Is The Debut Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2000)

📖 The Core Premise

The Debut returns to the screen in 2000, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Filipino-American high school student Ben (Dante Basco) works in a comic book shop to earn money to pay his way into Cal Arts. His father, a postman, is determined that his son--who has won a pre-med scholarship to UCLA--will become a doctor. The eighteenth birthday party of Ben's sister, Rose, sets off a comedic and touching series of events and family struggles that will in turn determine young Ben's future. This fresh independent production from Gene Cajayon presents a lighthearted and warm coming-of-age tale filtered through the eyes of an American subculture rarely seen on film."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Debut, Dante Basco delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Debut worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Debut is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 88 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.