On Video: Dubai

Dubai is about Raffy, Faye, and Andrew who went to the city of Dubai for different reasons. Raffy (Aga Muhlach) worked there to support his brother, Andrew. Faye (Claudine Barretto) wanted independence from her mother. While Andrew (John Lloyd Cruz), after 8 years of separation, was asked by his brother, Raffy, to join him.

Raffy and Faye's lives got complicated the moment Andrew came into the picture. They were having an open relationship until Andrew fell in love with Faye. Faye and Andrew had a relationship till she realized that Andrew isn't the one in her heart but Raffy. When they broke-up, she managed to not only break Andrew's heart but also broke the bond that the two brothers had.

Knowing the plot, you'd think that Dubai is your typical love story re-told over and over again. And I must say that you have thought it correctly! I'd like to say that there's something more that this movie had to offer but there's none. It is very typical except that it is done in the city of Dubai. Take out Dubai and bring it anywhere else, it still wouldn't matter. Nothing will change. The city served just as the location for the film and did not do anything much to change the lives of the characters involved, as far as the story goes.

The problem with the film is that it boasts of the OFW's in Dubai yet we don't get to see them much in action. We neither see any struggles in the characters (except their love problems) nor interact with the people of U.A.E. All we saw was Pinoys mingling with Pinoys in a different country. So how could we take a glimpse of what life is all about in that foreign country when we didn't see any? Raffy's speech in a wedding was even quite patronizing that it lacked conviction. It is quite a kiss-ass kind of speech.

In terms of performances, this film is very much a John Lloyd Cruz movie. His character is meaty and he was able to deliver it well. Sad to say for Aga and Claudine, this movie didn't give them new characterizations. Not only that, both of them looked physically tired the whole time and not on their best performing selves. With Claudine's character, there wasn't much of an impact. Take her out and use another actress (or even a starlet!) and it won't make a difference!

Over Dubai, I'd take Milan, Anak, or Sana Maulit Muli anytime! This one just doesn't cut it above the rest!