by Heinrich Domingo

Sequels are meant to serve movie corporations more than the viewers. Banking on the fandom built by the successful first films, movie productions would often release an underdeveloped storyline for the sole purpose of profit. Many of us are lured to take a bite of One More Chance’s prequel with a promise that the movie experience will be new and equally rewarding. After watching the film, expectations were exceeded as A Second Chance took a path different from many pop films in the market today. It did not content itself in pleasing the loyal viewers but it elevated the discussion into marital life, financial struggles, and family building. As a result, the audience were gifted with a more critical discussion while maintaining the romance and kilig in the story.

Popoy (John Lloyd Cruz) and Basha (Bea Alonzo) leaves their sweet and happy romance as they enter the life of marriage couples. They built an engineering-architecture firm which grew because of trust and confidence from multiple clients. When an accident in one of their sites happened, they started losing their customers. Their firm plummets bringing down even their relationship. As they struggle to solve their financial difficulties, they gradually discover flaws in the love they share – trust, commitment, and contentment.

A Second Chance started with a tribute to the success of its first film One More Chance. The opening scene focusing on tears, laughter and romance was the recipe that won the hearts of many. From here, the audience are brought into another world where love is not always perfect and good. The fantasy of happily ever after was crushed as actual relationship problems are bared. This shows how the filmmakers understand their audience. A Second Chance needs not please new demographic of viewers rather it can work with what fan base it has already achieved.

Moreover, actors and actresses in the movie are already comfortable to watch. All are characters with rightful places in the plot. By not choosing to include a third party (a mistress) aspect, filmmakers save the plot from the threat of being cliche.

We will never know whether Star Cinema revived One More Chance because of sheer profit, or of love for the original plot, or maybe both. But one thing holds to be true, the decision to release a prequel did not bastardize the story of Popoy and Basha. The decision to extend the storyline even added depth to the purely romantic story of two characters. For many cine fans, the thought of a sequel of their favorite movie might be bothersome or even fearsome. In the case of One More Chance, I might not mind a timely third part.