previous film. Both the actors have seemingly grown comfortable around each other. Backed by an entertaining, fresh, creative, and hilarious screenplay, Sarah establishes her knack for drama and comedy, romantic comedies prove to be her forte; meanwhile Gerald confirms that being one of today's promising dramatic actors does not hold him back from delivering a comedic role.
Another strength of the film is its good supporting cast: Joey de Leon gets to showcase his clever antics and wordplay while John "Sweet" Lapus adds another variety of humor to the liveliness of the screenplay that knows no drag or lulls.
Dela Torre's film, while it may be insanely cliché at some points, especially in its concluding scene, manages to present the ugly, painful truth about getting over one's heartache and overcoming the lingering anger that comes with it.
It can, for some reason or another, bring back one bitter soul's faith in love, or at least inpire one to love again.
Won't Last a Day Without You By: Lakwatsera Lovers
It's Fri-movie date again for us as. Once again thanks to Fotoloco for the passes we won on their page.
Following up the blockbuster movie they made last time (Catch Me I'm In Love). The hottest love team on the big screen, Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson once again brings another cheesy film that never fails the Filipino audiences. Once again Star Cinema's formula in romcom movies has a great script and a charming chemistry between its leads.
George, better known as DJ Haidee (Sarah Geronimo) is taking the midnight radio time slot by storm. She is dishing out advices to handle the bitter truth about love. One night a caller named Melissa (Megan Young) ask some advice on how she could handle her boyfriend's playboy ways. George immediately tells her to end their relationship. That boyfriend, Andrew (Gerald Anderson) rushed to the station and filed a complaint. To avoid suspension George volunteered and promised to win his girlfriend back but as the time passes by with each other on their side, they formed special feelings for each other.
Sarah Geronimo is one of our favorite leads as she always have that sweet alluring character that is so fun to watch. She constantly express her talent in such a nice way and she is so likable. She also lived up to her role as a "Papa Jack" DJ version in the movie. While Gerald Anderson always had that charming looks he already gained much more respect in acting. And the scene stealer was Joey De Leon, its been a very long time when we last saw him in a film under Star Cinema. As a rock star dad he gave us a few good laughs. I hope that Abs-Cbn could give the team-up of Sarah and Gerald a series in their prime time slot during weekdays.
The story was interesting it was fun and had a lot of feel good moments. It tackles more with failed relationships, giving out second chances and forgetting about the past to start a new beginning. The movie gave a lot of mushy sweet moments that provided a lot of spark to its viewers. The pacing was good the cutesy and drama scenes was balanced. Though the story was predictable we enjoyed it a lot. If there's one thing to improve, its the end part. It was lame for me as I imagined a much deeper climax at the end. The bloopers in the credits was a bonus so don't leave your seats yet.
Lakwatsera Lovers rates it 8 out of 10 stars
Won’t Last a Day Without You Movie Review
Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson second team-up in a movie Won’t Last a Day Without Co-Produced by Star Cinema and Viva Entertainment, has been graded B by the Cinema Evaluation Board. It is currently being screened in cinemas.
As we know Star Cinema is producing the best of the best films in the history of the Philippine movie. My question in my mind after watching the trailers is how would it be different with their other romantic – comedy film that they have produced? It’s really hard to point (Yeah I swear!) this film offer something new.
The ending was so predictable as on your way you know how would it end like a fairy tale And yet, there’s more to it than that. It is a film that seems willing to acknowledge that relationships can be messy, and that people do get hurt and that it isn’t always easy to forgive.
George (Sarah Geronimo) is rising up in the radio world as DJ Heidee, the late night relationship expert that dishes out the bitter truth about love. One night, a young woman named Melissa (Megan Young) calls up her show complaining about her boyfriend’s playboy ways, and George promptly tells her to break it off. That boyfriend, Andrew (Gerald Anderson), turns up at the station to complain and demand restitution. Rather than face suspension, George offers her services to Andrew, promising to win his girlfriend back. But as the two spend time with each, they grow close, pushing George down a road that makes her relive some of her most painful memories. That’s the main plot of the movie.
The Kiligness is oveeer! So cheesy, Kilig Vibes to the max! Directed by first-time director Raz de la Torre!
It’s really hard to point out what exactly makes Won’t Last a Day Without You so different from other Star Cinema romcoms. It’s still a heavily flawed romance that relies somewhat on the thinness of secondary characters to move the story forward. And yet, there’s more to it than that. It is a film that seems willing to acknowledge that relationships can be messy, and that people do get hurt and that it isn’t always easy to forgive. While the bad habits are still there, there is a charming core to the picture that seems truer than many of the things the mainstream has put out there.
