One Hit Wonder Review: In this Filipino rom-com, two strangers, Entoy and Lorina, try their luck at earning fame and love once more in the 1990s OPM scene. Although Lorina believes that they have missed their chance, Entoy insists otherwise, hoping to realise their dreams once and for all.
-
One Hit Wonder Netflix Cast
Sue Ramirez, Khalil Ramos, Lilet Esteban, Gladys Reyes, Vivoree, Romnick Sarmenta, Matt Lozano, Victor Medina, Dawit Tabonares
-
One Hit Wonder Movie Writer & Director
Marla Ancheta
The film has a runtime of 112 minutes.
One Hit Wonder Review
This Netflix film wants you to dream, and dream big, about doing what you love and achieving those dreams at any cost. However, there’s a bit of a disconnect here as we try to ascertain what is happening in One Hit Wonder, where somehow Lorina’s dreams are not singing, but they also are. The film has its heart in the right place; anyone who watches it will be able to feel that. However, the execution is quite choppy and leaves you with more questions than answers.
The storytelling feels disjointed, as if various elements have been brought together to make it somehow stick. However, these elements stick out like a sore thumb and leave you confused. Lorina’s character, for the majority of the runtime, feels like it’s cruising through with no thoughts. She has some trauma from her childhood, but never seems to address it. She comes off as someone who is running from her reality, which doesn’t make for a good protagonist in a film about following your dreams.
Also Read: Rivers of Fate Ending Explained: Does Janalice Go Back Home? Does Mariangel Get Revenge?
Moreover, the romantic plotline felt a bit too cheesy for my taste. The dialogues feel unnatural, and there isn’t a moment when you feel it’s a conversation between two youngsters. A lot of plotlines are brought up, but many of them are left unanswered. The primary focus shifts to the romance and its fate, while the plot surrounding the musical ambition feels rushed and oversimplified. It feels like Entoy gets his big break in a matter of days after meeting Lorina, and although that’s not the case, things just seem to work out for him unbelievably effectively. And also, I know this movie is called “One Hit Wonder”, but even then, it feels a bit too easy!
Also Read: The Map That Leads to You Review: Neither Romantic Nor Funny
It’s towards the second half that I truly started to lose patience, though. Lorina, unsure about what she wants, gives Entoy false hopes and continues to go along with her big plans and then, of course, leaves him high and dry. It’s annoying to see this unfold and then them suddenly coming together in the end because you expect more layers than just stage fright to derail two people’s relationship. Moreover, the ending, personally, didn’t make sense… or at least, there are too many questions! I was left confused at the conclusion because it felt half-baked and odd.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t believe One Hit Wonder‘s worldbuilding, motivations and relationships because everything felt formulaic. There’s nothing new that will give viewers butterflies, and neither is the storytelling good enough to sell the stale tale. In the end, this one’s a skip for me, but maybe it works as a one-time watch too.
Also Read: Fall For Me Review: An Intriguing Albeit Bland Thriller