On June 30, I attended the premiere night of “The Breakup Playlist,” which is top-billed by Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual. It was held at Cinema 10 in SM Megamall. In addition to covering the red carpet and the after party event, I also saw the movie.
Let’s start with the trailer:
TRAILER
REVIEW
Initially, I had a feeling that it would have similarities to the movie “Begin Again” of Keira Knightley and Adam Levine, due to the formula of romance drama + music + the rock icon character of Gino, played by Piolo Pascual. However, as the movie progressed, I did not find further similarities. On the contrary, I found “The Breakup Playlist” had quite a different plot.
The movie’s “playlist” of non-linear “chapters,” starting with Gino and Trixie breaking-up immediately, signals that this is not your typical commercial Pinoy movie.
Sarah Geronimo plays the role of Trixie David, an aspiring musician, while studying law at her parents’ insistence. She meets Gino Avila, an established musician, who asks her to join Pencil Grip, the band he is forming.
While in the band, they fall in love, and later, their relationship is tested, especially issues related to the egoistic character of Gino.
What I liked about the movie:
1. The well-woven interplay of story and music. The love story of two musicians, where the stages of their relationship are strongly supported by the soundtrack from the build-up to the break-up.
2. Great soundtrack. Even Darren Espanto said in an interview that he was singing along while watching the movie. You will definitely experience LSS of the theme song “Paano Ba Ang Magmahal.” I love the different versions played in the movie, including the solo version sung by Piolo.
3. Piolo’s and Sarah’s wacky ways of using the CD covers to talk to each other.
4. Even though the story was non-linear, it was well-written and the sequences were well-edited.
5. Plenty of kilig moments with Sarah & Piolo. You won’t be able to stop falling in love with their characters. Beware, girls will be susceptible to Piolo’s looks.
6. The presence of OPM icons and their roles, making the story more realistic. Look out for the jamming sessions and the gigs!
7. Award-winning acting by Piolo Pascual and superb acting by Sarah Geronimo. Don’t forget to bring a hanky to wipe those teary eyes.
8. Even the support actors’ scenes strongly contributed to the story. “Walang tapon!”
Kudos to Piolo and Sarah for the great acting and to Director Dan Villegas for being at the helm. Antoinette Jadaone, the writer, deserves a standing ovation for the superb story. Great contribution from the supporting cast. The casting and cinematography were very good as well.
This is definitely one of the best Pinoy movies to date that I enjoyed watching. I highly recommend everyone to watch this. I give it a 5-out-of-5 star-rating with 2 thumbs up! Congrats to the team of the “The Breakup Playlist!”
PREMIERE NIGHT VIDEO COVERAGE
Here is also my video coverage of the Red Carpet, In The Cinema seatings, Fan Reaction, and After Party coverage.
The Breakup Playlist is now showing from July1, 2015 in Philippine cinemas nationwide. The movie was graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB). Another top grossing blockbuster movie that made Php 15M on its opening day.
Related Links:
Video Coverage of The Breakup Playlist Blogcon with Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual
Video: The Breakup Playlist Blogcon with Piolo Pascual, Dan Villegas, Antoinette Jadaone