Tag: Romance

PAST LIVES (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Celine Song

Cinematography: Shabier Kirchner

Editor: Keith Fraase 

Cast: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro 

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.

For a film that can be so romantic. It is ultimately a film about heartbreak. 

The film has a cinematic beginning of what if. That ends up answering all the questions that the opening scene raises and gives the answers a lot more depth. It does give the film an initial memory that is replayed later, but it is also the only part of the film that feels a bit more pandering and conventional. 

The film is a story that should be a two-hander. The films to will remind you of usually are such as the BEFORE trilogy (BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET, BEFORE MIDNIGHT) and other romantic films such as SUMMERTIME, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. That usually takes place in foreign locales. To paint a view of being a visitor or an outsider exploring the terrain or make the audience feel that way.

Here the film does take place in a few foreign locales but rarely explores them. As it is more interested in exploring the character’s motivations, emotions, and decisions. 

Which is what works in its favor as it has its own vibe. While staying reminiscent of those other films. If it had followed suit it would have been fine. There are many ways to tell a story. Just make sure you tell it well and to the best of your ability. 

These films are usually told through conversations. This film is similar but more is said by what the characters don’t say and through gazes, looks, body language, and actions. Films were a bit more common when I was younger and indie cinema was seen as the cream de la creme. Now these types of films are a rarity and it’s no wonder why such praise is heaped upon them. 

This film takes place over time, over decades but mainly a few days in their lives, And while it is a small story. It is an emotional minefield that stays subdued but feels bigger than it is letting on. Ultimately it involves fate and the future, but the past is important as it gives the modern definition. 

The film shows the grace and beauty of Greta Lee in a star-making lead performance. Showing her great range as I primarily remember her from the movie SISTERS, where she played a more comedic over-the-top role. Here you can’t help but fall for her. You see what the other characters surrounding her see.

This is a film where it’s relatable to the audience. As it is about that person who got away and wonders what could have been. It also might remind people of that special friend they grew up with and not only what happened to them, but why they never really got together. 

Everything through the film has a subtlety but is devastating. It feels like a testament to things never truly said or spoken. As the characters dance around, just to get to the heart of the matter and moments. 

Grade: A- 

MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 (2016)

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Directed By: Kirk Jones

Written By: Nia Vardalos

Cinematography: Jim Denault

Editor: Mark Czyzewski

Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin, Elena Kampouris, Gia Carides, Louis Mandylor, Alex Wolff, Joey Fatone, Bess Meisler, Rita Wilson, John Stamos, Rob Riggle, Mark Margolis, Ian Gomez, Bruce Gray, Jayne Eastwood

Still working in her parents’ Greek restaurant, Toula Portokalos’ daughter, Paris, is growing up. She is getting ready to graduate high school and Toula and Ian are experiencing marital issues. When Toula’s parents find out they were never officially married, another wedding is in the works. Can this big, fat, Greek event help to bring the family together?

It could be the fact that before this film a few year earlier Nia Vardalos tried to turn this into a franchise with a follow up television series 

Considering they tried s sitcom after the first film this feels like they just took story threads or ideas from there and tried to make a movie with a framing device and theme

As this film feels all over the place, like it want the audience to be updated on the families notice after all these years with her other film Connie and Carla not doing well wanted a guaranteed hit

It’s a feel good film with no real stakes. so while it’s nice to see the characters again they are left with little to nothing to really do as we just enjoy and laugh at their antics

The fil m can be considered fun for those who l led the original

Though the first film was better content wise as it had a love story and a story of self Confidence. That was familiar and well structured and could be identifiable by mining a culture under represented and giving them representation even with it’s stereotypes that come off as loving

It might have been seen as a clash in as the audience for the first film has come of age and are dealing with their teenage children and the prospect of them leaving the nest. So again a bit updated and identifiable for that generation 

The problem is as familiar as the first film was; this one jsit feels generic. A script that tries to have a best of or greatest hits quality to it’s scenes the first film the characters came off as quirky here they come off more as caricatures of their former selves playing it more for laughs. 