George (Sarah Geronimo) is rising up in the radio world as DJ Heidee, the late night relationship expert that dishes out the bitter truth about love. One night, a young woman named Melissa (Megan Young) calls up her show complaining about her boyfriend’s playboy ways, and George promptly tells her to break it off. That boyfriend, Andrew (Gerald Anderson), turns up at the station to complain and demand restitution. Rather than face suspension, George offers her services to Andrew, promising to win his girlfriend back. But as the two spend time with each, they grow close, pushing George down a road that makes her relive some of her most painful memories.
The premise is faulty. The problem is that we don’t ever see why Andrew is so willing to go to such great lengths to save his relationship with Melissa. The film never makes it out to be a relationship worth fighting for, making the ending feel rote and inevitable. Andrew himself isn’t much a character. He’s more of fantasy: the handsome jerk who asks to be fixed, changing himself to the core all in the name of love. Having said all that, the story still kind of works. The film moves quickly enough to keep these elements from being pervasive, and it does well by concentrating on the character of George, who actually has a powerful dramatic arc.
Once you get past the jokey references and the clunkiness of the premise, there’s a pretty good story in there about a young woman who was hurt before and inadvertently gets put into the position to do the hurting. In spite of the film’s cutesy façade, it actually goes out of its way to portray the complexities of relationships. The film makes the point that it isn’t always as simple as radio advice shows make it out to be, and that the rules we set for ourselves don’t necessarily apply. Though the film somewhat backs away from it with the shrewy behavior of the Melissa character, it’s a rather audacious thing for one of these films to suggest that sometimes, someone has to get hurt, and it won’t really be okay for them.
Solid direction carries this through. The film can’t always balance its goofy comedy with its dramatic core, but it gets better as it goes along. It’s clever enough to build a motif, revealing a very public side to all the romantic goings-on. But what really brings this film home is Sarah Geronimo. It would be really interesting to see her take on meatier roles in more serious pictures. Her dramatic chops are unquestionable, the actress having full control over a repertoire of emotion. She shines in one scene where her happy radio persona is forced to hide the sadness she feels inside. It’s an incongruously powerful moment. Though Gerald Anderson is still mostly being just used for his looks, he seems to have grown a personality in the interim. The presence of Joey de Leon makes it all better as well.
There’s still a lot that could be better in Won’t Last a Day Without You. For one thing, we could do away with the arbitrary pop song that becomes the title of the picture. It could steer itself away from reflexive references, and use less hokey premises to set up its romance. It could have tried to make fuller characters out of Melissa and Andrew, creating at least some tension in the end. But these details discount the film’s overall charm, it’s winning commitment to romantic pleasures even as it explores the messier side of relationships. Somehow, it just works.
Malaking negosyo ang produksyon ng kilig. Pagtambalin ang matagumpay na mga loveteam (Gerald Anderson at Kim Chu, Sarah Geronimo at John Lloyd Cruz), at kung di na matagumpay, i-mash-up (Gerald at Sarah). Napatunayan na matagumpay ang Gerald-Sarah team-up dahil sa matagumpay na unang pagtatambal, Catch me… I’m in Love (Mae Cruz, 2011 din!).
Ilagay ang team-up sa interesanteng sitwasyon makaka-relate ang kabataan: si DJ Heidee (Sarah) ay pinayuhan sa kanyang show si Melissa (Meagan Young) na makipagbreak-up sa kanyang playboy na boyfriend, si Andrew (Gerald). Nang magbalak si Andrew na i-report si DJ Heidee at ang stasyon sa nakakataas na awtoridad, pumayag ang babae na tulungan si Andrew na i-win-over muli si Melissa. Sa proseso, mai-inlove ang dalawa pero pipigilin ni DJ Heidee dahil nga ayaw niya muling maging inappropriate. Siempre, alam na ng lahat ang ending, kung sino ang magkakatuluyan.
Mahirap bigyan-definisyon ang kilig, walang exaktong kahulugan sa ingles. Ang referensya lamang ay sa karanasan ukol sa pag-ibig: blush kapag nandiyan ang crush, masayang mamilipit kapag nasa awkward situation na kalahok ang sinisinta, ang rush kapag natutupad ang nais matupad sa ngalan ng pag-ibig. Sa katunayan, may Facebook account ang kilig, “the best of super kilig quotes.”
