This is another edition for the under the radar video series. Rom Coms aren't really my genre, I'm personally not a fan of the sub-genre as they blend together most of the time; but I do make exceptions depending on story and of course who's in it, I know sounds bias but both factors help a lot. It's true this is probably not quite one of the best romance films or even one of director Barry Sonfield's highly ranked in my book but just because it isn't doesn't make it bad and is worth checking out if you're looking for something different.
The plotline is good, it's not exactly new as it's practically a formulaic format we've all seen dozens of times probably from one of dozens of cookie cutter Hallmark films. Sure, like most romance films it's predictable but it's in the execution and build up to pay off that makes it work and it's really a question of how the two will get there in the end, that makes it even more sweetly suspenseful.
Comedy is also good, it's sort of a bit of a throwback to a lot of the rom coms of yesteryear, as it's more low key where it's reliant on the characters, what they say and do and not some bullcrap deus ex machina situations. Even like the setting which is New York City, really like the use of the locations; it's kind of ironic considering M. J. did the film "The Secret of My Success" which also took place in the same setting and also a rom com. It's kind of one of the perfect settings of romance for me because New York City being as overly busy as it is, is still a place where anything is possible.
I really like Michael J. Fox's character Doug Ireland as he's an underdog that is working his tailbone off, which is something I feel a lot of romance films seem to lack these days. Despite his job role he's not rich and he's not a person that always gets the girl. He still has the struggle to make ends meet but also, it's all in pursuit of a dream of his.
As we see he's highly sociable, so he knows how to talk to people, get on their good side to make them happy, which of course translates to making the right connections. Sort of that old saying on the golden rule, "do unto others, as they would do unto you" which is one of the running themes in the film. But also, this is device for the cause-and-effect element, as those connections we see all do fall into place in the end, how they do you'll just have to watch for yourself. But what makes his character endearing is that his main goal isn't money and success, but that he likes and wants to help people, make life a little better for them and himself in the process.
Gabrelle Anwar on my list of under the radar actresses is solid as the would be love interest Andy. You get a good feel for her character as she's sexy with persona to boot; she's a person with big dreams as well, which is to have a bigger career in singing. But as we see her character isn't perfect as she is somewhat naïve as we see she clearly has the wrong ideas about love. She's still a likeable person we still route for (likewise with Doug), but she should know better.
The chemistry between both Doug and Andy is solid, I bought their back and forth as both have charisma. But you really had a good feeling that both are good friends, but as we see it's a friendship that is starting or could become something more. Even like little moments that I felt were genuine probably thanks to the performances of both actors. From a dance scene both have together, but also one scene that stands out is when Doug backs away as he sees Andy talking on the phone with the rich creep. You see deep sadness in Doug, and that moment I remember thinking "what is wrong with this picture?"; you know Doug is the right one for her and the person on the other line Andy's talking to is clearly all wrong for her.
Both Doug and Andy have one thing in common, they both are pursuing their dreams but are pursuing them in the wrong direction. They're trying to take the easy way as this investor who is a creep is in their eyes their possible ticket to them; even though we know by his very nature he's untrustworthy. For Doug it's to get his dream of his hotel and for Andy it's to have love in her life and possibly the backing she needs to boost her singing career. We see this pursuit starts to get dangerous as its damaging them emotionally and their friendship; and it comes to a point where both must ask themselves the question "Am I losing something more valuable?"
Sometimes what you want most in life can be a lot closer than you think and more valuable that money can't buy.
Rating: 3 stars.
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