“Vince & Kath & James”

From left: Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto and Ronnie Alonte

(We are running this guide to help moviegoers plan their holiday cinema tour. The 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival runs from Dec. 25 to Jan. 3, 2017.)

Directed by Theodore Boborol; stars Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Ronnie Alonte, Maris Racal, Ina Raymundo, Axel Torres, Shamaine Buencamino, Anna Abad Santos, Jeric Raval, Alan Paule

The film is derived from the hit romantic online series, “Vince & Kath.” The original series presented its plot in the form of screenshots of the text messages between its main characters, making it a viral social-serye with numerous followers. Star Cinema acquired the rights to it and created a big-screen adaptation.

“Vince & Kath & James” revolves around the courtship of Vince (Garcia) and Kath (Barretto) as seen through their text exchanges. The story begins with Vince as a secret admirer who eventually reveals himself to Kath. The addition of James (Alonte) gives the film its refreshing twist.

Julia explains her similarities to Kath: “She is strong-willed. If she comes face-to-face with a torpe, she’d dominate him. But we both have soft sides, which would always surface when we’re in love.”

Joshua adds: “I can relate to my character because I’m also torpe, and also because, like Vince, my relationship with my mom is unique.” Ronnie says he is like James because “I also used to ask help from friends when I want to court the girl I like.” —MARINEL R. CRUZ

Maris Racal (left) and Julia Barretto