Nagtatagumpay ang pelikula dahil may inaasahan sa manonood, ang tinatawag na “suspension of disbelief” o ang pagpapaubaya sa operasyon ng pelikula (naratibo, special effects, acting at maging ang mismong panonood) na ito ay “tunay” na realidad. Hindi ka manonood na bwinibwiset ang sarili: iisiping may harness lang naman si Superman o Darna kaya ito nakakalipad, o sa bugbugan sa action hero na hindi naman mamamatay ang bida.
Pero sa formula films, doble ang suspension of disbelief: na dahil pelikula ito, totoo at lehitimong karanasan ito; at na ang kakatwang kombinasyong sangkap sa formula film ay natural at organiko naman. Ang nauna ay nagtatagumpay dahil nagbayad tayo ng P180 para sa tiket, kaya paniniwalain ng manonood ang kanilang sarili sa posibilidad at reafirmasyon ng gayong formula.
Ang huli ay pagsang-ayon din dahil sa prior knowledge building na ginawa na ng entertainment corporation sa atin. Binuild-up sila bilang magka-loveteam, pina-duet sa variety shows, ginawang covers ng glossy magazines nila, ginawan ng MTV ang theme song ng pelikula.
Sa Facebook account, narito ang ilang wall posts:
Mula kay Advincula: “It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other.”
Mula sa mismong site owner: “Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end.
Wala naman talagang PANAKIP-BUTAS eh , nagkataon lang na NANDOON ka, noong panahong NAWALAN siya.
Hanapin mo yung taong tanggap ka, hindi yung taong pinipilit mong tanggapin ka.”
Ang mga post ay cliché naman talaga. Nagtatagumpay lang sila dahil pinili ng mambabasa, at ka-FB na maniwala sa mode ng kilig bilang tampok na pakiwari. Hindi ka naman magfre-friend dito kung hindi naniniwala sa premis at magpapa-KJ dito. Gayundin sa pelikula at konsumerismo, hindi ka papaloob dito kung hindi ka naniniwala sa premis at rules of the game nito.
Matagumpay ang pelikulang dulot ay kilig dahil kumita ito ng P20 milyon sa unang araw na pagpapalabas nito. Kahit pa mas telenovella ang dating–hindi cinematiko ang saklaw ng mas kalkuladong pagbibitaw ng linya sa mis en scene, halimbawa—pero kinilig ang kasama ko, pati ang sangkatauhang nanood ng pelikula.
Sa sabayang paglabas ng sinehan, natanaw ko ang nakasabayan ko sa dilim na manonood, mga ordinaryong mamamayang gumasta para magpakaligaya. At nalungkot ako. Sa buhay sa kapitalismo, walang nasa labas ng sistema. May kapasidad ang sistema na ipaloob tayo sa kalakaran nito. Sa sine, pinili nating pumaloob. Highway robbery o kusang pag-aambag sa ngalan ng kilig na pagdanas ng buhay sa kapitalismo?
OPMovies: Won’t Last The Day Without You by MargxWanders LINK
In this cheesy romantic – comedy flick with the international standards of quality, we see a different Sarah Geronimo, a spiced up character of Joey de Leon, the Am-Boy with a little Ilongo dialect leading man Gerald Anderson, and a beautiful and best scheming villain Megan Young. All in one movie, it is worth of the money you spent.
It turns out as a “SOUL SEARCHING” for Andrew Escalona when DJ Heidi became his LIFE COACH. He learned to be true to himself. He knows himself and what he really wants in life. And, he is falling in love with DJ Heidi.
THE CLIMAX OF THE STORY: DJ HEIDI has arranged a date for the couple, Andrew Escalona and Melissa. But, that is the perfect time that Andrew Escalona would confess to DJ Heidi that he truly loves her instead of choosing to get back with Melissa. The results is that Andrew Escalona broke up with Melissa, and she got hurt and became bitter. Melissa had her revenge when she attacked and harassed DJ Heidi on air and reveal to the public that DJ Heidi is George Harrison Apostol and accused her that she is a liar and a thief who took Andrew Escalona from her.
THE ENDING: Most natural and common ending of the romantic comedy is a happily ever after ending. Now, understanding co-worker DJ Ram helped DJ Heidi to have her self-esteem back while seeking the listeners’ aid as they would give advice to DJ Heidi on air. And then, one of the listeners is Oscar, the former boyfriend of DJ Heidi, he asked DJ Heidi to give Andrew Escalona a second chance and don’t let her past hurts become a hindrance to her happiness since she deserved to be happy.
