Maybe This Time

This movie did not age well. The first ten minutes of the movie will treat viewers to creepy sexual advances of the male lead masquerading as cute funny romantic advances, the kind that is normalized as acceptable in patriarchal societies and where the female is expected to surrender. You don't need to be a lawyer to recognize these scenes as sexual harrasment. But in this movie, it is treated as normal, funny even. I think it was creepy and uncomfortable. It could have been handled better. The rest of the movie is meh, the usual Pinoy rom com with heavy elements. Don't waste your time, watch something else.

Summary: A story about Stef Asuncion and Tonio Bugayong risking themselves to love one another and a chance to meet up again. Though Maybe This Time is lifted up by its superb script and Geronimo's acting, the storyline is somehow the usual "Filipino Rom-Com Situations" and others almost nothing new except for its heavier plot compared to some other flicks.

Assets: 1. Sarah Geronimo's thematic acting actually saves the day. I could say she acts naturally and you can get hooked by her character.

2. Like most local films, Maybe This Time contains exceptional screenplay and is somehow catchy.

3. Cinematography. Bride for Rent and Starting Over Again started the trend for a picturesque cinema quality for viewing. I applaud this movie for its vibrant colors and clarity.

4. Theme song- Obviously.

Liabilities: 1. Storyline- The normal "boy meets girl, boy courts girl, boy and girl fall in love, girl leaves boy, both have different lives and reunite to take another chance" is implemented here. Filipinos have watching this types of film since the reign of "Bea-John Lloyd" love team.

2. Ruffa Gutierrez- Who wouldn't be bothered by her pairing to Coco Martin? No offense but she looked like a sugar mommy.

3. The movie can make you drowsy like Princess Aurora. It may be captivating at some junctures, but sometimes it's good to sleep in the theater that pushing yourself to continue watching the movie.

4. The kissing scene. It was a bit "awkward" since it wasn't shown.

Even if its assets and liabilities are tied, the story lines still has a great impact to my decision. 4/10 is my review