Love You to the Stars and Back is a 2017 Filipino romantic comedy film written and directed by Antoinette Jadaone. Starring Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia, the film marks their second project together following the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Vince and Kath and James.
The story conference for the film was held in April 2017 with no working title yet. Production pushed through in May and it was released on August 30, 2017, to box office success.
Synopsis
Feeling out of place in her own home, an eccentric and socially awkward girl, Mika (Julia Barretto), decides to go on a road trip with a very strange goal – to look for aliens. In her trip, Mika accidentally bumps into a simple and good-humored boy, Caloy (Joshua Garcia), whom she chooses to give a free ride to until he reaches his destination. Mika is surprised to know that Caloy has cancer. But despite his condition, he has learned to accept his fate and remained positive and joyful.
The two embark on a roadtrip filled with adventures and misadventures, not knowing that it will lead them to experiencing their most memorable romance at such a young age. They unexpectedly teach each other an important lesson on love and life that takes some people a lifetime to learn.
Cast
Main cast
Julia Barretto as Mika, An eccentric woman determined to find aliens, believing her place is with them. Joshua Garcia as Caloy, A broken child after he was disowned by his father several times. He suffers leukemia thus making him feel like he is a burden to everyone.
Supporting cast
Carmina Villarroel as Michelle, Mika’s mother
Cherry Pie Picache as Linda, Caloy’s mother
Ariel Rivera as Ricky, Mika’s father
Maricar Reyes as Sheryl, Mika’s stepmother
Edgar Allan Guzman as JP, Caloy’s Elder Brother
Eda Nolan as Jane, Caloy’s Elder Sister
Belle Mariano as Ronnabel, Aling Berns’ child. Does not want to go the J.S prom, but was convinced by Mika and Caloy. Joaq Reyes as Vincent, Caloy’s younger brother Paulo Angeles as Kenneth, Ronnabel’s Crush Jelson Bay as Mang Berting, Was accompanied by Mika and Caloy. Until he reached his destination. Odette Khan as Doña Leticia, Mang Berting’s future in law Ruby Ruiz as Aling Berns, Ronnabel’s mother Dr. Philip Niño Tan-Gatue as Doctor
Release
Love You to the Stars and Back was released on August 30, 2017. The film was graded "B" by the Cinema Evaluation Board of the Philippines. It grossed on its first week in the cinemas. As of September 16, 2017, the film grossed .
Critical response
The film received generally positive feedback and glowing reviews from critics. Oggs Cruz of Rappler lauded the film's use of realistic scenes of extended conversations as opposed to very brisk romantic instances. He also praised Garcia's and Barretto's acting, calling them "astute and delightful", respectively. Philbert Dy gave the film 5 out of 5 "tickets", noting that within the first five minutes of the film, you'll know it's not the usual Star Cinema fare, further highlighting the touch of indie filmmaking. He also praised the film's slow build of melodrama and the acting abilities and the chemistry of the lead actors.