Being the highest-grossing Philippine movie thus far, I hope you don't mind if I came into watching this with high expectations. Still I was skeptic because the assumption was it will be another one of those formulaic Star Cinema movie starring Kathryn Bernardo, directed by Cathy Molina-Garcia, set in an international location, usual love story but with a twist: we get a new boy this time in the form of Alden Richards. For the most part I was right, it was all you could ever expect from the same group that gave us the highest-grossing movie the year before, 'How's of Us.' Amidst it's shortcomings, 'Hello, Love, Goodbye' is a pleasant surprise for a movie who's theme has been done a million times. Part of it's success can be attributed to showing us the reality of our hardworking domestic helpers in Hong Kong (which the OFW community all over the world related and responded to) and it did not give us the usual ending we are used to, which makes a sequel possible seeing as all three already expressed interest in doing.
The story was well-written for the most part and my favorite was the start of the movie. It was a different approach, fast-paced and intriguing. While at some point it had to slow down to become what it really was meant to be in the first place, a typical Pinoy love story, at least it introduced something new to the audience that can be the new norm in the future. Acting-wise, Kathryn and Alden both delivered but both lacked maturity which I'm hoping can be improved on once the sequel rolls around. There were exchanges that fell flat because either a) it was poorly-written or b) both did not have the capacity to deliver them with the emotions needed. It took a while for their chemistry to kick in, possibly a result of being pigeonholed in their respective love teams for a long time. Kathryn can act, but she has certain mannerisms when she deliver some of her lines that breaks my concentration from her acting. I'm still getting rich girl even though she's supposed to be covered in filth from hiding under a pile of garbage bags. Alden still comes from the John Lloyd Cruz school for acting, but as soon as he develops his own signature he should be destined for greater things. The supporting cast did what was required of them, with Maxine Medina and Jameson Blake as highlights.
There's always the burden of asking whether this is the movie that will propel Philippine cinema back to it's old glory. Obviously this is not it, but delightfully it's not a step back as well. Knowing this specific tandem and formula works, hopefully everyone involved will be more keen on wanting to elevate the viewing experience the second time around. I keep harping on this because I honestly believe it has the potential to become even more special than what they've already done here.
The story was well-written for the most part and my favorite was the start of the movie. It was a different approach, fast-paced and intriguing. While at some point it had to slow down to become what it really was meant to be in the first place, a typical Pinoy love story, at least it introduced something new to the audience that can be the new norm in the future. Acting-wise, Kathryn and Alden both delivered but both lacked maturity which I'm hoping can be improved on once the sequel rolls around. There were exchanges that fell flat because either a) it was poorly-written or b) both did not have the capacity to deliver them with the emotions needed. It took a while for their chemistry to kick in, possibly a result of being pigeonholed in their respective love teams for a long time. Kathryn can act, but she has certain mannerisms when she deliver some of her lines that breaks my concentration from her acting. I'm still getting rich girl even though she's supposed to be covered in filth from hiding under a pile of garbage bags. Alden still comes from the John Lloyd Cruz school for acting, but as soon as he develops his own signature he should be destined for greater things. The supporting cast did what was required of them, with Maxine Medina and Jameson Blake as highlights.
There's always the burden of asking whether this is the movie that will propel Philippine cinema back to it's old glory. Obviously this is not it, but delightfully it's not a step back as well. Knowing this specific tandem and formula works, hopefully everyone involved will be more keen on wanting to elevate the viewing experience the second time around. I keep harping on this because I honestly believe it has the potential to become even more special than what they've already done here.