My Amnesia Girl (2010)

Finally, a film from Star Cinema that has a very clever and engaging trailer that doesn't give the story away. My Amnesia Girl was initially frowned upon by haters as the trailer promises to have been a rip-off of yet another feel good romantic-comedy movie, 50 First Dates. That type of marketing has indeed been very clever, making both fans and haters alike go into the theaters to both criticize and enjoy the film.

If it's a Cathy Garcia Molina film, you can pretty much expect solid direction and acting. She's one of the very few mainstream directors who actually respects the script given to her and gives it justice, and this film is not an exception. Albeit some problem with inconsistent lighting and weak voice sounding, all of that was forgiven with brilliant acting and a very clever and realistic script.

The story's most brilliant moments were during the first act where Apollo (John Lloyd Cruz) reminisces the ups and downs of his past relationships. The second act was, as expected, a very sugarcoated montage of the "kilig" scenes on the relationship of Irene (Toni Gonzaga) and Apollo, but was still pretty much brilliantly delivered because of tight direction. The third act could have been better, but of course, the malady of mainstream studios came and destroyed what could have been a perfect love story. The ending was obviously obligatory and predictable.

The strength of this film was the brilliant cast. This film would really have not been as brilliant as it is if not for them. Toni Gonzaga was a revelation. Her comic charm can really put a smile on people's faces. Her dramatic chops have yet to be improved, but was still delivered very effectively. John Lloyd Cruz as usual never fails to deliver a very brilliant performance. What's great about him is that he's a team player. Unlike some veteran actors who have already proved their mettle, he doesn't deliver a "I'm-the-best-actor-so-I'm-better-than-you" type of performance. All he does is just simply give justice to his character, and thus bringing out the best on his fellow cast as well. Seriously, this guy can win awards by just drinking his wine.

Over all, My Amnesia Girl is a feel good movie, no more no less. The story may have been obligatory on some parts, and there may have been minor technical glitches along the way. But all that can easily be forgiven with a solid cast and brilliant direction.