Is Life Is What You Make It Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Life Is What You Make It represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into For the first time since immigrating to the United States over a decade ago, Jhett Tolentino decides to visit his hometown of Iloilo City in the Philippines. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "For the first time since immigrating to the United States over a decade ago, Jhett Tolentino decides to visit his hometown of Iloilo City in the Philippines. He traces his steps from his slum-stricken birthplace to the schools he attended. Jhett always thought there is something bigger for him outside of Iloilo. He ventures into different careers until he finally finds his purpose in the Great White Way - not onstage but on the business side as the only Filipino producer on Broadway. Witness Jhett's journey in this documentary as he shares his triumphant immigrant story and captures the special moments of his homecoming that is full of surprises, love, hope and inspiration."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Jhett Tolentino, the performance in Life Is What You Make It feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Jhett Tolentino is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 39 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Life Is What You Make It truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Life Is What You Make It explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jhett Tolentino respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Life Is What You Make It is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jhett Tolentino or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Life Is What You Make It is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.