Benchmark for ‘kilig’ flicks

The new John Lloyd Cruz-Sarah Geronimo romantic comedy "A Very Special Love" has received a grade of "A" from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) for its "sincerity" and for setting a new "benchmark for kilig movies with substance."

An "A" grade entitles a movie to a 100-percent amusement tax rebate.

The CEB report credits the film's direction for being "unpretentious and snappy"; the screenplay, for being "real and engaging."

The movie follows the blooming romance between an unlikely pair—an obnoxious magazine publisher (Cruz) and his put-upon assistant (Geronimo). Shades of "The Devil Wears Prada," with a romantic twist.

The editing, cinematography, musical scoring, production design and sound engineering were similarly praised.

As for the performers, Geronimo was described as "bubbly and raw," while Cruz was noted for being "in his usual good element."

The supporting players—led by Dante Rivero, Rowell Santiago and Irma Adlawan—were also "noteworthy" and "contributed much to the film's [success]," the CEB members said.

Earlier this year, the animated flick "Urduja," the Cinemalaya winner "Endo," and the drama movies "Caregiver" and "Ploning" received "A" grades as well.

The CEB is under the auspices of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.