Mastery of the Middle Class as A Strong Selling Point -- MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA Movie Review

POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

In a film festival that looks like more of a movie carnival, having been able to watch a movie with sense packed with entertainment is a rare treasure found.  And this is what I experienced as I watched MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA, OctoArts Films' official entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Fesrtival.

MY HOUSE HUSBAND: IKAW NA is what you call dramedy film which talks about a married couple Rod (Ryan Agoncillo) and Mia (Judy Ann Santos) who shifted roles when current economic reality hit their family. Rod becomes the care taker of the house and kids while Mia becomes the bread winner. Eugene Domingo plays the role of Aida, the couple's neighbor who developed a strong friendship with Rod which made Mia jealous at one point. Along the way, situations and challenges haunt the couple that test the strength of their relationship.

My verdict, MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA's mastery of the middle class is its strongest selling point!  This is a Jose Javier Reyes trademark  that  we have seen in his past movies like May Minamahal, Kung Ako Na Lang Sana, Kasal Kasali Kasalo and Sakal Sakali Saklolo, among others.  Direk Joey was able to tell the story of Rod and Mia plus Aida in a realistic manner where many Filipinos can relate to.  The situations on company mergers (and how it affects the working class), demotions, resignations, house budget, household responsibilities, and the sensitivity of a working wife and a househusband were well narrated and displayed.  Many will shed tears and laugh at themselves as they see the movie.  MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA is a reflection of a modern and real Filipino family and it tells us that in marriage, there's no man or woman role, they are partners, whatever the functions may be, in raising and upholding their family. 

'But although it's life like, the movie is injected with humor through witty dialogues, animated facial expressions and hilarious situations.  That's why watching MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA made me look like a crazy man.  In one scene, I will burst in laughter and in the next, I will hold my breath to hold the emotion.  And MY HOUSEHUSBAND'S well mixed drama and comedy is its next selling point.