Read more in Relationships
QUESTION FOR THE EXPECTATORS OF THIS MOVIE: Are you tired in falling in and out of love? You’d better watch this movie. Are you became a bitter due to your past inner hurts? Watch this movie and believe in TRUE LOVE and SECOND CHANCES.
COMMENT: This movie was rated 8/10 and B by the bloggers or movie critics. But, I would rate this movie as rated A because of the award winning performance of the versatile actress, Sarah Geronimo, and best storyline written by Raz dela Torre and Melissa Mae Chua, which infamous lines and quotes are reliable and unforgettable. Joey de Leon has spiced up the movie by portraying the best supporting and understanding dad and an aged rocker with Gothic fashion sense. Megan Young portrayed the best scheming villain for the hopelessly romantic heroine.
WON'T LAST A DAY WITHOUT YOU REVIEW by Oggs Cruz LINK
A romantic comedy that seeks to reinforce the love team between singer-turned-actress Sarah Geronimo and Big Brother housemate-turned-matinee idol Gerald Anderson, Raz de la Torre's Won't Last a Day Without You does not stray far from the established story map and intention of a merchandized movie. It is feel-good, fun, funny, and extremely charming, like most of what Star Cinema has been mindlessly producing the past several years. The film is undoubtedly a product of formula, and quite surprisingly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
De la Torre is not exactly a newcomer. He wrote Cathy Garcia-Molina's A Very Special Love (2008) and co-wrote with other writers Garcia-Molina's You are the One (2006) and You Got Me (2007), two romances set in very distinct milieus that somehow added color and novelty to the film's otherwise redundant storylines. In A Very Special Love, a hopelessly hopeful employee falls for her stern boss who is up to prove himself to his family by making his men's magazine number one. In You are the One, the familiar romance is set within the world of bureaucratic red tape, an unfortunate circumstance that fortunately gives a glum American who is looking for his parents the opportunity to meet and fall for a government employee. You Got Me is essentially a love triangle between a lady cop, a nerdy officer, and a thief.
Won't Last a Day Without You, like the rest of the films that De la Torre penned for Garcia-Molina, is set in a very specific niche of the Filipino experience. DJ Haidee (played radiantly by Geronimo) is the heartbreak guru for a late night radio show that gives love advice to romantically challenged insomniacs. At home, she sheds her screen name and becomes George Harrison Apostol, daughter to rock legend Pablo Apostol (Joey de Leon), sister to up and coming rockers, and victim to an ex-boyfriend who replaced her for her best friend. One night like all the other nights where she disparages playboys and heartbreakers on air, she advises Melissa (Megan Young), a listener who becomes fed up with the flirtatious ways of her boyfriend (Anderson), to terminate the relationship, not knowing that that night's advice would lead her to rediscovering the pleasures of falling in love.
The world that De la Torre sets his romance in is addicted to love. This is a world of late-night workers, of students studying in the wee hours of the morning, of night-owls, all of whom spend their evenings either struggling through their current love problems or quenching their thirst for romance through the disembodied voices sharing their misery to the world. This is a world that has gone cynical because of the abundance of heartaches and heartbreaks. It is a world that is ripe and perfect for that sudden change of perspective, a miracle. The film, moving in the way like most romantic comedies of its like do which is predictably towards a happily-ever-after ending instead of a more realistic conclusion, feels apt in its both its manner and motivation. Its insistence on love's perfection is an aberration in its milieu characterized by the advertisement of love's pains and treacheries.
Won't Last a Day Without You culminates in the revelation of DJ Haidee as someone as normal as the rest of the city who rely on her for certain logic in their romance. It climaxes in the revelation of love as not a private concern pertaining only to the lovers involved. It is has other stakeholders. It also involves the rest of the world who are either in love or in love with being in love, rendered into a community by the airwaves that have brought their needs and concerns in overwhelming union. Admittedly, like the Carpenters' song from which it borrows its title, the film is more sap than substance. However, there is definitely nothing stopping anybody from being beholden to its adorable whims and charms.
'Won't Last A Day Without You' Movie Review By Ely Valendez LINK
Love. Get hurt. Love again. And whether we like it or not, there will be times that we would be hurting others too. For the sake of love. In the name of love.
Yes. Love works that way.
Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson's new movie, "Won't Last A Day Without You" brought this to life. The Star Cinema - Viva Films' movie hit theaters nationwide today.
Challenged to become a blockbuster movie, "Won't Last A Day Without You" caters the needs of the masses who are engrossed in listening to love advises from Disk Jockeys (DJs) turned love gurus over Philippine FM stations.
