For the First Time (2008) User Reviews

Not so first at all

[fanjals · 5/10 · 2 September 2008]

For the first time.... This movie is all about two big network company in Philippines agrees for the first time to have their big star to film a movie which hopefully to start the unity and peace between network. And a first movie is all about most awaited movie debut of Kc Concepcion finally seeing her at the big screen for the first time. Anyway.this film made by Star Cinema and directed by Joyce Bernal, the movie evolved mainly with the story of Pia played by Kc Conception whose daughter and trying to make impression and prove to her father trust as daughter and employee for their own company. Until she met Seth (Richard Gutierrez) the lover boy whom ex by many including all Pia's close friend.

I thought the movie was OK, considering it was most anticipated movie of the year. I'm really excited to see it, specially in the beginning but sadly, as I continuously watching it I got bored, I enjoy it maybe for the first few 30 minute of the film, then the rest got out of way. You can already tell just for the next 30 minutes of the film what would be next scene would be and hows it end. I even text, call my friend, my neighbor during the mid of the film. and fell asleep even.

In fairness to cast, I though they are very good actors in their own ways but the lack of good script, story and direction, has messed to whole idea. The title of the movie was "For the first time" as ironically, I never scene any first time in the movie, the story was weak, We already seen it hundred of time, and made it more way better than this movie, I mean, they could done it more better, considering Star Cinema was known for making quality film, and this is not one of them, The actors in the film, I thought they made a good job, but not good enough to convince me that there is something going on, a lot of dialog has been made, except for the convincing acted proving that there is something, and the characters, you will never remember anyone due to lack of direction and editing.

Maybe on the lighter side, I didn't regret watching it because my main purpose is to see Kc Concepcion only and yes, she beautiful and definitely can act, and thats the only reason I watch this film. to see hot and sexy Kc Conception debut, other than that, it was total messed, They should done better, Let's just wait and see how GMA film will do and make their own version of Kc Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez film together.

I give this this movie 5/10..................

Unoriginal, boring waste of time

[Arwenstar20 · 1/10 · 2 March 2009]

Are we having artistic drought back home? What an uninspired movie! The plot has been done over and over again to the point that no amount of good looks can save it. If the main characters are talented at all, it doesn't show. Unoriginal script, poor directing and boring acting. What a joke. An hour and change of my life I just wasted watching this stupid movie.

It's so apparent that this movie was made only because of the money it might rake in. Im pretty sure it did too, having two of the most popular celebrities top bill it. But seriously, that's the best they can do. Must Richard always be a rich spoiled guy who changes and becomes responsible when he meets the girl of his dreams? Kc's first movie is her make or break. Based on this one, in my book, she definitely did not make it. How annoying is her voice in this movie. I have no idea if that is her real voice or if she's just "acting." Whatever it is, it did not work.

Do not waste your time watching this. You're better off sitting in front of a mirror and staring at yourself for 2 good hours.

It's not just a first time

[arnegershwingogo · 10/10 · 31 October 2008]

This film is something that I would consider a schmaltzy for every moviegoer who continuously support Filipino flicks. As what Boy Abunda said, "This is what we meant for the "Real Showbiz Fame". Who could ever believe that the prince of the Kapuso network will be paired to the darling princess of the Kapamilya station? This is one of the most budgeted films of Star Cinema in its 15th year anniversary offering.

The plot may not be that impressing at all but what makes the film salable are its cast and location. Santorini is one of the most magical islands of Greece. It is actually the favorite destination for this film season including Mama Mia and Sisterhood Act. The place has a dramatic beauty with black and red beaches and towns situated on high cliffs offering breathtaking views and fantastic sunsets that complements for this first time team up of the country's new premier love team.

Sophia (KC Conception) is an affable Marketing Head of her father's Real Estate firm played by Philip Salvador. She went to Santorini from the suggestion offered by her brother (TJ Trinidad) to unwind and have break from the bustling corporate world in the metro. She accompanied by her jovial nanny Josie (Candy Pangilinan) whom she will meet her long time lover Benjo, Seth's (Richard Guttierez) confidant. The feud started when Sophia met Seth. She knows his Casanova image ever since her friends then were once linked to Seth. She doesn't like the idea that she will go along with him having no string attached but ended up for both of them falling for each other.

