Provocative conflict in new Bea starrer

ALONZO. Figures in top-tier stellar skirmishes in “The Love Affair.”

NEW PRODUCTIONS to watch out for this month are paced by Bea Alonzo’s much-awaited new film, “The Love Affair.” Right after the success of her last teleserye, “Sana, Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon,” we wanted to see her in a similarly notable film—but it’s taken this long for it to happen, so a modicum of momentum has been lost.

Still, no major harm done—especially since we’ve learned that the already estimable movie project has been further enhanced by the inclusion of Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez in its stellar cast.

Also quite provocative is the fact the Dawn gets to play the “dark” role here—as Richard’s faithless wife, whose act of deception sunders their marriage—and drives him into Bea’s arms!

This is decidedly provocative, because it’s Dawn’s character who’s doing the “sinning.” It’s a radical departure for the still lovely and “perfect” star—so, the pressure is on her to come up with an especially gritty, textured and “flawed” portrayal.

If Dawn is able to measure up to the challenge, her performance in “The Love Affair” could end up as—her career best!

On the other hand, this is supposed to be Bea’s thespic follow-up to her hit teleserye, so we also need to see her coming up with an excellent performance in the now “triangular” romantic-drama project.

Can one film gift us with two truly memorable portrayals? Director Nuel Naval has a tough assignment, that’s for sure.

—And, what about Richard Gomez? His character is the guy the two women are fighting over, right? So, he can’t end up as mere screen consort to Bea and Dawn, or else the film’s central conflict will go pffft!

—That’s the way it goes with three-way, top-tier stellar skirmishes like this—all of the leads and their creative production team have to do topnotch work—or else, the weaker links will be embarrassingly revealed!

Let’s hope that everybody is up to the test at hand, so “The Love Affair” will end up as one of the year’s best films!

Other new productions to watch out for: James Reid and Nadine Lustre in another new TV series “On the Wings of Love.”

The third season of “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez,” Mondays at 9 p.m. on E!.

Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent management arm, celebrates its 23rd anniversary on “ASAP” tomorrow.

“The Music of Rey Valera,” the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra in concert at The Theatre at the Solaire on Aug.1.

GMA 7’s new teleserye, “Buena Familia,” which started telecasting this week.

Also watch out for Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado in “My Faithful Husband” on GMA 7.

—Let’s hope (and pray!) that most if not all of these new productions will turn out well.