With quite a different plot from those that came before the film, Geronimo-Anderson's tandem is oozing with "Kilig Factors" that would wow the audience, make them giggle, and be blown away by either the sudden explosion of the 'infatuation' from within or for the unexpected burst of that familiar feeling they might have felt from way back... like, in High School?
Their tandem is not my favorite love team in the Philippine Cinema should I decide to have one, but I will admit I was rectuited today -- to believe in the power of their chemistry despite some minor flaws on timing and delivery of lines.
Before this movie and before meeting them for the second time during the press conference I attended last week, I found it hard to believe in Geronimo's magic and why she's been a favorite of teenagers since she won that singing competition years ago.
The same thing for Anderson, who, though I found cute (one of the cutest male actors in the country today actually) previously failed to amaze me with his acting. Also, I once found him to be lacking with charisma of a showbiz personality that would make him last, at least a bit longer than others.
But after watching "Won't Last A Day Without You" today, they made me believe that they deserve to be loved by the masses, and by the upper class.
If we have to name actresses that would deliver a "Kilig" movie without over killing, we shall name Geronimo as one, just in case we decide not to give her get the top spot. But again, that's only after watching her perform in this film.
No questions about Anderson who has already proven his versatility as an actor in his TV series, "Budoy" that has been a primetime hit since day one.
For sure, others would say they see "Budoy" (a mentally challenge character being played by Anderson) here but I strongly disagree. I saw Anderson as Andrew/Andres Bonifacio Escalona clearly.
I would say they played their roles very well. That's in consideration of the script and the nature of this film. I wanted to expect more from it but how could we cannot expect too much from a kilig movie such as this.
The danger of this film however is that it relied mainly on the actors' mass appeal. It doesn't have the killer lines abundant in its predecessor-hit-movie, "No Other Woman." Considering the fact that its market is focused on teenagers, the High Schoolers and young college students, it's blockbuster goal is in danger as well. But I could be wrong. Considering the success of "Praybeyt Benjamin" that only defended on Vice Ganda's fan base, Won't Last A Day Without You would go even farther.
Let's not forget comedy actor Joey De Leon's presence in the film. De Leon did well as Geronimo's father though I was disturbed every time the camera focuses on his face. Thankful for giving him the role he said he wanted to be doing, De Leon definitely has loyalists that would contribute to the film's box office success. Add to it the support from his noontime show, Eat Bulaga's viewers.
Supporting actors Meagan Young, Martin del Rosario, Young JV, Robi Domingo, as well as George's (Geronimo) sisters played very well. It's a good start for young director Raz dela Torre. He would surely be joining the group of directors Cathy Garcia - Molina and Joyce Bernal, among others -- earlier than expected.
This movie is for everyone. Especially for those who have bitterness in their heart.
And I have to say it again. Now, in Filipino, "Magmamahal tayo at masasaktan ngunit may mga panahong tayo rin ay makasasakit. Kabilang ito sa hiwaga ng pag-ibig."
Movie Review: won’t last a day without you By jowanabueser LINK
Local FM stations are starting to sound and look the same as its landscape continues to transform for the preference of the general public. Some stations though remain faithful to its preferred market but the writing is on the proverbial wall – the masa-fication of FM stations shall persist for it is more profitable. Strangely, most local FM stations seem to be imitating AM stations in terms of content and delivery. One staple of AM stations reincarnated in its FM counterpart is the late night love and relationship programs. Once the foothold of Dr. Love, this kind of radio show has a new king in the person of the ubiquitous Papa Jack. Ever listen to his popular program? I had. No choice for a regular cab passenger like me for most drivers tune in to this millennial love guru. Sometimes I understand the appeal and sometimes I resent the appeal. First off, it’s hilarious since most of his callers suffer from the stupidest heart problems. Then he in return offers solutions in his trademark humor. That I understand. But the idea of broadcasting one’s relationship in a global stage is something that does not appeal to me. That I do not understand. In another film title ripped off from an old romantic song, Sarah Geronimo takes on a female Papa Jack role with a difference. She dispenses the bitterest sometimes ruthless advice to her listeners. The latest Sarah-Gerald starrer is better than their first though I felt it lost its chance to provide insightful commentaries on the present relationship of radio and Filipino romance.