You could say that this feels like a victory lap. While it keeps it’s innocence and a little charm. That keeps it safe 

Grade: C 

DECISION TO LEAVE (2022)

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Directed By: Park Chan-Wook

Written By: Park Chan-Wook & Chung Seo-Kyung

Cinematography: Kim Jo-Yong

Editor: Kim Sang-Beom

Cast: Park Hae-il, Tang Wei, Lee Jung-Hyun, Go Kyung-Pyo 

From a mountain peak in South Korea, a man plummets to his death. Did he jump, or was he pushed? When detective Hae-joon arrives on the scene, he begins to suspect the dead man’s wife Seo-rae. But as he digs deeper into the investigation, he finds himself trapped in a web of deception and desire.

One of the most romantic movies ever or at least in quite a while.  It is more of a romance where the lead characters absolutely can’t be with one another yet works as a romance.  where they try to deny their feelings while falling even harder maybe because of the lack of total communication but constantly watching each other.

It’s almost like dating with a constant mind game and never a full revelation of feelings, but there is something there. They keep not only bringing themselves together, but circumstances at times force them to and to kind of chase each other. 

Though here not trying to fall in love and that is usually when it finds you or you find that one that makes you feel it. 

So that like early in love any moment or chance you get seems mystical, magical, and has meaning. 

There is plenty of lust there but it seems to be more about longing.

Now put all of that and surround it in a detective story a film noir with stylish touches and a little violence but no sex, eroticism, or even any real action. Like the characters the film and story are so restrained it almost feels like a period piece. Though the camerawork and direction are top notch. 

It feels like a thriller but one with more emotions. You wonder if she is only trying to seduce him to get away with her crimes and that for the detective she is not only an escape but a mystery herself that he can’t figure out which is a challenge and slowly makes him lose it. 

But you feel destroyed by the end as you want the two characters to be together. So that it stays fully captivating. Though like a good story and a good book it moves at its own pace. Sometimes faster than you expect but also slower. Never quite a constant.

The film is like poetry, you recognize the beauty but it’s hard to explain. As hopefully you just feel it.

Grade: A-

AS TEARS GO BY (1988)

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Directed By: Wong Kar Wai

Written By: Jeffrey Lau and Wong Kar Wai Cinematography: Andrew Lau

Editor: Bei-Dak Cheong and Kit Wai Kai

Cast: Andy Lau, Maggie Cheung, Jacky Cheung, Alex Man, Ronald Wong 

Mid-level gangster Wah falls in love with his beautiful cousin, but must also continue to protect his volatile partner-in-crime and friend, Fly.

Melodramatic as it has a bit of the story of the movie MEAN STREETS mixed with a crime thriller. MEAN STREETS Also dealt with a coming-of-age story and a romance that seemed clandestine yet forbidden. While also being involved in a crime syndicate of sorts with a hot-headed friend who seems to always get them both into hot water. 

Just like Martin Scorsese, you can see director Wong Kar Wai’s Style breaking out. Yet a little stuck with a mainstream Story to get more of an audience to watch. The crime thriller elements will be exciting but the heart of the film Is more in the romance and it allows the lead to be tough and sensitive. 

Watching this film is like watching an artist trying his skills in a more conventional Mainstream Movie. He certainly Raises the material higher than it deserves.

The film is definitely of its time period. The 1980’s represented mainly on the soundtrack as usual.

Wai Chooses a familiar American song TAKE MY BREATH AWAY and gives it new depth in a Cantonese version.

Like his later Films there is a love story thrown in that ends up being the film’s heart. Not to mention ensures an emotional investment. As after all within most stories, there is that element instead of focusing on the more violent side of life. Instead, he is interested in showing relationships and what drives them. To show where strength and honor lie.

The film is a cautionary tale on one end and nihilistic. It takes both main characters’ relationships seriously and gives them the same depth. Only one is physically intimate. The other one is loving but troublesome. 

