Movie Review: This Time

Image courtesy of www.all-about-juan.info

Cast: James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Bret Jackson 

Director: Nuel Naval 

MTRCB Rating: G

Produced by: Viva Films 

“This Time,” the latest starrer of real couple James Reid and Nadine Lustre is a bit different from their previous films together. For one, it does away with the popular convention, taking out those romantic clichés, thus letting the story flow naturally. It is light, spontaneous and entertaining. 

The movie begins during the summer, the only eason that Ava (Nadine) gets excited about every year as it would mean seeing her childhood friend Coby (James) in town. The ambassador’s  grandson, Coby and Ava grow up learning to adapt to the set-up of their 10-year ‘unlabelled’ friendship – or so it seems. 

The movie, James and Nadine’s first as real life sweethearts succeeds in bringing out more ‘kilig’ moments from the couple.  Every scene comes off effortlessly … undoubtedly, a real and happy treat for their fans. But that aside, James and Nadine delivered a fine performance, way better than the previous roles in their past movies. The secret is out, obviously, as the couple themselves admitted that the excitement of seeing each other every shooting day gave them the high. 

It is worth noting, too, that “This Time” also highlights the depth of family relations when Coby did not compromise the safety of his sick grandfather (Freddie Webb) over his personal happiness of travelling to see Ava whom he misses so much. On the other side, the love and support of Ava’s family have strengthened her in all her challenges. Something that cannot be said of her closeted gay friend, Aldrin (Bret Jackson) who goes through life faking himself from his very strict parents. 

Apart from the ‘kilig’ factor, the audience is treated to hearty laughs ably provided by Ava’s overly protective mom, Candy Pangilinan (Mamapards) as she dishes out funny one-liners with her family every chance she gets.  

Ava’s drive to pursue her dreams vis-a-vis her longing for Coby in their long distance ‘friendship’ is a challenge from day one. Yet, seeing the spark in her elderly gay neighbor ate Bi (Ronnie Lazaro) who has rediscovered his lost love has inspired her. And to a great extent, the love story of Coby’s grandfather (Freddie Webb) as he lost and found his one great love, Ofelia (Nova Villa) in Japan.

Indeed, being in love feels damn good. If you are a Jadine fan, this movie is a must- see. Catch it and be charmed!