Mario-Erich starrer has more fizzle than sizzle

MAURER AND GONZALES. Bring cross-cultural romance to life.

Sparks fly when Mario Maurer and Erich Gonzales’ paths cross in Rory Quintos’ cross-cultural romance, “Suddenly, It’s Magic.” Sadly, the Thai heartthrob and Filipino actress’ starrer is a classic case of selling the sizzle, not the steak—it’s delicious to look at, but its oft-told tale relies heavily on implausible resolutions as it swirls up to its requisite happily-ever-after ending.

It’s easy to see where all the shrieking and swooning is coming from: As Thai superstar Marcus Hanson, the dreamy Maurer is tasked to drive baker Joey Hermosa’s (Gonzales) romantic blues away. They come from different backgrounds, but they have one thing in common—they’re nursing broken hearts! But, just as they begin to move on as a couple, it dawns on them just how different their separate realities are.

Swoon-worthy scenes

Credibly acted and beautifully photographed (in Bangkok and Ilocos), “Suddenly, It’s Magic” is a collection of swoon-worthy scenes in search of a compelling story, hobbled further by a morass of dodgy plotting that strings “convenient” sequences that don’t make for a plausible whole.

Marcus and Joey appear to be truly hurt by their recent breakups, so it doesn’t make sense when they’re seen falling deeply for each other in a matter of days. A fast-paced exposition usually makes a story more engaging, but not when its briskness robs its development of true depth.

Maurer’s sincerity shines through—and he’s even more adorably effective in his light, flirtatious scenes with his Filipino leading lady. But, Erich does a better job at making her perpetually heart-broken character believable, even with the implausible, questionable choices her character is encumbered with. Moreover, her intensity exposes the tepidity and contrivance of the story she and Maurer are required to bring to pulsating life.

The film is characterized by a sense of romantic serendipity that draws satisfying moments of romance, but its shallow tale makes their impact fleeting. As it sinks into facile clichés and reaches its “wala-lang” denouement, it results in less sizzle—and more fizzle!