Vince & Kath & James (2016) Reviews

• An Entertaining and Good-Natured Rom-Com Despite Being Formulaic and Flawed

  BuddyBoy602017-07-25

  ABOUT: Vince is secretly in love with Kath but can't bring himself to reveal his feelings for her. Opportunity presents itself when his cousin, James develops a liking to Kath and asks for his help to win her. REVIEW: With the case of this rom-com from Star Cinema, you could expect more or less the same familiar plot structure. But it is the intriguing premise which has successfully convinced me to watch it. Apart from its premise, it packs a few tricks to keep the audience entertained. For one, it's very good to look at. Credit should go to the technical staff and production designer/s and of course the casting of the beautiful Julia Barretto and the dashing Ronnie Alonte and Joshua Garcia in the leads makes this an attractive movie going affair. Another is the chemistry between Barretto and Garcia, who plays Kath and Vince. Their pairing in this movie is very like-able you very much like to see them from teasing each other to becoming eventual couples. Probably, the most memorable moment in the movie involves the two characters. It is this elaborate reference to Got 2 Believe that plays in the movie. I find it refreshingly smart in the part of the writing. Other aspects such as the timeliness and the relevance of the story fill in the movie's need of substance. How the story transpires is a reflection of today's youth being avid users of advanced technology particularly of social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and etc.) and in communication (texting, online chatting). I believe it is in this movie's depiction of this characteristic culture that makes it a perfect sample of this period and makes a familiar plot fresh in a way which would be different had it been made in the past (may be dealing with hand-written letters) or if it would be made in the future (when perhaps, everyone has already mastered telepathy). In relation, segueing the romantic story arc involving the titular characters, we could find a pretty rich and revealing side story for each. Vince, being the child out of wedlock, yearning for more attention from his mother however due to the complexity of the situation, he seems to be not welcomed by her husband thus, he ends up living with his Uncle and Aunt; Kath, with her mother and younger brother, were abandoned by her father and has to do more for them to get by, and Vince who feels the heavy pressure of his parents unfulfilled expectations of him and being constantly compared to his more academically successful cousin, Vince. These issues which the characters' experience (enduring the pains of a broken family, being forced to assimilate an unusual role, and meeting high expectations of parents) are very common among graduating college students of the present. The film is relevant for depicting such matters. On the other hand, the movie has its short comings. Firstly, with the title: Vince, Kath & James, the viewer would expect that the premise would involve a love triangle and also based on the promotional materials and the plot itself, the movie is going towards that direction. However with the released movie, the emphasis on the three lead characters is uneven. For a romantic comedy involving a trio of lead characters, it fails to fully materialize to its potential. The character of James is half-written and makes the love triangle half-baked . Early on the film, it is apparent to the audience that it was Vince and Kath who will be together and should be together as dictated by the screenplay. It would have been better had the writers given the audience more reason to root for James to be the one ending up with Kath. Perhaps, they could have made James undergo this big positive change and really ending up in love with Kath. The love triangle would have been more interesting and the title with more sense. Instead the character, James, was written to be almost unlikable and only reduced to a supporting role. This is a big missed opportunity. Another one is that the movie doesn't have a strong finish. The final minutes seemed rushed. The execution of the sequence leading to the conflict resolution is rather mechanical as if the audience knows without thinking that it will all be smiles, hugs and kisses when it is done. Points to the use of the "DaVinci Quotes" and when they are expressing themselves in limited 6 words (a nod to twitter perhaps?). It brings out whats unique with the story making it feel like it has come full circle. If it wasn't for the hurried build up to the climax, the ending would have given a more satisfying and memorable payoff. FINAL WORD: The movie is lacking in its emphasis specifically with the character, James. The part is underdeveloped and a missed opportunity that would otherwise elevate the story to its full potential. The build up to the ending is problematic. The conflict is not given enough time to marinate and the resolution is forced leading to a conclusion (although inspired) that could have given a better lasting impression. The movie is also formulaic with its plot structure but the timeliness of the culture depicted and the relevance of the characters' side stories make for most if its substance and uniqueness. The film from the technical perspective is very well made; it has several creative flourishes that enhance the way the story is told, designs of set, costumes, sound are all appealing to the viewer. The cast, top billed by three of the most popular actors/actresses in the Philippine show business, looked great. They are the biggest draw for this movie. Vince, Kath & James, given its flaws is still an entertaining movie. It will certainly appeal more to those who are fond of other rom-coms from Star Cinema. For the others, watch it for what it is to enjoy.

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