Movie Review: Just The 3 of Us

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Cast: John Lloyd Cruz and Jennylyn Mercado

Director: Cathy Garcia Molina

Rating: R13

Produced by: Star Cinema

The thought that this movie stars John Lloyd Cruz and Jennylyn Mercado for the first time together and helmed by a popular director are enough to make the viewers think that Just The 3 Of Us would be worth their time and money. True there’s much excitement on the team up of two of the industry’s best – multi-awarded actor and box-office king John Lloyd Cruz and the equally talented and award-winning actress Jennylyn Mercado in her first movie with Star Cinema. 

The movie, a  mix  of romance, comedy and drama, centers on an out of the ordinary love story, a very unlikely situation that leads to two strangers - Uno (John Lloyd) and CJ (Jennylyn) – who are forced to live together by circumstance - but without marriage, not even friendship and yes … without sex. 

Undeniably, the movie doesn’t disappoint, it’s very entertaining, no dull moment and an almost perfect chemistry for its lead stars. Give it to them who are such visual delights - John Lloyd who despite his age, still looks hot with a well-maintained body to boot and the young mom Jennylyn consistently making it as one of the top sexiest in men’s magazine polls.

The story is light with flashes of drama in between. As expected, the competent John Lloyd is convincing in his role as Uno, a young, ambitious pilot who wouldn't settle for anything less,  while Jennylyn undoubtedly gave it her best as CJ, the would-be-mother torn between her conviction and family. Throughout the movie, their silly scenes together are a  natural and captivating to the viewer. 

CJ, the woman who amidst terrible adversity, fights with all her might to prove her point across to the cold-hearted Uno who is also battling some extreme personal issues. The movie maybe light, but John Lloyd’s and Jennylyn’s performances should not to be taken lightly.

Both Uno and CJ struggle to put up with one another for a common goal. The story comes off convincing especially towards the second half when Uno and CJ start to realize that they cannot just let go of each other. Jennylyn is a refreshing  comedian with perfect timing to complement Uno’s endless quirks. Uno’s introduction to CJ’s clueless family added more excitement to the couple’s crazy set-up, only to get more complicated with the entry of CJ’s ex-flame Baron Geisler. The take off from there gives highlight to the acting prowess of John Lloyd and Jennylyn, especially in that last scene that is sweet and captivating.

Hoping that John Lloyd’s next love story movie with Garcia Molina will be one that will showcase his versatility even more than just the formulaic romcom. He and his other love teams had done several of this kind in the past with Garcia Molina at the helm. It’s unfortunate that the blockbuster director has not gotten out of her comfort zone all these years, dishing out these same tiresome plot in her movies. She can do more, that’s for sure – and it will surely be a win-win scenario should she decide to make a 180-degree turn - hopefully soon. 

Just The 3 Of Us also features Joel Torre, Maria Isabel Lopez, Ketchup Eusebio, Joem Bascon, Yana Asistio, Baron Geisler, Victor Silayan, and Fifth Solomon, now showing in 300 cinemas.