George Apostol a.k.a. DJ Heidee (Geronimo) received her break as a radio disc-jock in Alam na Alam with DJ Ram (John Lapus) of 104.3 Sikat Radio, counselling callers and listeners in her segment, Heartbreak Hotline. Earning the tag Goddess of the Heartbroken, ratings shot up as she racks up fans from her merciless opinion. One night, a caller named Melissa (Megan Young) sought out her guidance concerning her incurable cad of a boyfriend, Andrew Escalona (Gerald Anderson). Promptly, DJ Heidee encouraged her to break-up with him, and did so – on nationwide radio. Fearing of losing his girl and suffering from national embarrassment, Andrew went to the radio station to confront DJ Heidee. Angered by the disc-jock’s prodding, he told the station manager he will inform the KBP (Kilusan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas) of the ‘damage’ DJ Heidee has done to him. Dreading losing her break, she struck a deal with Andrew that she’ll help him get back Melissa to avoid meeting KBP. He agreed. Their little plan gained steam and result until the tart on-air relationship counsellor and the furious heartbroken listener ended falling for one another.
I once called Sarah Geronimo a virtual romantic sub-genre with her inimitable natural giggles and hair flips her legion of fans lap up all the time. The case is not different in her latest film judging from the audience reaction last night. (In one scene involving an abdominal exposure of Gerald where Sarah almost died of ‘kilig’, the female audience were screaming in delight. I was more entertained with their reactions because this is one generic scene in most romantic fares of Star Cinema. One can produce a substantial compilation of the same scene from the movie outfit’s filmography. I encourage people to make one.) I guess the general public wants the Pop Princess to fall in love because it is the one thing that she has not hit big time. She has build-up a stellar recording and concert career but she seems unfortunate in romantic relationships. Not that it will complete her but I think the general public fancies princesses to find their respective princes. Public desire and her seeming oh-so natural reactions to ‘kilig’scenes (This is a regular comment to her films: ‘Para talagang kinikilig si Sarah sa mga eksena.’) makes her a formidable rom-com sub-genre.
As one of the current primetime stars of his mother station, Gerald Anderson is breaking from the curse of love teams wherein the male actor ends up in oblivion once the team breaks-up. He headlines a top-rating soap. He is assigned to different leading ladies. He is inching closer to the John Lloyd Cruz Status. Piece of advice: be careful with facial contortions because, as one audience member said, ‘Bumu-Budoy lang,’ in reference to his popular soap character. Unlike his previous collaboration with Geronimo where it centers on his character, Anderson takes a backseat as the film focuses more on the female lead. Good decision because I cannot empathize with him.
That said; let us thank the person responsible for casting Joey De Leon because his character Pablo Apostol provided ample shots of goofiness and ‘stig factor to the film. Rock on.
Now for some constructive criticisms: the movie needs a rocking soundtrack. Pop ditties will not suffice because most of the characters were weaned on rock. De Leon’s Pablo Apostol (complete with heavy guyliner and black nail polish) is the lead singer of the most popular rock group pre-Juan Dela Cruz Band era. Geronimo is named after a rock icon, as in George Harrison Apostol. Her older sister Paraluman is a lead singer of an up-and-coming rock band. So there, it needs a rocking soundtrack. As an alternative, wouldn’t it have been awesome if the original compositions of Pablo Apostol were unleashed in its full power? I am dying to hear the rest of the song he is recording in one scene, “Edad! Huwag matakot sa edad!” Soundtrack is indeed one aspect of filmmaking not given proper attention in local cinema.
Of course, one cannot do away with the pa-kilig moments and pa-cute scenes because that it is the whole point of a rom-com. I am being sarcastic here. But it was limited to a minimum so it was tolerable. I like the Care Bear mascot though.
In an alternative universe, a filmmaker is also casting Sarah Geronimo as a love counselling disc-jock named DJ Heidee but instead of providing her a potential partner, he focuses on the effects of the character and her program to people. Filipinos are considered as one of the most romantic people on Earth. A poll once showed 98 percent of Filipinos believe in the concept of love at first sight, the highest result among all nations. The filmmaker from the alternate universe included several characters who are either fans or critics – all listeners of DJ Heidee. Half of the movie follows their lives as affected by a relationship radio program and the other half deals with the life of the disc-jock. In a light-hearted manner, cultural and sociological issues are articulated in their personal and social situations. In an alternative universe, I am anticipating the screening of this film.
RATING: B+
POSTSCRIPT:
FIVE LESSONS FROM GEORGE ON HANDLING RELATIONSHIPS:
LESSON 1: PAY ATTENTION PARA WALANG TENSION.
LESSON 2: MAKIRAMDAM KAY MADAM.
LESSON 3: THE BEST ‘PAG HONEST.
LESSON 4: MAGING CONSISTENT.
