To some, this sequel may not be that so effective, but for me—it is. It doesn’t have to present too much harshness about the Philippine society but simply soft-selling what it is trying to convey in the most hilarious way, which Eugene Domingo can only manage to pull-off.
Among the films I have seen in the first day, this one made me really laugh and made me think if what really matters to me in watching a film. Is it more of what it says—content-wise (but would suffer at the box-office in the process) or am I also concern in its entertaining values?
How ‘Different’ is this from the First One?
In contrast to its first installment, this one satirizes the mainstream film industry, but it also the core of what it really means to be in such an industry.
Perhaps, this is one of Chris Martinez’s best written pieces as he tries to present what it takes to make a romantic-comedy flick and how becomes corrupted in the creative process. It’s witty and it’s funny at the same time because it hits the right chords.
Domingo as a fictionalized version of herself is probably far better here. She has upped the ante by showing what the moviegoers haven’t seen of her in her previous outings in films. She speaks a foreign language with ease and fluency as well as her ability to play the ukele.
It is a better version of Eugene Domingo as opposed to the first one.
Throws the Question—Content First or Commercial Success?
Let me make this clear—first and foremost, I am the type who would go for ‘content’ but as the years go by, I have to admit that in order to make a film appreciated by many; one has to consider its entertainment value.
In this sequel, which is again written and directed by the duo of Martinez and Marlon Rivera, it still succeeded many aspects. It placed together the country’s talented and promising artors—the likes of Joel Torre, Agot Isidro, Jericho Rosales, Ricci Chan and more. Though, I though, Vice Ganda would really have a cameo in the film, but got disappointed when he didn’t make it on the silver screen. It could have been wackier.
As someone trying to write a story for a film, I am also faced with the same dilemma that the character of Kean Cipriano as Rainier dela Cuesta, the director is going through in the story that Eugene Domingo is about to appear in. But what really hit me is the line that Eugene delivered over dinner that Rainier needs a counselor and not try to do a film if his relationship with his wife is in shambles. And that is true.
A filmmaker must be able to separate his or her life from his or her profession. Never seek refuge in filmmaking in order to save a relationship. These are two different things and that was Rainier’s struggles while trying to have Eugene Domingo to be part of his film.
Yes it Works that Way!
Having Jericho Rosales as Eugene Domingo’s love interest, replacing the original actor that the director (in the film) had in mind did really work. Why? It presents a reality on how actors at times have a hand in imposing what they think is beautiful and acceptable; forgetting the danger of sacrificing the quality of the film.
Rosales indeed is one of the sought-after dramatic actors in this generation. No actress would want to miss the chance to be with him, next to Piolo Pascual. He just fits the bill, perfectly. And the three levels of ‘hugot’ lines really sell.
Having scenes that make the audience confuse and leave them with ‘quotable lines’ is a formulaic and effective means in making a movie a real hit.
In this latest—installment, the original actors like Cipriano, Cai Cortez are back along with a new production assistant—Khalil Ramos who effectively breathed into his role, the silent type replacing JM De Guzman.
Catch the film in cinemas as part of the official entries in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival.