As he is more successful in romance and moves further. On the other end That is how deep into Trouble he And his little brother get into until It gets to the point of no return the third act has to do with proving oneself and machismo  That is Almost like a reminder. This is supposed to be a gangster film

Grade: B-

SLEEP WITH ME (1994)

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Directed By: Rory Kelly 
Written By: Duane Dell’Amico, Roger Hedden, Neal Jimenez, Joe Keenan, Rory Kelly and Michael Steinberg  Cinematography: Andrzej Sekula
Editor: David Moritz 

Cast: Eric Stoltz, Meg Tilly, Craig Sheffer, Lewis Arquette, Todd Field, Parker Posey, Vanessa Angel, Susan Traylor, Dean Cameron, Thomas Gibson, Joey Lauren Adams, June Lockhart, Adrienne Shelly, Alexandra Hedison, Quentin Tarantino 

Sarah, Joseph, and Frank are BFFs. Joseph and Sarah get married but the evening before she tells Frank with a kiss that it could’ve been him. Frank continues to have a thing for Sarah.

Six different writers wrote a scene each of this romantic comedy featuring the marriage and turbulent relationship of Joseph and Sarah, with Joseph’s best friend Frank trying hard to cope with letting the love of his life marry his best friend. An interesting experiment though it might also explain why it

Seems like a bit of a mess. That seems endless and single-focused. After a while it feels like small talk, about a lot of things said but nothing of any depth that can be called interesting. It might have worked better as a play. 

A 1990’s relationship drama with some very little comedy thrown in. It seemed dated even when it came out. It feels like a dramatic episode of the television show FRIENDS.

The film involves a group of friends who are all married and/or in serious relationships and only seem to hang out with each other. They are still young and hip with no kids in sight. 

So, of course, they have only one friend who is single and this film Explores all the different couplings in relationships. The one that gets the most attention is Meg Tilly who is usually a joy to see on screen. As she is rather obscure. Whose character is engaged to Eric Stoltz’s character. Who is kind of a ladies’ man whose best friend, played by Craig Sheffer with some Ill-advised facial hair and even worse hippie wardrobe is in love with Tilly’s character and she knows it.

She comes across as cruel because she knows yet every time he brings a date to their get-together. She interrogates and then insults them. 

When she suspects her fiancé of cheating she sleeps with Sheffer’s character out of spite and when he thinks they have started a relationship she begins to feel bad and have feelings. When Eric finds out and informs her he didn’t cheat. So now the two guys are competing for her. 

Imagine the Andrew McCarthy-Ally Sheedy-Judd Nelson love triangle from ST ELMO’S FIRE. Only if Nelson didn’t cheat and it was the main part of the movie, only more dramatic and you are on the same page as this film. 

The film tries to be a broad comedy type of movie played subtly seriously. It comes across as a bunch of self-important characters. Who think they are cool but aren’t coming to grips with growing up and making it seem more dramatic and meaningful than it actually is.

It’s a shame as the film has a good cast and could have really been good under better circumstances. 

Somehow here the direction just seems to drain all the fun and interest out of not only the scenes but the characters. The script seems fine if not indulgent and self-important. 

One only wishes for a more skilled director. Who could have better handled the material and made the scenes a little more vivid and exciting. At least give it a kind of sense of humor about itself. 

Maybe also allowing the film to be more of an ensemble and not focus so much on the leads and give the side characters more nuance and more to do. So the love triangle could have been more of a side caper or we see how it affects the dynamics of everyone in the group. 

After a while though it seems Like every woman throws themselves at Stoktz’s character. This is easy to see when Sheffer’s Comes off more as creepy and he is the single available one. Who seems to mess up any chance he has with other women. While Stoltz’s Character is already married has nothing to lose. As he already has a wife. So he can talk to these women without seeming like he wants to bed them Or looking for something. Which in turn seems to make him a challenge for them 

The only true noteworthy scene is the cameo by writer-director Quentin Tarantino giving a rant or his theory on how the movie TOP GUN is really a movie about a man’s struggle with his homosexuality. (This was before the internet introduced many people’s wild outlandish film and television theories)

In fact, that is one of the only reasons I watched it. The other is Eric Stoltz and Parker Posey, actors I am a huge fan of. 

GRADE: D+

RYE LANE (2023)

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Directed By: Raine Allen-Miller 
Written By: Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia 
Cinematography: Olan Collardy
Editor: Victoria Boydell

Cast: David Jonsson, Vivian Oparah, Poppy Allen-Quarmbi, Simon Manyondm, Levi Roots, Karene Peter, Benjamin Sarpong-Broni, Malcolm Atobrah, Alice Hewlin

Two youngsters reeling from bad breakups connect over an eventful day in South London.

