CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE (2017) Review
Directed by Mae Cruz – Alviar
Back on the big screen, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla keeps on improving as an artist both individually and as a couple. Can’t Help Falling in Love won’t be offering anything new when it comes to the story but the magic of the film relies on the chemistry of its leads and how the audience can relate to their characters.
Here, we see Kathryn as Gab, a person who tries to please everyone around her including her about to be fiance Jayson, played by Matteo Guidicelli. Bernardo is at her most beautiful in this film, from her outfits to her face and makeup, it’s like she is almost becoming the lady she’s ought to be.
Like her previous roles, she carries the weight of the dramatic part of the film. She’s better here, so far her best, but she can’t seem to get out of a role that wants her to always be weak. But it’s satisfying to see her being her best when it comes to acting, she fully embraced the character of Gab. Even the simple details in her reactions in the film are seen and felt.
Daniel Padilla, who plays Dos, is even remarkable here than his impressive performance in Barcelona: A Love Untold. Some people see Alden Richards, Joshua Garcia or even Enrique Gil as the next John Lloyd Cruz, but Daniel seems to be the one who should be named the next JLC, but what’s even better is, he has his own style in acting. And in this film, Padilla is proving he’s a terrific actor, and has the charms that can melt your heart and make you smile, both at the same time.
So, yeah. Can’t Help Falling in Love is your typical Star Cinema romantic comedy movie, but what makes it special is how the story follows the two characters falling for each other. You might feel a little bit uncomfortable seeing the two leads doing something a bit mature, but we have to face that they’re really growing old and are ready to come out of their comfort zone.
She’s Dating the Gangster might be their most decently-written film but Can’t Help Falling in Love is their best film when it comes to charms. It makes you forget even for a little while the plot holes and the number of conflicts the film has, which is more than a romantic comedy film could handle, and enjoy, and maybe realize something about life and love and the choices we make along the way.
Director Mae Cruz-Alviar proved me wrong, she can make magic in her film. Predictable, formulaic and tedious at times, but definitely lovely.
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide from Star Cinema. Rated PG by the MTRCB.