Movie Review: ‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’

Old world mythology meets new world ideology.

Rarely have I come across a Filipino movie–in recent memory or as far back as I can remember–that can balance perfectly two worlds: Old world mythology and new world ideology. In Janella Salvador’s latest lead star role in ‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ by Regal Entertainment Inc., finding that fine balance of the mythos of the old world and the ideologies of the new world are accomplished finely.

‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ is an offbeat romantic fantasy comedy at the core. There was more than a handful of scenes, especially the unexpected surprise ending, that showed me that this movie had a lot of heart in it. I will also categorize ‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ as a coming-of-age movie exploring the usual, and not so usual, things that young female adults like Janella Salvador experience in her age demographic. To note, more sensitive topics are tackled in this movie and done in a lighthearted and delicate manner.

The subtle touches of seriousness and maturity displayed by Janella Salvador in her acting methods are praiseworthy. She is only 19 years old. Yet, in this movie, she comes off naturally witty, disarming in her charming ways, and she can elicit empathy from moviegoers when she is seen facing and struggling with life-changing dilemmas that are out of this world, and beyond surreal.

The tears Janella Salvador sheds in some scenes of this movie because of situations that depict sadness, frustration, despair, loneliness, and disappointment felt real to me. As a moviegoer, one of the qualities I always look for is the feeling of authenticity in the lead star. ‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ had loads of it.

You may think I am overpraising but if you have watched this movie by Regal Entertainment, Inc., you would be leaving the cinema with the same feeling. You would be quite at a loss for words like I was, and would say, ‘WOW!’ … that was a movie that went far beyond my expectations.”

Janella Salvador truly “owned and carried” ‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ and for me, this is her best movie yet. Indeed, it is only apt that this movie centers around Janella Salvador because she is the most deserving among the cast members to be given the spotlight to shine. After all, she has proven to be able to live up to expectations in any role that she is given.

Yes, ‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ is obviously inspired by Disney animated movies specifically that of the ‘The Little Mermaid’ as there are even a few references to the classic Disney animated movie throughout the duration of ‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’. However, beyond those nods given to ‘The Little Mermaid’, this movie takes shape in its own unique way, carves its own very distinctive path, and is able to deviate from any other similarities to other movies it might be readily compared to it.

‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ is not at all what you might expect it to be. Leave behind any preconceived notions you might have before entering the cinema. I am telling you that this movie is something else.

‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ has its own story to tell. It is a crowning jewel in the young career of Janella Salvador as an actress.

I predict ‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ will be a soon-to-be classic in Philippine cinema history.

A few years from now, this movie will hold a special place in the hearts and minds of Filipino moviegoers.That is how exceptional ‘My Fairy Tail Love Story’ is.

Janella Salvador IS the “Regal Baby” because she epitomizes what it means to be REGAL, on and off the screen!

My Final Verdict: 10/10