LESSON 5: ROMANCE IS A SLOW DANCE.
I Love Cheese Balls: Won’t Last a Day Without You by Ria Limjap LINK
I’ve totally changed my mind about Sarah Geronimo. She used to annoy me hopelessly but in the new Star Cinema/Viva films co-production Won’t Last a Day Without You she is the perfect rom com leading lady—funny, endearing, and cute. The movie itself, directed by writer/director Raz de la Torre, is funny, endearing, and cute. He managed to use all the required elements of the Star Cinema Formula for Box Office Success (among others: popular theme song, big stars, and the happy ending with a public declaration of love—can you name more?) and made a perfectly good example of a mainstream romantic comedy without the glaringly bad habits of the genre.
Sarah plays a sassy radio DJ who dishes out tough love relationship advice to her confused callers. DJ Heidee’s tagline is “Di bale nang bitter... if bitter is better!” She anti-love but really a hopeless romantic, (which is a good role for Sarah Geromino, who is apparently now a better actress and a smarter girl after her own love life woes) until one day she meets Andrew (Gerald Anderson) who plays—surprise—a good looking pabling (such a traditional tisoy role, don’t you think?) out to break our heroine’s heart. I will leave the details out, because this movie has some cute little moments that you need to catch for yourself. Anyway a rom com is easy to figure out—boy meets girl, they are separated, and most of the time, they get together—but this one is well though-out and nicely paced, in equal parts escapist and realistic. It’s the cheesy kind of kilig, which is nice. Once in a while.
There’s plainly a nice sort of chemistry between Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson, something still believably sweet and unsullied. Their performances are more natural than usual, although not quite “as is, where is” as Eugene Domingo says. Gerald Anderson, who is certainly being groomed to be the next Piolo Pascual, can be a bit of a ham sometimes but gosh darn it he’s a good looking ham. Sarah, meanwhile, is still pa-cute but this time in the perfect dosage. “She’s likable,” is how my cousin put it. I never would have pegged him as a Sarah fan but he’s quite right. Under the direction of Raz de la Torre, the two young actors are allowed to shine in the most flattering light.The director also coaxes pitch perfect performances from supporting actors like Joey de Leon as the aging rock star dad and Jon “Sweet” Lapus as the funny and understanding co-worker, and even Meagan Young as the spoiled, rich, and beautiful girlfriend.
My congratulations to Raz de la Torre, who has managed to pull off the trickiest trick of all: how to do a rom com that works even without a big kiss. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. It’s easy to entertain a captive audience with popular stars and formulaic plots. But it’s hard to convince jaded thirty-something spinsters that true love happens. For a couple of hour today, I knew it to be true. Maybe that’s why I love watching movies.
Won't Last A Day Without You: Movie Review by Jed and Vit LINK
From the get-go, everything about "Won't Last A Day Without You" screams rehash. Do we need to point out that this is another film in countless local romcoms that are released every few weeks? The title alone is unoriginal - again using an old love song as its main title (and of course, lest we forget, as the movie's theme song). It's time like this that you really wish local films be more daring, be more palatable to your senses. Imagine our surprise though when we actually watched it. Gone were the assumptions that this is another half-baked attempt to cash in on the masses "quench" for love teams and fairy tale stories. Though there are times that the movie threads the old beaten path, it also dares to do much more than the usual romcom.
George Harrison Apostol (Sarah Geronimo) or better known as DJ Heidee is fast becoming the most popular DJ in town with her segment Heartbreak Hotline. DJ Heidee gives love advice to those who are having trouble with their relationships. Most often than not, she advices her callers to break up with their partners instead of working things out first. One caller (Megan Young) complains about her playboy boyfriend Andrew Escalona (Gerald Anderson). When she breaks up with him on air, Andrew threathens to have DJ Heidee investigated and suspended by the KBP not unless she helps him win back his ex-girlfriend.
Here's the thing with "Won't Last A Day Without You" - it's not perfect and it's not that be-all romcom film that changes the game. But what it dares to do differently works well enough to catapult the film into being better than most of the competition. Yes, it still had a tendency to do unnecessary scenes like when Andrew and DJ Heidee first meet at a bar or Andrew showing off his abs but mostly those problems are forgivable and more importantly, forgettable. You'll be having so much fun laughing that you will forget all other shortcomings. What we really liked most about it is its story. It's unique, creative and a breath of fresh air. The movie was well-paced as well. Never did we feel it bog down or did we feel that things were rushed. As for the acting, we really believe that Joey de Leon brought more life to the film. A close second was Sarah Geronimo. She truly showed her versatility in this one. While Gerald Anderson was so-so. He really had a hard time pronouncing local speak and what's up with him forcing a deep voice? It's out of character and weird. All in all, "Won't Last A Day Without You" is a fun film at its core and while it's not the best, you'll stop caring once you laugh your *** off.
