a man and woman holding a flashlight in the dark

SPELLBOUND: Pretty Straightforward

05.01.2023

Rating:

8.5/10

It was my birthday pala when this film was shown in cinemas. And why did I sleep on this?! How I wish I was part of the pack who were able to see this Philippine adaptation of a 2011 Korean movie (with the same title) the time that it was shown in movie houses because IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Ang kinang ng ngiti ko after watching it.

The movie was pretty straightforward. Director Jalz Zarate didn't waste time and got in immediately with this 'rom-com na may konting mumu'. I loved the fact na aksyon agad because that's what we're here for. To be scared, to laugh and to feel in love.

I was cringing at first because I'm not used to seeing Bela Padilla with this super-pabebe acting (if that make sense) because we know her acting style, right? Or the characters that she portrayed before at least. She's always strong but hurting... And longing. In this film, she's different! It felt awkward at first honestly. But as movie progresses, she made me believe the Yuri that she's portraying. The depth that I always see in Bela came through my TV screen as the story goes by. She cut through especially after the confrontation with the girlfriend, Trisha (Cindy Miranda). Husay! Actually, even with the moments that she needs to be funny was believeable. My favorite LOL moment was when she called out the two people on the other table who were making out. Tawang-tawa ako!

a man in a suit laying on a bed

Marco Gumabao was so charming in this film. Well, he has good looks yes but I don't want to let that affect of what I have to say on how he has been in the movie but really, he is very charming here. Lalo na nung katabi niya si Bela matulog. You'll fall for him. Kaya the kilig moments were effortless. He'll melt your heart even if he only did was smile. But... Of course there's a but. If I will be looking through behind that gorgeous face, if I will go unfiltered, I would say that he is most effective kapag takot siya. I loved it when he was scared stiff and at the same time frantically worried and confused. That's an actor working. Ang galing galing niya dun! SWEAR!

two people sitting on the ground next to a pool

Though I like the fact of how straightforward (as I said) and how fast paced it is, I just wish that some scenes were inserted to make the audience feel more. Or maybe other elements should be added or slowed down a bit. Like the transition; the 1 year later - what happened there?; the scene where Yuri and Clara has this closure; when Yuri was trapped inside the cabinet; when Victor had to fall like 10ft to the ground because he tried to break the glass; Why Trisha let go of Victor; why did Trisha verbalized that "be a man" to Victor. Maybe I'm just eager sa mas exaggerated na malinamnam na execution so I will feel more.

a man and a woman in a room with a dream catcher

But don't get me wrong, it's tolerable and forgiveable. It's just a demand from a casual viewer and it will not change how good the film is. I'm so satisfied with the totality of the movie and how I felt after watching it. I had fun. Or I say WE had fun... Me and good boy! Char🤣


8.5/10⭐️ 'Spellbound' (Philippine adaptation) is now on Netflix! What a day to spend the Labor Day.


CATCH IT NOW! You'll feel good.


#Spellbound

#SpellboundPH

a teepee sitting in a dark room

*credits to all photo owners

G💋