We've Come A Long Way

I'm sure a lot of movie afficionados and purists will disagree with me but I personally think that Filipino movies have improved a lot and that Star Cinema has significantly contributed to this development.

Let's take "Dubai" for example. It's another OFW-country-themed movie starring Claudine Barretto but it still manages to set itself apart from "Milan". Sure, the praises heaped on Dubai the country seemed a little too contrived ("Bago ka lang ba dito? Kasi dito sa Dubai kahit iwan mo bag mo, walang kukuha, ibabalik pa sa iyo" and other statements to that effect) that I found myself rolling my eyes after the nth Dubai reference. But the movie veered away from traditional melodrama so I was pleasantly surprised that Claudine's pregnancy did not become the crux of the story, rather, the story centered on the brothers' relationship and how they've both changed and grown throughout the years.

It was not an open and shut story with the seemingly requisite big Famas caliber drama scene. The acting was restrained and the supporting cast was, as with all Star Cinema movies, enjoyable. "Dubai" is a testament to the fact that moviegoers will still flock to a local movie if it's done well. And the fact that it starred three gorgeous people and that it was set in an exotic location will also surely boost their box-office returns.

What can I say. I'm a Claudine and Aga fan :)