This film has a certain charm to it that is all-encompassing, and it just seems to flirt with the audience, and you have goodwill for not only the characters but the film in general. 

As even the characters that we are not supposed to, like, are so colorful that they end up being enjoyable.

It’s a romantic comedy that has an innocence but continuously stays inventive throughout, and while it has its dark parts, it seems to always stay positive 

It’s a visual, exciting, colorful, and inventive film, and it stays somewhat unpredictable as it serves as a love letter to not only the characters but also where is filmed in the south of London 

Throughout the film, it’s obvious that the two main characters are meant to be together so it is fun watching them fall for one another as a tease flirt make out separate encourage and are there for one another 

It’s also refreshing to see a love story between African-American characters and a love story that doesn’t involve cheating, nor does it rely too much on comedy instead of romance.

It’s definitely a modern, romantic comedy dealing with issues, but it also maintains a sweetness. where you root for the characters throughout, as they are more identifiable, and than most of the genre. 

Even with its sidetracks into surreal imagery, the characters stay relatable and identifiable. It feels a little more real than most romantic comedies as the film stays witty so do the characters; they are people you know or would want to know. Their motivations are clearly understandable.

It’s a film that is fun to discover, and the less you know about it,  the happier the film will ultimately make you. At times, it might seem like a shot like a music video. It is that colorful, but not as many rapid edits, and it stays creative and artistic at its heart as much as its characters.

It even manages to squeeze in a cameo, buy an Oscar-winning actor out of nowhere, and seemingly for no reason.  

The only false note of the movie is the third act where they must separate, but you know they’re going to get back together. It would’ve been more inventive to come up with a better reason for them to separate than the one that is presented. 

Either way by the third act when they are reunited, it is based off of themes earlier in the film and joy. It’s a fair that is grand in its own way. 

Grade: B+

SPOILER ALERT (2022)

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Directed By: Michael Showalter 
Written By: Dan Savage and David Marshall Grant
Based On The Book: SPOILER ALERT: THE HERO DIES. By Michael Ausiello 
Cinematography: Brian Burgoyne
Editor: Peter Teschner 

Cast: Jim Parsons, Ben Aldridge, Sally Field, Bill Irwin, Nikki M. James, Jeffrey Self, Sadie Scott, Josh Pais, David Marshall Grant, Jason Gotay, Antoni Porowski 

The story of Michael Ausiello and Kit Cowan’s relationship takes a tragic turn when Cowan is diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Based on a true story, Though it’s still has a kind of tragedy that the title alerts you to, and even the title of the memoir it’s based upon. Which usually is a cliché in LGBTQ stories. Here it is used as an emotional resonance as for the film, it provides an ending, but also a catharsis as this is truly a love story with a beginning, a middle, and an end so that each stage is clearly representing an emotional and it’s on Waze

As it is a love story, it shows the beautiful beginnings. Where are you think it’s going to be the happily ever after, it also does present and show the problems. The small details are usually a part of a real-life love story, but in the movie usually cruise over or never show. 

The happily ever after is only at the end of act one there’s so much more road to travel, and at times it feels unflinching. Nothing is completely solved, but we see how to deal.

It also presents the love story as something universal that everyone can understand and gives humanity to the main characters who are gay and is more of a mainstream love story 

I will admit what attracted me to the story and personalize it is that it’s about an entertainment journalist who I have read over the years and can easily identify with his passion for pop culture, which I think will strike many in the audience

It’s just a beautiful love story after all, and the fact that it’s based on a true story, only helps it as many times it will leave the audience emotional with happiness, joy, and sadness like

No, it does have its points that are more inventive and imaginative. It always stays reliably true even when it reaches its quirky moments. 

The film it’s a lot deeper than expected and you can appreciate its nuances. Though the title says it alone, it still offers. Plenty of warm, surprises and emotions. Where are you? Truly fall in love with the characters as they fall in. Love with each other.

