On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets: Movie Review

It felt like we've seen this before. The issue or problem may be different (alcoholism this time around) but this was the same dysfunctional character, the same portrayal, the same beats all over again. But this time, there are major issues with its narrative. The film was forcing issues left and right just too come off as a deep and meaningful experience but in the process muddying the actual message that's already right in there. What it needed to do was remove the bloat and focus on its two main characters, Jane and Francis, more.

Due to her erratic and unpredictable attitude, Jane (Bela Padilla) has been struggling to find new projects to revive her acting career. To drown out her sorrows and problems away, Jane drinks heavily already alleviating her alcoholism and issues even more. When she meets Francis (JC Santos), the front man for an obscure and unknown band. The two hit off well together but must soon face Jane's demons, alcoholism and more, head on. Can the two find their way through a seemingly impossible and daunting task?

The last scene of "On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets" summed up the frustration we had for the film. That last scene showed the true potential of the film to be a really deep and meaningful look into the demons and evils of alcoholism. But alas, the film before that scene was a mess. The story itself had no cohesion, and besides the character of Jane, we really do not get to know anyone else in the film significantly. In fact, the only background we know about Francis, the other main character in the film, is that he is a struggling musician and nothing more. The other supporting characters also have the same issue. For example, did we really need Matteo Giudicelli's character who just shows up from time to time just to abuse Jane or Kean Cipriano's character who pops out of nowhere to provide a vehicle for our character to do some unfortunate antics? Luckily, the saving grace for the film was the dynamic and chemistry between Bela Padilla and JC Santos. Acting-wise, it's the same old, same old for both but they both gave convincing performances especially for Bela Padilla. Although honestly, she might need to consider doing other typecasts moving forward. The cinematography was also stunning and beautiful capturing the allure of the night life perfectly. Overall, "On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets" could have been so much more but it settles to find meaning and purpose in the wrong characters and scenarios. While the film will be acceptable as a romance drama film, it really begs the question - why it decided to settle on just being average.

Rating: 2 reels






Why you should watch it:
- the chemistry and acting chops of Bela Padilla and JC Santos is undeniable
- the cinematography captures the allure of the night life

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- the character development outside of Jane was awful
- seems like we have seen this before