MMFF 2016: Vince & Kath & James - Review

'Vince & Kath & James’ is no different from other Filipino romantic comedies that has come out. Yes, the seemingly mandatory clichés are intact here. And yes, it’s darn predictable. But the film embraces its familiarity and somehow makes it into something that’s sweet and surprisingly an enjoyable watch.

Based off a popular “text-serye” (a narrative told through a compilation of text messages) that stormed the social media not-so-long ago, it tells the story of Vince (Joshua Garcia), a college student who anonymously texts for his crush Kath (Julia Barretto) to confess his feelings for her. But it was not actually for him all along. It was for his cousin James (Ronnie Alonte), who has been using him to come up with these messages because of his knack on handling conversations with women. When James takes over Vince with what he actually wants, a hidden feeling for Kath suddenly blooms for Vince.

‘Vince & Kath & James’ wouldn’t actually work if not for its three lead characters, and the young talents that portrayed them very well. Joshua Garcia is a revelation. On his first big break as an actor after starring in the reality show Pinoy Big Brother, Garcia was able to capture the likeable and charismatic personality of his character Vince. The young actor pulled-off his big dramatic scenes, very reminiscent of popular actor John Lloyd Cruz during his younger years. Julia Barretto was also great here as Kath, a huge step from her previous acting stint.

Even with the excellence of its performers, the film is never immune to flaws because of its overreliance on clichés. The conflict is poorly resolved, and was handled as if it wasn’t too familiar with how its lead characters would feel and realistically react during its confrontation scenes. A subplot involving these characters’ family could’ve ended neatly, but the film’s writer seems to rush it down to pave way to the romantic element of the film.

If you’re expecting new things on ‘Vince & Kath & James’, I’m afraid will not see it here. But it is forgivable enough to savor it all in because of its genuine sweetness, which was contributed largely by its impressive lead cast members.

The geek rates it 8/10!

'Vince & Kath & James' is now showing in cinemas nationwide, as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2016.