Yassi Pressman is a fireball in mint condition in the quintessential romantic comedy. She is like an animated movie-in-a-movie, fortunate to waltz around the frame large enough to contain her glee. Joining the Pressman-vehicle is Sam Milby, back from his semi-sabbatical to bless viewers with more of his romancing.
“Ang Pambansang Third Wheel” follows Pressman as Trina, a pretty but unfortunate young professional who is always stuck between couples. Milby, in true rom-com fashion, moves in as her neighbor to break her love curse – he is Neo, the film touchstone of the boy-next-door who is unbelievably handsome to match his impossibly chiseled physique. Brace for the beginning of the love story.
Her luck is tested when the wheels emerge as more than just the rule of thirds. Trina encounters more tear-jerking obstacles from attaining her goal of shedding her third wheel persona. She pursues her celebration of serendipity though, as the actress brandishes her charm on screen. Pressman unusually delivers her own cheery edge: appearing innate to her and she theatrically spins with comical choreography only because she is head-over-heels with Neo. Thus, the romance film transforms into a screwball.
An attempt to taper the growing outrageous scenes is evident as when a house date thunderously devolves into a runaway joke. Candy Pangilinan, in a single scene, epitomizes “Ang Pambansang Third Wheel”: a high school project made by expected professionals. Pressman even wakes into a goofy wig that inadvertently becomes a jerky distraction from the film’s arduously dark, teary twist.
Luckily the film is more effective as a screwball comedy – rehashing its hoopla to the near-obliteration of its sweetness scale. “Ang Pambansang Third Wheel” tries to be new using surrealism. The story’s funny sequences are juxtaposed onto its ostensibly lovely occasions. “Ang Pambansang Third Wheel” is the rare time when it is gratifying to see a show with no sense. Contrary to Trina’s belief, the timing is ripe for the film to serve boosted humor than drama when audiences are congested with seriousness.
Barring Milby, there is no other candidate for the lead in the film. He is the third wheel in Trina’s affair with her personal afflictions. Milby is compellingly primed to do perceptible movies howbeit he is the foolproof actor for certified rom-coms. He might consider the chance to accommodate his prevalent talent for substantial materials. “Ang Pambansang Third Wheel” may be a launch pad for both Pressman and Milby. The all-out amusement of it is the actual serendipity.
Director: Ivan Andrew Payawal
*Trailer © Sine Pelikula; YouTube.com
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