In the end, it’s just been an affecting beautiful story slice of life, if anything love story that most of us dream ever hope for. It’s so heartwarming it feels like a Christmas movie which is what one of the characters is obsessed with.

Director Michael Showalter makes another heartfelt emotional character, driven comedy, wherein its heart is a nerd in love.

Grade: B 

BROS (2022)

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Directed By: Nicholas Stoller 
Written By: Billy Eichner and Nicholas Stoller 
Cinematography: Brandon Trost 
Editor: Daniel Gabbe 

Cast: Billy Eichner, Luke Macfarlane, Amanda Bearse, Guy Branum, Miss Lawrence, TS Madison, Dot Marie Jones, Jim Rash, Bowen Yang, Eve Lindley, Monica Raymond, Guillermo Diaz, Jai Rodriguez, Debra Messing 

Two men with commitment problems attempt a relationship.

This is a Film where it never quite decides on its toll whether it’s going to be over a top wacky, romantic, romantic comedy so it always feels shaky even if it’s construction. Which leads to it being slightly disappointing.

It seems to live or die on its jokes much work a few more times than that but it still doesn’t quite feel like enough.

Star & Co-Screenwriter, Billy Eichner Tones down his usual personality it offers more of a full-fledged performance that still has hints of his Comedic gifts.

It’s in that is a mainstream, romantic comedy that is more about LGBTQ characters, but it also is obviously aimed at that audience while being open to the more curious mainstream and also trying to paint all relationships as the same though it still might be a little too hardcore for those who still feel uneasy with this type of material, I am happy that the film was made 

No, it seems more aimed at comedy, than romance. As it tries to cover a lot of ground and seems to be more of a kind of statement in the presentation than having a strong story maybe because it is a romantic comedy, we’ve kind of seen this type of story before only now with two men in love and trying to make a relationship work work

One wishes it was stronger or made more of a debt, but it feels somewhat forgettable and light no matter how down and dirty it might get at times 

Can you just come out expecting more of it and from it no, it’s perfectly fine. I was just looking for a romantic comedy and something to entertain so it seems to aspire for a bit more. 

Happy that it goes there in sex scenes and doesn’t be calm more of a before and after let’s just sail over scenes that might make some uncomfortable.

Maybe as the humor always seems the writing seems more sitcom-ish than actually creating a movie or screen story.

He throws a lot of jokes out to see which sticks and what at times feels more spoofish. The film has a strange rhythm but still works. It’s hit or miss but still funny.

Only the main characters actually feel like real characters the rest feel more like setups, for situations and scenes, or more like personality types instead of characters. Though you constantly want to see more of them. 

One can give the film credit as one of the first of its kind really that is released by a  major studio and released as a mainstream movie.

The film might be made for a certain audience but is inclusive and wants others who would typically avoid it to give it a chance which they should. As it does, stay joyful and energetic throughout.

Grade: C+

WATCHING THE DETECTIVES (2007)

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Written & Directed By: Paul Soter 
Cinematography By: Christophe Lazenberg 
Editor: Jeff Canavan 
Music By: Nathan Barr 


Cast: Cillian Murphy, Lucy Liu, Jason Sudeikis, Heather Burns, Ali Reza, Steve Lemme, Erik Stolhanske, Brett Gelman, Callie Thorne, Josh Pais, Lonny Ross, Paul Scheer, Josh Gad

Neil, a self-proclaimed film geek, and owner of Gumshoe video, has always been content to live vicariously through his favorite film noir. But when he meets Violet, a real-life femme fatale, his mundane world gets turned upside down and the line between reality and the movies quickly begins to blur. Will Neil step up and embrace a life full of adventure or retreat back to his comfortable couch?

The title of the film is taken from a 1977 Elvis Costello song, from the album “My Aim Is True”. An offbeat romantic comedy with Cillian Murphy whose character runs a video store. When one day Lucy Liu comes to rent some films. Through a matter of cons. She gets him To take her out to dinner, throughout the rest of the film they date and get to know each other. The only problem is, she is always coming up with elaborate situations and stories to test his reactions. Soon he can’t tell what is real and what’s make-believe. This is an interesting concept pulled off somewhat successfully.

