For the First Time

For The First Time is surprisingly entertaining and skillfully photographed. Despise it in any way, but that's how formula films go. It's not entirely a person's fault that they are: a. somewhat allergic to romantic melodramas, b. without any doubt bursting with bitterness, or c. purely weird.

Pia (KC Concepcion) works as the head of the Marketing Department of her father's Real Estate Business. We see an uphill struggle on her part to please her father Santi (Philip Salvador). She will often be affronted by her father with how ineffectual she is. Despite the demands to achieve excellence, she still goes after her brother's advice to take her planned vacation. Pia is accompanied by her waggish nanny Josie (Candy Pangilinan).

From the restless dekko of Manila, the film shifted to the breathtaking views in Greece. Greece is dazzling. The white painted veneers of the old houses contrasts its cerulean sea shore are photographed well. Pia and Josie meet Benjo (Nor Domingo), Josie's pen pal. Then, they reside at the pavilion of Benjo's boss, Seth (Richard Gutierrez). Flashback - Seth broke-up with three of Pia's friends. He is dubbed as the number one playboy back in the Metro. And the two finally meet. Pia is annoyed by the awkward situation and she hurriedly leaves. Since its peak season, she has no other choice but to swallow her pride and go back. Seth convinces Pia to be her chaperone and tour her around the island. She agrees with the aid of a weird contract made from scratch paper: he will not court her.

Gutierrez manifests the genes of his father's matinée idol appeal. Likewise, Concepcion's parents were both endearing decades ago, that is why their daughter looks alluring all the same. It is evident that their team-up is impeccable. The acting is quite fine. It corresponds to their high society stature, so it's easy for them to present as they are. But Gutierrez must avoid this superfluous mannerism. He has locked this rubbish toothpick to his mouth in the entire Greece development. It is utterly distracting. Concepcion has these intense drama sequences that are not polished. She has this tendency to squash her dialogues and it makes her look anxious. Or is it possible to limit the dubbing parts to merely long shots, or aerial shots? It's just despicable to see medium range shots to close-ups, more so long takes that were dubbed. Continuity is very important in films. I remember one scene in Greece where Pia, Josie and Benjo are conversing in the veranda. The raw dialogues are not bad. It sounds sincere. It captures the precise mood in that minute.

The supporting casts are also good. Salvador as Pia's dominating father has the abilities to restrain his emotion. There are intricate moments that he was able to carefully control his compassion towards her daughter. The comical duo of Pangilinan and Domingo were laudably fine. They have this uncanny ability to precisely shift serious to crazy moments.

The film story has a tendency to miss small details that are quite important. They are running a Real Estate Company and the ideas considered marketable are not wholly profitable in real life. They must be aware that some audience has a background in Marketing. Its minor, but every part is leading to the plot. But if we go back to the main objective which is to entertain, this movie does successfully. That is admirable in its own way, especially in these hard times when people just wish to receive just compensation for the money they pay.

Certainly, the entire movie is endearing to watch. It's not corny. We see swanky young adults falling in love. Their faults, bruises and struggles were not overstated. It is pleasing that the director and actors' strive to improve on their craft. The sad truth is romantic formula movies are often frowned upon. Nevertheless, For the First Time is surprising as it delivers a cleverly made romantic movie.

Rating: 3/5

For the first time.... This movie is all about two big network company in Philippines agrees for the first time to have their big star to film a movie which hopefully to start the unity and peace between network. And a first movie is all about most awaited movie debut of Kc Concepcion finally seeing her at the big screen for the first time. Anyway.this film made by Star Cinema and directed by Joyce Bernal, the movie evolved mainly with the story of Pia played by Kc Conception whose daughter and trying to make impression and prove to her father trust as daughter and employee for their own company. Until she met Seth (Richard Gutierrez) the lover boy whom ex by many including all Pia's close friend.

I thought the movie was OK, considering it was most anticipated movie of the year. I'm really excited to see it, specially in the beginning but sadly, as I continuously watching it I got bored, I enjoy it maybe for the first few 30 minute of the film, then the rest got out of way. You can already tell just for the next 30 minutes of the film what would be next scene would be and hows it end. I even text, call my friend, my neighbor during the mid of the film. and fell asleep even.

In fairness to cast, I though they are very good actors in their own ways but the lack of good script, story and direction, has messed to whole idea. The title of the movie was "For the first time" as ironically, I never scene any first time in the movie, the story was weak, We already seen it hundred of time, and made it more way better than this movie, I mean, they could done it more better, considering Star Cinema was known for making quality film, and this is not one of them, The actors in the film, I thought they made a good job, but not good enough to convince me that there is something going on, a lot of dialog has been made, except for the convincing acted proving that there is something, and the characters, you will never remember anyone due to lack of direction and editing.

Maybe on the lighter side, I didn't regret watching it because my main purpose is to see Kc Concepcion only and yes, she beautiful and definitely can act, and thats the only reason I watch this film. to see hot and sexy Kc Conception debut, other than that, it was total messed, They should done better, Let's just wait and see how GMA film will do and make their own version of Kc Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez film together.

I give this this movie 5/10..................

Are we having artistic drought back home? What an uninspired movie! The plot has been done over and over again to the point that no amount of good looks can save it. If the main characters are talented at all, it doesn't show. Unoriginal script, poor directing and boring acting. What a joke. An hour and change of my life I just wasted watching this stupid movie.

It's so apparent that this movie was made only because of the money it might rake in. Im pretty sure it did too, having two of the most popular celebrities top bill it. But seriously, that's the best they can do. Must Richard always be a rich spoiled guy who changes and becomes responsible when he meets the girl of his dreams? Kc's first movie is her make or break. Based on this one, in my book, she definitely did not make it. How annoying is her voice in this movie. I have no idea if that is her real voice or if she's just "acting." Whatever it is, it did not work.

Do not waste your time watching this. You're better off sitting in front of a mirror and staring at yourself for 2 good hours.