‘“Ex Ex Lovers” underscores the truth about mature love: that love is not a feeling and that it is willing to let go of the past.’
The tandem of Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal was one of the biggest love teams of the 1990s. The two starred in a number of movies and teleseryes such as “Gimik”, “Flames, The Movie,” “Esperanza,” “Labs Kita, Okay Ka Lang?,” “Hey, Babe” and “I Love N.Y.” Whenever Jolina and Marvin are paired onscreen, the result is magic and instant chemistry. Even if they did not end up marrying each other in real life, the chemistry and the friendship between them remained. It was easy to see why there was a clamor for Marvin and Jolina to reunite.
For the diehard MarJo (as the pair is called) fans, the film “Ex Ex Lovers” is a wish come true. But even if you are not familiar with this “OG rom-com royalty,” you will be entertained by this family comedy that is now showing in theaters.
The set-up is interesting enough: Twenty-three-year old SC (played by Loisa Andalio), who is engaged to be married to Joey (Juan Karlos Labajo), asks her mother Joy (Jolina) to search for her father Ced (Marvin) — who had abandoned their family — so Ced could walk her down the aisle. In spite of her deep-seated hatred for her ex-husband, Joy accedes to her only child’s request, traveling all the way to Malta where Ced is now an OFW.
The situation is difficult at first, but Joy eventually strikes an agreement with Ced to help save SC from an early marriage. As a mom, Joy is worried that SC and Joey may not be ready to be husband and wife, and may just break-up like Ced and her. Ced understands Joy and goes with her plan.
As a celebration of nostalgia, “Ex Ex Lovers” hits all the right notes. There are references to Jolina and Marvin’s past projects in certain dialogs, scenes and character names. The love team’s reel and real friends like Mylene Dizon, Dominic Ochoa, G Tongi and Judy Ann Santos play special roles. The scenes with these stars are delightful and fun.
It’s a treat to see Jolina and Marvin in what they do best together: make the audience feel good with their effortless banter. It’s also to their credit that they were game to make fun of their age and the changes that come with getting older. Their scenes in beautiful Malta are a fitting showcase for the wonderful duo. Watch for the touching part where Joy realizes that her ex has truly changed for the better and her mood subtly shifts from bitter to compassionate.
Loisa and Juan Karlos make a lovable pair. Loisa shines as Joy and Ced’s independent and tough daughter. Juan Karlos does his best with his weak and not-so-rounded character. We argue that Joey should have had a redeeming moment. Films that depict Filipino men as generally spineless and no-good mama’s boys are a step back and do not help in developing Filipino gentlemen of strong moral character.
“Ex Ex Lovers” makes points about divorce and cites the absence of a divorce law in the Philippines. It’s a noteworthy effort, but perhaps these could have been better explored in another story or genre. We came to feel “kilig” and watch MarJo in a funny romantic tale.
In any case, “Ex Ex Lovers” underscores the truth about mature love: that love is not a feeling and that it is willing to let go of the past.