The plot may not be as that unique knowing Star Cinema for producing quality films. It's not even as something unpredictable. But, it's not the only basis for you to consider what a quality film it should be. One thing that you would appreciate are the scenes of Benjo and Josie that adds to the interest of viewers and made them feel laugh. The story dwells much on the conflict between Sophia and her father which covers the romantic moments with Seth that the audience are craving for in the movie. However, we must acknowledge the uncanny performance of the mega daughter. Literally, we don't need to be touched for us to say that she is a good one. Though this is her first appearance on the big screen being viewed by the public, it isn't that unacceptable at all. She has proved her worth as a daughter of a multi- awarded actress and a former matinée idol of his generation.

All in this film are all first time. It is the first time for Richard to work with Star Cinema and being tandem with KC. It is also the first time for a Filipino movie to be shot in a majestic Island of Santorini, Greece. The first time that the two rival networks (ABS-CBN and GMA) to sat down and agreed for one project. We just noticed that some of the scenes are so sensual. The kissing scene is too much in which I find unnecessary though I would still consider for the sake of stirring up the "kilig" factor. The way you've seen it literally, it doesn't look as first time anymore for KC to portray such act. It is also the turning point for Richard to notice his acting skills in this movie. He has proved his worth on what he is now For the First time may not be as better than the other Star Cinema movie A Very Special Love, but who cares. The box office title matters most. The screenplay isn't that quite impressive. It's a typical one and something that you can just predict. Nevertheless, knowing the impossibility that they can be paired in one picture project, there presence in the screen suffices.

Making a Good First Impression

[charliekoon · 23 September 2008]

For The First Time is surprisingly entertaining and skillfully photographed. Despise it in any way, but that's how formula films go. It's not entirely a person's fault that they are: a. somewhat allergic to romantic melodramas, b. without any doubt bursting with bitterness, or c. purely weird.

Pia (KC Concepcion) works as the head of the Marketing Department of her father's Real Estate Business. We see an uphill struggle on her part to please her father Santi (Philip Salvador). She will often be affronted by her father with how ineffectual she is. Despite the demands to achieve excellence, she still goes after her brother's advice to take her planned vacation. Pia is accompanied by her waggish nanny Josie (Candy Pangilinan).

From the restless dekko of Manila, the film shifted to the breathtaking views in Greece. Greece is dazzling. The white painted veneers of the old houses contrasts its cerulean sea shore are photographed well. Pia and Josie meet Benjo (Nor Domingo), Josie's pen pal. Then, they reside at the pavilion of Benjo's boss, Seth (Richard Gutierrez). Flashback - Seth broke-up with three of Pia's friends. He is dubbed as the number one playboy back in the Metro. And the two finally meet. Pia is annoyed by the awkward situation and she hurriedly leaves. Since its peak season, she has no other choice but to swallow her pride and go back. Seth convinces Pia to be her chaperone and tour her around the island. She agrees with the aid of a weird contract made from scratch paper: he will not court her.

Gutierrez manifests the genes of his father's matinée idol appeal. Likewise, Concepcion's parents were both endearing decades ago, that is why their daughter looks alluring all the same. It is evident that their team-up is impeccable. The acting is quite fine. It corresponds to their high society stature, so it's easy for them to present as they are. But Gutierrez must avoid this superfluous mannerism. He has locked this rubbish toothpick to his mouth in the entire Greece development. It is utterly distracting. Concepcion has these intense drama sequences that are not polished. She has this tendency to squash her dialogues and it makes her look anxious. Or is it possible to limit the dubbing parts to merely long shots, or aerial shots? It's just despicable to see medium range shots to close-ups, more so long takes that were dubbed. Continuity is very important in films. I remember one scene in Greece where Pia, Josie and Benjo are conversing in the veranda. The raw dialogues are not bad. It sounds sincere. It captures the precise mood in that minute.

The supporting casts are also good. Salvador as Pia's dominating father has the abilities to restrain his emotion. There are intricate moments that he was able to carefully control his compassion towards her daughter. The comical duo of Pangilinan and Domingo were laudably fine. They have this uncanny ability to precisely shift serious to crazy moments.

The film story has a tendency to miss small details that are quite important. They are running a Real Estate Company and the ideas considered marketable are not wholly profitable in real life. They must be aware that some audience has a background in Marketing. Its minor, but every part is leading to the plot. But if we go back to the main objective which is to entertain, this movie does successfully. That is admirable in its own way, especially in these hard times when people just wish to receive just compensation for the money they pay.

Certainly, the entire movie is endearing to watch. It's not corny. We see swanky young adults falling in love. Their faults, bruises and struggles were not overstated. It is pleasing that the director and actors' strive to improve on their craft. The sad truth is romantic formula movies are often frowned upon. Nevertheless, For the First Time is surprising as it delivers a cleverly made romantic movie.

Rating: 3/5