Labyu with an Accent (MMFF 2022): Typical RomCom But Jodi's Versatility Shines

Main photo (poster) from jodi sta maria pics.

Cute, uberly cute. Funny, light, aesthetically pleasing, great ensemble. 3.5/5

NAPAKAGANDA NI JODI STA. MARIA, LORD. I HOPE WE ALL FIND SOMEONE WHO LOOKS AT US LIKE HOW TRICIA (Jodi) LOOKS AT GABO (Coco) THROUGHOUT THE FILM.

I don't really watch much of cheesy, romcom films led by heterosexuals (lol) but I made this an exemption. Ewan ko ba, baka gusto ko lang ng ka light-an nowadays, hahahaha!

Napaka versatile ni Jodi and you can see her range here given all her past projects. I think maski sino i-partner sa kaniya, it will work. She can adjust! Also, ang gwapo ni Coco, gagiiiii! Pero ang ganda talaga ni Jodi, ulitin ko lang! The camera loves her. Mula umpisa hanggang dulo! And her accent as a woman who lives and grew up in the US? Impeccable! (Luh?! Syempre, ABS-CBN ito so may budget. Nag film talaga sila sa US.) Hindi conyo ang twang niya — it was cute! Hindi iyong nakasanayan nating English conyo. Hindi rin tunog pilit. Even she plays an accent, it didn't make the lines forced and awkward. The dialogues were actually good. EVEN THE SUBTITLES NA KUNG HINDI AKO NAKAKA GETS NG TAGALOG, MATATAWA PA RIN AKO! Especially that N.O. part. Watch it to find out! The ensemble was really great, too. The supporting actors and even the bitplayers slash crowd on the sidelines (extras), they were seen and felt. Hindi lang para magmukhang maraming tao sa frame. Though parang ang awkward na mag tatay si John Estrada at Coco Martin? Lol.

I really liked that the film presented issues on immigration and discrimination when it comes to races and genders. Pinakita niya na mga weak shit talaga kayong mga lalaki kapag pinaiiral niyo 'yang mga antiquated principle and pride niyo, that you all believe women should stay at home, disguising the act as, Ako ang mag aalaga sa 'yo. You deserve to be the queen. Lol.

And this is also where the film fell short for me. Kasi sa two hours na 'yon, I was waiting for them to show both of them can thrive. That Gabo will accept Tricia as his equal. Pag tingin ko sa oras, eight minutes na lang, matatapos na ang pelikula kaya sabi ko, Wala na 'to. Kilig-kilig na lang 'to sa dulo. Yep. RomCom. 

So if you're looking for something that will make your heart flutter, make you laugh (with all its kajologs-an), go for Labyu with an Accent.

TANG INA, ANG GANDA TALAGA NI JODI STA. MARIA!!!!! The way she looks at Coco, mapapasigaw ka na lang ng, LORDT, PAHINGI NG TRICIA!!!! (Lord, pwedeng Tricia Robredo, tho. Chos. Pwede ring hindi chos.)