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"ANI (The Harvest)" Movie Review - Flawed but Admirable

A kid had to face the world in his own animated version and conquer life's biggest monster. ANI (The Harvest) It's as if a child's imagination is a safe haven, a place where the world is a playground for all the possibilities the mind could think of. And even the tight and humble space called home, situated on a busy Metro could not hinder the inquisitive headspace of a young Mithi (played by Zyren Dela Cruz), a boy who accomplishes the day by playing with his colorful toy robots that perform a vital role in his imaginary narrative. With a loving father and a mother that sings him a self-assuring lullaby, Mithi is blissfully unaware of the harsh reality. But life decided to toy with his fate, and Mithi's perfect little world is now showing its cracks, putting his vulnerability to the test and slowly depriving him of his happiness he thought would last forever. And through his eyes, the world suddenly transforms itself into a menacing monster.  Set in a lush ...

"Allergy in Love" Review - iWant's Rom-Com Shtick Has A Packing Secret to Reveal

Driven by curiosity, an avid fan of an every-girl popular dream guy made her way into his world and discovered a rather peculiar manhood condition.

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- Photo from iWant

A Stiff Situation

What if your man meat is allergic to sexual excitement? A ridiculously interesting plot director Joross Gamboa wants his audiences to ponder upon. This relatively rare and surprisingly real life condition was the central plot point used to stretch out a stupidly entertaining, romantic comedy pandemonium in this 2019 iWant original offering.

Gamboa's directorial debut, Allergy in Love, follows a nosy cosplayer Ayama (Chienna Filomena) who was smitten by a popular crooner, Jhonson (Cholo Baretto), a best-selling author, motivational speaker and an every-girl dream guy. Moved by her lofty fanaticism, Ayama attended one of Jhonson's conference and personally asked him about his relationship status. Jhonson, amazed by Ayama's fearlessness, took the opportunity to invite her on a special retreat to be attended by his close supporters.

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- Photo from iWant

Driven by an unbending snoopiness, Ayama sneaked in inside Jhonson's room but accidentally got herself injured. Jhonson patched her up but was startled by a swift smooch from Ayama. That moment triggered his peculiar condition — a severe allergic reaction to any form of sexual contact and excitement. Steered by guilt, Ayama did her best to make amends, but an inevitable infatuation emerged on the process. 

Pure Nonsensical Chuckles

What I truly admire about this film was its actors, bar the dazed quips, sexually suggestive jabs and the sometimes crass rhetoric, I still find myself laughing at all of it.

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- Photo from iWant

Cholo Baretto is the one to watch though. His well-versed delivery and genial persona was the blueprint of a future matinĂ©e idol. Chienna Filomena's sultry looks and charismatic aura was something to admire as well. Personally, I thought her character played as a mere plot device — a mechanical pawn that's relevant only to move her male counterpart's arc forward.

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- Photo from iWant

The nuanced performance and lightheadedness of Kat Galang's character was also worth noting. For the role that was given to her, I thought she managed to pull off well and it adds to the whole goofy narrative Gamboa was aiming for.

Overall, Allergy in Love was quite the cheesy popcorn flick you would expect from an iWant original. Sure it doesn't have the big budget to work with in comparison to other Kapamilya blockbusters, but at the core of it was just a simple amorous film oozing with pure nonsensical chuckles. 

Let's Be Reel

Allergy in Love was a campy, drunk comedy film with a budding love story to boot that doesn't try to be bigger than what it was. It may not be your typical Vice Ganda, but Joross Gamboa made sure that his directorial debut was something that would pique your interest. 

Now streaming on your iWant accounts, and it's free!


5/10
Reel Points


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