Rating: 3 and a half reels
WON'T LAST A DAY WITHOUT YOU IS GRADE B BY THE CEB LINK
Below is a copy of the Cinema Evaluation Board’s comments when it granted our film “Grade B,” which grants movie companies a 65% rebate on the amusement tax levied on their productions.
Film Development Council of the Philippines
CINEMA EVALUATION BOARD
Summation of CEB members’ comments on
“WON’T LAST A DAY WITHOUT YOU”
Grade: B
ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. / Viva Communications, Inc.
WON’T LAST A DAY WITHOUT YOU is yet another light and fluffy youth romance film starring Sarah Geronimo for the Star-Viva partnership. It garners a ‘B’ nevertheless despite “the very thin storyline” because newbie Director Raz Dela Torre successfully and deftly delivers an interesting, entertaining and charming film.
Dela Torre’s direction is “competent and adequately confident for a new director; he has good pacing and he has respectful treatment of the individual capabilities of his cast.” “Despite the simple, almost simplistic material, the Director is able to pull it off.” The movie is “very well done; the comedy flows freely and nicely.”
“The story, while formulaic, has that cheery, youthful appeal and the characters are realistic enough.” The family of the pa-forma father Pablo (perfectly played by the engaging Joey de Leon), abandoned by his wife, is such a refreshing change from the picture-perfect families other scriptwriters might be tempted to create. Pablo’s “rocker” persona and his ability to bond with his three daughters are notable.
Screenplay is “good, with creative and resourceful handling of essentially soap opera material.” The characters of George, Pablo and DJ Ram are endearing and very believable.
Editing is “brisk and emphatic without being annoyingly so.” The film has “good pacing, but some scenes seem to be telegraphed” while other scenes could have been shorter. The cinematography and production design are good and “glossy as usual.” The musical score is “very intrusive in a lot of parts.” The music, “though effective, calls attention to itself.” The sound is “very competently done and properly disciplined, though the dubbing in some parts could have been more accurate.”
“The principal cast is very good; they are true to the characters they are playing.” While some Board members wrote that there is “strong chemistry” between the two leads, it is Sarah Geronimo who gets the praises from the Board.
Here are the comments about her: “Sarah is cute and convincing.” “Sarah continues to impress with her fresh, bubbly performance; she fits her character to a ‘T.’ “ “Sarah is an effective actor; you can see the emotions clearly on her face — sans dialogue — whether she is anxious, joyful, thrilled, tormented, anticipating or in pain.” In this film, “Sarah is as cooky as Goldie Hawn and as winsome as Meg Ryan. As an actress and comedienne, she has improved a 110%!”
However, having said all that, the reviewers thought that Sarah can leave behind her usual cute and perky characters. She might be typecast in this role forever. She’s been there and done that so many times before. But since this is a formula that has won for her and her producers a number of box office hits in the past, perhaps her studios are reluctant to break the mold and make her tackle meatier roles. “Sarah is good, but she should be given more challenging roles.” “Sarah is effortless and delightful as DJ Heidi/ George but there is the danger that she may outgrow these roles soon.”
Then, there is great support from John Lapus and Joey de Leon. “John Lapus is very effective and his quiet moments show his sensitive feel for the role.” “John is restrained here and is different from his previous films.” Meanwhile, “Joey de Leon is a joy to watch.” “Joey is perfect for the role.” “Sarah, Joey and John keep the movie afloat.”
Finally, the following are more comments about the film:
“It is a kilig film, so the main actors try to be cute.”
“The film is juvenile but fun.”
“The film is a light hearted romance best when not shown in February because it is
less self-conscious.”
“It’s so light, I’m floating…it shows an unpretentious depiction of people falling in
love.”
“The direction is surprisingly impressive, considering the director is practically
unknown.”
“There is the novel use of behind-the scenes radio drama segueing into a reality show
in real time.”
“The plot is hackneyed…what could have been a commentary on reality radio turns
into a run-of-the-mill comedy.”
“Excellent climax that highlight the power of radio!”
“Film’s ending and the play-up of the Pinoy’s amusing penchant as usiseros are much
appreciated.”
Last edited by GERASHER; Jul 24, 2012 at 03:09 PM.
Reply With Quote
Posting Permissions