I like this movie and I could have given it a better grade. The premise is unpredictable ad constantly keeps you on your toes, but it comes off for some reason rather bland

It just feels like it never truly comes alive as much as it could. Especially with so many recognizable names cast. If it had been made more with lesser-known actors it would be excusable and charming, but watching it you have a constant feeling that everyone knows better.

The movie ends up feeling like it never reaches its full potential. Not because of its low budget but maybe. Like ALLY MCBEAL some things seemed quirky for no other reason than just to be quirky. Also, some scenes just seem to lay there limp, but for a movie that’s so quirky the supporting characters could have been a bit more interesting. Or at least better dialogue. I liked them but there really seemed to be no reason for them or they didn’t feel like complete characters. They could have been extras who showed up that day and got lucky.

The film is an offbeat romantic comedy. It’s like a subdued screwball comedy. Situated in the real world.

Cillian Murphy is a good actor but I don’t know if the role was underwritten or he worked with what he had or was internationally trying to underplay his character to be more subtle, but he seems iffy miscast. Lost when not having any motivations or maybe an actorly distraction. His character needed to be a little more broad.

Lucy Liu though is a doll not totally a manic pixie dream girl, but a bored dream girl looking for an adventure and doubling as a femme-fatale for a mystery she is creating. I’m happy to see her change up her roles. Playing more softer, nice, happy characters. Instead of the ice queens, she usually has played to perfection In the past. I really like her as an actress and feel she deserves more work.

I know it sounds like I’m bad-mouthing the film but I liked it. It’s probably more me. I just expected more from it.

The film’s director Paul Soter is a member of the comedic improv group Broken Lizard who made the films SUPER TROOPERS, CLUB DREAD, BEERFEST,  and THE SLAMMIN SALMON. So we know he knows comedy as being funny on fact 2 other members Steve Lemme and Erik Stolhanske of the troupe make cameos. His direction is subtle, but needs to be a bit more colorful and pick up the pace, it’s a good movie definitely one you should check out

Grade: C+

RETURN TO ME (2000)

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Directed By: Bonnie Hunt
Written By: Bonnie Hunt & Don Lake 
Story By: Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Andrew Stern and Samantha Goodman
Cinematography: Laszlo Kovacs 
Editor: Garth Craven

Cast: David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, David Alan Grier, Carroll O’Connor, Robert Loggia, Bonnie Hunt, James Belushi, Eddie Jones, Brian Howe, Marianne Muellerleile, Joely Richardson 

A man who falls in love with the woman who received his wife’s heart must decide which woman it is who holds his heart.

This film is a total surprise. As one wouldn’t think too much of it at first,  it comes across as an all-time classic 

This film is charming. Above all else. Like its co-writer and director Bonnie Hunt’s stand-up comedy it’s inoffensive, chuckle-worthy, classic, and full of character. As well as full of characters. 

As it plays like a romantic comedy from the 1950s and stays wholesome. As even though it is modern it feels like it comes from a bygone era or the type of film They don’t make anymore. As the leads come across as real characters and never stars.

Though the film deals with a dark subject. The film stays lighthearted, cheerful, and energetic.

This for me is the first time that David Duchovny comes across as a full-fledged leading man in a movie. He is quite good and soulful. He even manages to put out a few laughs.

Minnie Driver is wonderful, beautiful, and down to earth in the film. She is practically the girl next door in this film. As well as hilarious. 

The sounding board of her family and the regulars at the restaurant are hilarious and give the film a special touch. Especially seeing the old-school stars given something to do. 

That is the strength of the film. You are so interested in all of the characters. Even the minor ones that no matter what happens you will still be entertained. That is how nourishing this film is as it shows everything and every one was handled with care.

The film could have easily based itself on the story and plot but while it is around it quickly takes a backseat to the characters and situations.

This is a film that is rewatchable each time I watch it. Not only do I fall in love with it all over again. As I suspect most who watch it will, but it holds up and impresses. As it feels like an old-school classic. Which is rare as they don’t make films like this anymore. Yes, it’s more in the movie logic cute romance side. 

The plot gets you in the door, but the characters keep you interested. No matter how formulaic it gets. It introduces something a bit unexpected. The film has a personality bit an extreme one but one more subtle.

GRADE: A