Movie Review: Imagine You & Me

Main Cast: Alden Richards, Maine Mendoza

Director: Mike Tuviera

MTRCB Rating: G

Released By: APT Entertainment, GMA Films, M-Zet TV Production Inc.

Imagine You & Me, the film made specially for Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza is the story of  Andrew and Gara who are searching for true love. They find each other in Como, Italy, but have to hurdle a challenging battle before  they get to reach the cherry on top, so to speak.

Gara (Maine) often daydreams about a special man in her life. Being an ‘nbsb’ or no boyfriend since birth explains why she is in great despair to find that one true love that she can call her own.

She went to Italy to help her family back home, along the way, she meets Andrew (Alden). Gara and Andrew find each other at the most opportune time when they are both brokenhearted, but the circumstance of their meeting is anything but romantic.

The very difficult Andrew becomes a crucial test for Gara, especially when she weaves her way around his private affairs that infuriates him all the more.

The film boasts of its beautiful aerial shots of Como, a tranquil paradise in Italy, with breathtaking landscapes and great architectural sights. Perhaps nothing can be a more perfect venue for Aldub’s first solo romantic film.

‘ Imagine You and Me' comes off as a regular romance-comedy movie, but the story entertains, is wholesome and doesn’t exaggerate. Maine’s character as Gara fits her to a T, as she is clearly comfortable with comedy. However, she has yet to be at ease with dramatic scenes so it will be easier to watch. Nonetheless, she is effortlessly natural as an actress.

Alden, on the other hand could have been given more scenes to shine given Andrew’s own painful woes. He has more to offer since he is a talented actor. But it was good that he kind of made up for it especially towards the latter part, and what a sweet surprise!

There’s no denying of Alden and Maine’s graceful chemistry such that their scenes together are delightfully easy on the eyes. The movie is light romance, well put together, but the circumstances surrounding some of the characters seem entangled as to make them look authentic.

Kakai Bautista and Cai Cortez as Gara’s friends never fail to bring the house down in all their appearances, always on point. The troika’s bond is typical of friendship of most Filipinos working abroad.

The movie’s powerful and romantic cinematography helped a lot for intensity, especially in dramatic scenes. Director Mike Tuviera deserves a thumbs up for coming up with a wholesome, feel-good movie that cater to Aldub fans of all ages who come in droves to see it.

The film is making good at the tills, the momentum should be sustained. Perhaps, a follow up in order?

Other stars in the film are Irma Adlawan, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Yayo Aguila, William Martinez – now showing in theaters.