ABS-CBN Entertainment’s adaptation of the colossal Wattpad sensation Four Badboys and Me bursts onto the screen with an electrifying mix of youthful energy, heartfelt emotion, and unmistakable charm.
At its core lies the story of Candice, an adorably awkward bookworm whose world spins wildly off its axis when she crosses paths with the campus’ most notorious quartet of bad boys—a modern F4 ensemble that steals hearts with every glance and smolder.
This film marks a landmark moment for Anji Salvacion, stepping into her biggest acting break to date. Far from relying on her celebrity status as a PBB big winner, Anji dives deep into Candice’s character, bringing to life every shy, awkward, and ultimately endearing facet with remarkable sincerity. She embodies Candice not just as a girl trying to find her footing, but as a genuine soul whose vulnerability and quiet strength make her instantly relatable. It’s a performance that elevates the story beyond typical teen romance tropes, showing viewers the beauty of embracing one’s true self.
Opposite her shines BGYO’s own Gelo Rivera as Jeydon Lopez, the cool, poised Mr. Perfect of their campus—leader of the elite bad boys who effortlessly combines charm and understated vulnerability. Gelo’s portrayal brings surprising nuance to this classic archetype, revealing the hidden depths beneath Jeydon’s seemingly flawless exterior. Together, Salvacion and Rivera spark a chemistry so palpable, so utterly kilig-inducing, it’s impossible not to root for them from start to finish.
Four Badboys and Me pays homage to those beloved campus love stories that captivated a generation after Meteor Garden’s phenomenal success across Asia. The narrative arc tugs at familiar strings: Candice, the misunderstood outcast bullied for her looks and awkwardness, blossoms into a radiant princess, capturing the attention of not just one but multiple suitors. Yet the magic here is in the execution—this isn’t a shallow makeover tale. Jeydon has admired Candice quietly for much longer than expected, and the way Candice peels back the layers of his angsty, “perfect” persona to see his true heart is as tender as it is thrilling.
What truly sets this film apart is its exploration of complex themes—family ties, forgiveness, and self-discovery—that pulse beneath the vivid, colorful surface. While it doesn’t delve with heavy-handed depth, director Benedict Mique guides the plot with a gentle warmth that resonates deeply with younger audiences who see their own stories reflected. The added drama of intertwined parental conflicts and the unexpected return of exes spices up the romantic tension without overshadowing the characters’ emotional journeys.
Supporting performances, too, deserve applause. AC Bonifacio delights as Tiffany, Candice’s fiercely loyal best friend whose infectious spirit adds heart and humor. Meanwhile, Dustine Meyores, River Joseph, Harvey Bautista, and Brent Manalo prove these pretty faces are far more than window dressing—they’re integral in keeping the story’s heart beating, each contributing to the schoolyard dynamics and emotional stakes with palpable sincerity.
The soundtrack is another superstar here, flooding the film with sweetloaded anthems perfectly tuned to the story’s vibrant ups and bittersweet moments. Featuring tracks sung by Salvacion herself alongside BGYO’s infectious beats, the music elevates key scenes, enveloping viewers in the full spectrum of teenage emotions.
In sum, Four Badboys and Me is a bright, colorful journey bursting with kilig, warmth, and bittersweet truths about finding one’s place in the world. It’s a celebration of youth in all its messy, glorious complexity—an energetic take on a beloved template, brought to life by a cast who’s clearly just getting started but already shining brilliantly.
For fans of heartfelt romance with a side of self-discovery, this adaptation is a must-watch that promises to leave you smiling up to the ears.
