Movie Review: ‘Stranded’ – plus exclusive Red Carpet Premiere photos

Lead stars Arjo Atayde and Jessy Mendiola at the Red Carpet Premiere of “Stranded.” (Photo by JOSEPH R. ATILANO)

“Stranded” from Regal Entertainment Inc., under the direction of Director Ice Idanan, is like a breath of fresh of air to the romance genre.

This movie is original in its concept and plot. I left the cinema house feeling so refreshed, happy, and light in my step. “Stranded” had that kind of impact on me as a moviegoer. It is hard to explain thoroughly because it is best to watch it.

Its artistic vision has been successfully brought to life on the big screen by Director Ice Idanan and that is the most praiseworthy aspect of “Stranded.” To be brutally frank, had the director been the wrong person, the full potential of this movie would not have been realized and fulfilled. I predict more movies will be under the guiding hand of Director Ice Idanan.

“Stranded” does not come off like a movie that aims or strives to be perfect in every category. Rather, it is a movie presented with its own very unique endearing qualities that the moviegoer can make his own conclusion as to how “Stranded” affects him on a personal basis.

It is a welcome feeling to watch a movie that does not take itself too seriously to the point that the moviegoer is deprived of any sense of enjoyment.

Director Ice Idanan at the Red Carpet Premiere of “Stranded.” (Photo by JOSEPH R. ATILANO)

Watching “Stranded” makes you feel like you are riding a steady wave, a stable current. Thankfully, you will not get overwhelmed and drowned with so much needless and excessive emotions thrown in. Rather, “Stranded” makes you want to sit up and pay more attention to what is going on in the movie.

Arjo Atayde as Spencer is a normal straight guy who likes beautiful and sexy women. The only problem is he likes all of them! He wants to have a fling with them all at the same time. Yet, there is a child-like innocence in him that is disarming which will surely get the moviegoers’ empathy.

Spencer is an all around good guy who just can’t commit yet because he has not found the right woman.

“Stranded” poster (Photo by JOSEPH R. ATILANO)

Arjo Atayde’s method of acting and delivery of lines are so natural, believable, and most of all not forced on the moviegoers that watching him act in “Stranded” was an easy and enjoyable thing to do.

Arjo Atayde’s onscreen character profile reminds me closest to Ross Geller from “FRIENDS.” He embodies the vibe, the coolness, and easy-going personality in that said popular American television series from the ’90s.

Jessy Mendiola’s character as Julia and how she was presented in “Stranded” is so familiar to me just as it is for those working in a corporate environment. Don’t we all have that bi**** officemate who is very attractive and good looking but whose behavior is such a drag for everyone around her?

Well, that is Julia in “Stranded,” but her obnoxious behavior is justified and not without reason because a lot is on her mind and she is weighing if she should go take that big and bold step in making a life-changing decision in life or not? As a moviegoer, you could really feel that “Julia” is at a crucial crossroads in her life and maybe, deep down, she does not want to enter that phase of her life yet.

Jessy Mendiola acts without struggling to find her footing and pacing in “Stranded.” Why so? This is a movie where the subtleties in her acting make all the difference and differentiate her from being a novice actress and a veteran actress. In “Stranded” you will be convinced that Jessy Mendiola can act without the unnecessary pressure to do so. And, she shows she can definitely act with the best of them when she is given the right material. It is never too late to make one of those movies that you will be remembered for.

I would say that Arjo Atayde and Jessy Mendiola should appear again in a movie together because they brought out the best in each other as actors. You will get the same feeling I got after watching them in “Stranded.”

I do not want to spoil much more that can be said about “Stranded” because I want you to watch it.

“Stranded” is going to be shown nationwide in cinemas on April 10, 2019. Be sure to watch this movie!

My Score for “Stranded”: 10/10

“Stranded” Cast members (from left) Ara Altamira, Mich Liggayu, and Gretchen Ho also attended the Red Carpet Premiere. (Photos by JOSEPH R. ATILANO)

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