LOCAL ROMANCE - COMEDY

A VERY SPECIAL LOVE (2008)
by:Marian Carpo

This is definitely a very special movie for you to watch!

Star Cinema and Viva Films undoubtedly made a remarkable box office hit out of Direk Cathy Garci-Molina's film "A Very Special Love" featuring two of the most in demand stars of today's generation: John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo.

The story was very light which is just right since it's the first time John Lloyd and Sarah's team up was brought on a big screen and a love-comedy film suits them very well. The script was good and had a smooth flow of lines from one character to another. The reason behind Miguel's (John Lloyd) attitude of wanting to be number one on everything was justified accordingly and excellently.

John Lloyd has proven himself as a great actor in this movie. He has this expressive eyes that coincide with what his character actually feels at a particular scene. His gaze are like unwritten dialogues conveying the right amount of emotions whenever the camera starts rolling.

Sarah's acting skill was surprisingly good here. She delivered her drama parts well enough to be complimented and was able to stand head on head with John Lloyd's acting. Aside from that, you will also remember her comical role in this movie where she effectively became not only a drama actress but a comedianne as well! The only little problem is her voice. She has this monotonous tone when she throws her line (as if she's doing a hosting job) which was natural to her but in some way it bothers to hear the same intonation again and again. It somehow distracted (well just a little) the mood of a particular drama scene she had with John Lloyd, but her acting was good enough to cover up for it.

In terms of music, there were only few songs (lyrical music) used and mostly minor scenes were supported by instrumentals. As expected, the theme song were the one used to highlight the major scenes. But there was this specific situation where Miguel got sick and Laida (Sarah) took care of him on which the background song does not fit with the scene.

Technically speaking, the director did a wonderful job in incorporating the best cinematic aspect that conformed to the story. So in the end, I trully recommend this movie to those who wants to feel simple love at it's deepest and delightful way you will surely remember. This movie deserves a two thumbs up!