Viva Films is doing something good lately. Aside from their usual collaboration with Star Cinema (Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis and Sarah Geronimo movies), they’re busy buying film rights to Pinoy best-selling novels. A few months ago, Bob Ong’s ABNKKBSNPLko?! was shown in cinemas nationwide. It reminded me of school days particularly high school. Although I have issues with the cast selection, I can say that the movie version was done well. Hirap kaya nun!

James Reid, why do you have such strong onscreen presence?

The Wattpad hit turned best-selling teen series ‘Diary ng Panget’ by HaveYouSeenThisGirl is the newest movie from Viva Films. It stars ‘newbies’ Nadine Lustre, James Reid, Yassi Pressman and Andre Paras with the help of Candy Pangilinan, Mitch Valdez and Gabby Concepcion.

When Viva Films announced their intentions of producing a movie version of ‘Diary ng Panget’, I got curious. Much more when I found out that it is written by a teenager. Lucky girl!

I bought a copy of the first book and yeah, I was entertained with its crazy antics.

I can say that it is a brave move for Viva Films to hire ‘newbies’ for the film. Well, the lead stars aren’t newbies at all – they’re just not that famous. Nadine Lustre is a member of a teen girl group (I even saw her perform live in a Beauty and Butter event), James Reid is the PBB Teen Edition Season 3 Grand Winner, Yassi Pressman is a GMA-7 teen star who topbilled the MMFF dance flick ‘Kaleidoscope World’ and Andre Paras is the eldest son of Benjie Paras and Jackie Forster.

The fact that Direk Andoy Ranay is in-charge of the movie direction meant this will be a good film. I am a big fan of his works on film and TV. I just know he can pull it off!

I went to the movie house on the opening day, April 2. Excited lang? Haha! I was surprised because I bought tickets to the 2:35pm screening yet half of the seats were already occupied. I wasn’t expecting it because the lead stars are not regularly seen on tv and they don’t have a solid fanbase to begin with. Does it have anything to do with the book, or did the trailer tickle their curiosity?

James Reid and Nadine Lustre as Cross and Eya

The lead stars are perfect for their respective roles. I really like how much of a jerk James Reid as Cross is, yet you’d pity him in some scenes. Nadine Lustre as Eya is just crazy and natural. Yassi Pressman as Lory has sweet screen presence. I find her annoyingly nice in some scenes yet you’d feel for her. Andre Paras as Chad reminds me of someone. It’s nice to watch how kenkoy he can be that he even agreed to do a ‘almost gayish’ scene. (Uh oh. Spoiler!)

The cast of Diary ng Panget: Yassi Pressman, Andre Paras, Nadine Lustre and James Reid

There are shocking scenes in the movie that I choose not to reveal because it will spoil your viewing pleasure. If you’ve read the whole series, I think you’ll be happy with this adaptation especially with the gross and kilig scenes. James Reid reminds me of my high school crush Cogie Domingo haha 😀

Letting the talented cast sing for the Official Movie Soundtrack is another good move for Viva. Hurray for OPM!

^my current LSS #sorryimnotsorry

See? I’m sure that big projects await the foursome especially James Reid. Goodness! Nakakawala ng katinuan LOL!

It’s a weekend and give yourself a treat! Relax and Watch a Movie! Maliban sa aircon na kailangan talaga natin ngayon, sandamakmak na katatawanan pa ang maipapabaon nito pauwi. Good Vibes for the win!

HaveYouSeenThisGirl, congratulations! Cheers for making lots of readers happy!