Vince and Kath and James review

Romantic films can be cheesy and predictable most of the time. But when the formula is done right, you'll be surprised with how affecting it can be.

The same can be said with Theodore Boborol's teen-oriented romantic comedy film Vince and Kath and James. An adaptation of the hit online text-serye, the film stars Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia and Ronnie Alonte in the lead roles. It is the only film produced by a big house movie company (Star Cinema) in the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival 2016. And surprisingly, it doesn't feel like most of it's studio's other films. In fact, it's better than most of Star Cinema's previous romance films.

The film follows Vince (in an outstanding performance by Joshua Garcia) a hopeless romantic college guy who is secretly in love with his bestfriend, Kath (Julia Barretto). Afraid to tell his feeling for her in person, he decided to create a blog where he expresses all his feelings for her through short but meaningful words. Kath is the school's beauty queen, who attracts the attention of Vince's cousin, the school jock James (Ronnie Alonte, in his second MMFF entry this year). James in his behalf through text, hiding behind the nickname Var (short for varsity). Then, James would meet up with her to introduce himself as Var. But things becomes more complicated as Vince can no longer hide his true feelings for his bestfriend. Will he accomplish the task? Or will he finally take the risk and decide to tell her his true feelings? At first, the story may come as too common for those people who have watched quite a lot of romantic films before. But I guess, what makes this film stand out from it's genre is the execution of the film. Sometimes, with the right people and the right skills, the most common stories can become a surprisingly amazing film. This is exactly the case for Vince and Kath and James. With the right people behind and in front of the camera, they were able to create a heartwarming film out of this typical romcom story.

I've been following Theodore Boborol and his works this past two years already. I remember watching his film, Just The Way You Are starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil way back in 2015. The film was also another adaptation of an online series entitled The Bet. Then, I saw his second romcom that same year, Everyday I Love You, starring Liza and Enrique again, but this time, with Gerald Anderson as the third party. From his two films, one will notice that he is able to bring out the chemistry between his actors, and uses it to the film's advantage. The uses the same technique to his latest work which I must say is one of the best romance films from last year. He has this amazing skill that allows him to bring as much as chemistry he wants from Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto and Ronnie Alonte whenever they are on screen. This gives him more control over his story, letting him create and weave those sweet moments overflowing with kilig for the audiences. I remember when I watched this film, girls inside the cinema were actually shrieking whenever they would see the leads being paired together on screen.

The script is also one of the best things about this film. The dialogues are so hip and updated and doesn't sound too corny and artificial. You know that feeling when you're watching movies and television series and you hear the characters talking. Sometimes, when they speak, their lines feel like they come from a different era, like they're from a movie from the 1990's to early 2000's. It doesn't feel real and authentic. But with this movie's script, you will really feel like you're watching real people on screen. They talk the same way that people (teens, in particular) talk in real life. They act like a normal teen in the the real world would act. They think like a real person would think in reality. I guess it is also the same reason why this movies best fits millennials like me. The film gives a lot of focus on social media, as all of the characters are using it one way or another. The film uses it as a technique or device to move the story forward. From texts, to blogs and online social networking sites, the writer knows that these things are important to the average millennial today, and so it uses it to tell stories, create conflict and at times, provide resolutions. The film also uses it as a way of creating those cute "awww" moments, those sweet one liners and quotes that will leave a mark on your heart and mind. 

Of course, the film wouldn't work if not for the amazing performances of it's lead. Julia Barretto proves that she is indeed worthy of her Barretto name. She is perfect of the role of Kath. I can't think of any actress that could pull of that role aside from her. She shows dedication to her craft, and I know for sure that she will continue to do good in this business. Ronnie Alonte is also good in his portrayal of James. Although just like his other MMFF film, Seklusyon, his acting isn't on par with the rest of his co-actors. I don't know why but whenever I see him, his face feels a bit blank and lacking enough emotion during those dramatic scenes. I guess he just needs a little more workshop. But when it comes to the romantic moments with Julia Barretto, he manages to get everyone tickled with sweetness.

But the one who really stood out from this film was Joshua Garcia. I have followed this kid from the start. i've watched him during his days as a housemate in one of the past editions of the reality show Pinoy Big Brother and I've seen him act in television series like Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita and films like Barcelona : A Love Untold (2016). I've watched him grow from a teen to a bit more mature actor. He is the central character of the film for me. He manages to steal our attention and focus during his scenes. He is able to make everyone fall for Vince. To like him. To love him. And to root for him. He even made me shed a tear or two while watching the film. One of my favorite scenes from the film was that moment he saw his mother (played by Ina Raymundo) after a long time of being away from her. That scene (and I guess all their scenes together) really made me cry. Then, there's that scene with Julia Barretto as he brings her a pint of ice cream and comforts her after some family issues (there's a lot of it in the film). He's like a younger version of John Lloyd Cruz, although he still have a long way to go. But I know and I believe that with the right guidance and selection of projects, he gonna be one of the best actors to watch out for in the future.

But aside from this, the biggest thing that makes this film memorable is it's infectious soundtrack that adds more sweetness and kilig to it's moments. One can't help but sing while the song O, Pag-ibig! by Ylona Garcia and Bailey May or when Simpleng Tulad Mo by Daniel Padilla is playing in the background. These earworm music quicly lifts up the audiences emotions, making the film more engaging as it can be.

No wonder the committee picked this film as one of the eight entries for the recent Metro manila Film Festival. This movie is a proof that with the even big house studios can actually produce good quality films with the right material and the right handling and execution. Featuring outstanding performances from it's leads, a relatable set of characters, realistic script and amazing direction, this is undeniably one of the better Filipino romance film from last year.
Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰ out of 5

Starring Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia and Ronnie Alonte,
Directed by Theodore Boborol