Movie Review: It Takes A Man and A Woman

Miggy Montenegro and Laida Magtalas are back… or are they not?

It started in 2008 via “A Very Special Love” – the first movie we all fell in love with. John Lloyd Cruz plays Miguel “Miggy” Montenegro, the rich bachelor Adelaida “Laida” Magtalas (played by Sarah Geronimo) loved, adored, and even worshiped since she was 16-years-old. They both fell in love in the end despite being opposite in so many ways. And their love story continued in 2009 via “You Changed My Life“. Their  love for each other was challenged when Miggy became more busy and had lesser time to give to Laida. They almost got separated but they have survived the storm again in their relationship and promised to be more understanding and loving.

Four years have passed and we all wondered, what happened to Miggy and Laida? What’s next for them?

After hearing the news that Star Cinema and Viva Films are doing the third installment of the blockbuster tandem of Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz, I was very excited. Way too excited that I confess watching the teaser trailer and full trailer over and over again…

The movie trailer gave the story away already. Miggy and Laida fell apart. Miggy cheated and goes back to her ex-girlfriend Belle (played by Isabelle Daza) and Laida tries to move on and become a “wiser, bolder, stronger, and fiercer” Laida Magtalas version 2.0. Based on the trailer alone, you’ll expect a lot of tension between Miggy and Laida when they try to work together again in one company. Worse, with Miggy’s new girlfriend around. I loved their exchanges of dialogues whenever they bring up the past. Trust issue? Big word. Check!

And the long wait is finally over. The new film “It Takes A Man and A Woman” was screened earlier (March 20) and I readied myself by watching again “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed My Life” before seeing the latest one on the big screen. And because I expected it to be  a hit, I decided to watch it at Alabang Town Center just to be surprised that it was sold out til its last full screening. And it was 2:00 pm only when I inquired!

I wanted to see the film so badly that I decided to watch it at SM Molino instead. And luckily, I managed to get hold of its last full show. And so, what happened next to Miggy and Laida? Of course, I wont spoil it but it’s obvious that the story will be predictable. How could they let Miggy and Laida separated when we know for a fact that they are meant for each other? But I loved how the movie writers tried to level up their love story. Yes, it’s predictable. Miggy cheated. Laida tried to fixed a broken heart. She moved on and changed. But have Laida really moved on from the pain Miggy gave her? Have she already forgiven Miggy after 2 years of not seeing each other? Will things ever be the same? That’s what the movie is going to answer. And director Cathy Garcia-Molina made every scene relatable. Every scene will reminds you of your own experiences with your ex gf-bf (it does for me). I love how they didn’t rely on “flashbacks” like what most films normally do (using old footage to add to the new film). It was funny how they re-enact each past “kilig” scenes from their previous two films and made it looked more ‘hurtful’ on Miggy and Laida’s present situation. It’s a guaranteed “aawwww” moment.

The original cast was there and the characters played by Joross Gamboa, Gio Alvarez and Matet de Leon are still a riot. You’ll love the punchlines and teasing. I love friends like that. Teases you and reminds you to be true to yourself. But the biggest revelation in this movie is the addition of Isabelle Daza. Compared to Rayver Cruz‘ character in “You Changed Your Life”, her role is much better and well played. But who is Isabelle Daza? She is Miss Universe Gloria Diaz‘s daughter who made a name of herself in the modelling industry. “It Takes A Man and A Woman” serves as her debut film and she’s lucky to have that role. Although we expect her to be the kontrabida to Laida and Miggy’s love story, her character also have a story to tell. She is Miggy’s ex-girfriend after all. And although there were never any confrontation scene between her and Laida, her presence alone makes it awkward for Laida to take. Does Belle’s presence reminds Laida of Miggy’s infidelity or it makes her more jealous whenever she’s around? But you will sympathize with her character when Miggy finally realized who he really love. Isabelle Daza did well with her first movie. She have the emotion and she made it looked so natural on screen. She is the perfect ex-girlfriend for Miggy.

Over all, the movie is great. You’ll laugh, cry, laugh, cry, laugh, and cry some more. It’s actually a roller coaster of emotions. John Lloyd Cruz cried a lot in this movie that you can’t help but cry along with him especially when they broke up in one scene (really, it’s heartbreaking how he cries!). And I love it that the scenes showed in the movie trailer is somewhat different when you see the actual scene in the big screen. Every scenes in the trailer is actually longer and shot in different angle. I also love the transformation of Laida and Sarah Geronimo as well. She matured in this film. Still kikay but the new look is great or let’s say, better. Love her styling and choice of clothes here. And that “water please” scene is just wow!

“It Takes A Man and A Woman” is not just a  feel-good movie. It’s a reality for everyone who fell in love, had their heart broken, and the pain of moving on. The movie also promotes second chances, and learning to accept that sometimes people do mistakes and it’s up to you how you will accept it. There are some movie dialogues that you’ll love from this film. I love everything that Miggy’s dad (Dante Rivero) said in the film. And I will share it here once I got the full transcript of his “speech” scene.

“It Takes A Man and Woman” deserves the General Patronage rating of MTRCB and the Graded A rating of Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB). The movie is full of feelings and emotion. And it’s also intellectual because it’s what a normal person would really feel when they fell in love and have their heart broken.

If you’re wondering if this is really the final installment for the Miggy-Laida love story, I’d like to hope there will be a part 4 or more. Or even a TV series. Because Laida and Miggy’s love story will always reminds us that love is sweeter the second time around. Also, if you want to know if finally you’ll see Sarah Geronimo gets her first “real” onscreen screen, it’s up to you to find out! But I suggest you stay until its movie credits. There is still the usual ad placements (Sarah Geronimo’s ‘Ulalammm‘ endorsement and John Lloyd Cruz’ ‘Greenwich Pizza+Pasta’ endorsement) in some scenes but it wasn’t too obvious and it was somewhat needed in the scene so no harm done in the story.

If I’m going to predict the fate of “It Takes A Man and A Woman“, I hope it becomes the #1 Pinoy film of all time. So far, reports claims that the movie already earned Php 32.6 Million on its opening day alone. I recommend this film and I’m planning to watch it again on its 2nd day of screening. It do takes to have John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo to make a romantic-comedy movie you will never forget. And I’m giving the whole cast and crew a big power group hug! :-)