KC takes on the role of Maxi dela Cerna, a talented yet broke New York-based fashion designer who presents a line of fashion clothing for investor Mrs. Collins (played by Celia Rodriguez). Maxi was given funding to build up her own shop but things didn't go well when she entrusted the funds to the wrong person. She's forced to go home to the Philippines to seek help from her estranged father Poch (Gabby Concepcion). Maxi doesn't find this move easy since she grew up without her father and all the while believed that he had abandoned her and her mother for the past 15 years. With her mom's recent death, Maxi has to claim the inheritance from her dad to pay her debts.
And the drama begins.
Watching I'll Be There is an emotional and gratifying experience. Maxi treats her dad like dirt, and Poch, though affected, exerts effort and tries again and again to win over his daughter.
Personally, I've never seen or heard any bad side of KC, but her portrayal of the sarcastic Maxi fits her to a tee. I felt sorry for Gabby's character having to endure his daughter's hostility after 15 years of separation, but it was convincing to see KC as Maxi act out many years of anger and disappointment.
There's no question that that the dramatic exchanges between Gabby and KC are spontaneous and expressive. Nonetheless, the conflict-ridden situation they portray in the film may suggest similarities in their real lives, thus making their scenes authentic. Both Gabby and KC say, however, that they never had any confrontation scene in real life.
Jericho Rosales is a fresh addition to the story as an architect named Tommy. His character's sunny disposition is the perfect match for Maxi's emo air. KC and Jericho blend together perfectly—both of them create onscreen chemistry that's just right. Tommy and Maxi's scenes on film end the drama and instantly activate the "kilig" moments. At first I thought that Tommy was just an add-on character, but as it turns out he plays a pivotal role later in the film.
The story of I'll Be There provided a solid foundation of character backgrounds. Pacing was direct, and the story's progression was balanced enough to appreciate the three lead characters of the movie.
However, jittery camera shots and unclear transitions marred the experience a little, with unexpected jumps from one scene to another. In the final confrontation scene between KC and Jericho, one could actually see the crew members reflected on the shades of the actor.
The provincial setting of Sta. Elena looks like paradise, but the regular use of close-ups (and dull camera angles) failed to capture the beauty of the backdrop. Panoramic shots would have been appreciated. Of course, KC and Gabby look good in every angle but the scenes would've been more memorable if they were filmed in more picturesque locations.
Having a dramatic scene in a coconut grove at night really kills the crying mood. In addition, the way Poch tried to postpone his confrontation with his daughter Maxi elicited chuckles instead of building up the tension of the moment.
Overall, I'll Be There is a great bonding film for fathers and daughters. The distinctive use of a starfish as part of a life lesson from parent to child is a nice touch, and the thought stuck to my head even after leaving the theater.
I personally rate this film 4 out of 5 Starfishes.