Imagine You and Me Movie Review

Warning: Possible spoilers

I rarely watch local movies nowadays. I grew up watching local films so I think I have an idea of how most comedies, dramas, and action movies made in my country will turn out. So I was pleasantly surprised for the most part of the movie Imagine You and Me and was almost about to give it a perfect ten until about the end.

Accidents have been overused in love stories. In Meet Joe Black, Brad Pitt gets hit by a car. In The Lake House, Keanu Reeves also gets hit by a car. There's another movie that I can't quite recall at the moment, where the female character rides a bicycle and gets hit by a car. All of them died. So, whenever someone gets hit by a car, you expect a tragic ending. But instead, Maine Mendoza's character gets hit by a car and survives. Why place the event in the movie? It was unnecessary. The idea of Alden Richards' character torn between Maine and Jasmine Curtis-Smith is already tragic enough. The movie could actually have ended, in my opinion, when Maine sees Alden chasing after her as she heads for the airport. I know that Pinoys are used to happy endings, but this movie could have been a classic love film which ranks with all-time bests if it were ended properly.

The choice of location was perfect. You'ld even think it was made like Hana Kimi or some other Japanese love comedy. Most of the shots were beautiful, showcasing the different parts of Italy. I think that most times, Filipino films are negatively affected by the local environment they are shot in. But Italy was like a dream... the houses look perfect, the countryside was pristine, and even interiors were well thought of.

I am thankful that they did not flood this film with ads like the first Alden-Maine movie. (Tide makers - you know what I'm talking about.) There was one scene with a McDonalds happy meal, but it was subtle compared to what Tide did. And I know, that is one way for the producers to make money, but just add the endorser in the credits. Shouldn't the main source of money by the ticket sales?

Maine's acting was great. She stayed in character. Don't know if she was playing her real-life self, but she was more believable here than as a rich man's daughter. It was also nice to see Alden not falling over Maine like a love sick puppy in Kalyeserye. And Jasmine Curtis-Smith should be nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The two friends of Maine were also a good balance and sources of comic relief.

This movie, in my opinion, can compete with those love stories produced in other countries. The twist about Jasmine Curtis-Smith was very original for me. I hope more movies that are less predictable come out. If not for the ending, I would have given this film a perfect 10. But even with that disappointment, I would still give this movie a 9. I hope more local movies will be given as much time and attention so that the quality of local cinema can be elevated.