Rating of
3/4
Quirky and Interesting
Franz Patrick - wrote on 08/09/08
I really like this film because it’s a big jump from typical romantic comedies out there. Instead of being too sweet and “too indie” or having that devil-may-care tone, this one tries to be a little darker and edgier (which sometimes showed a bit too much). Usually, I don’t like movies that try too hard to impress but overall, this picture feels more organic than forced. I thoroughly enjoyed Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore’s multi-layered performances. They were funny in their own self-pitying way, snarky, intelligent, and quirky to a flaw. Whenever both characters were interacting, it’s like watching two damaged warriors battle: it was exciting as it was somewhat enriching. Moore is really good in this and I prefer her playing unlikeable women because she has that angelic look on the outside but could be conniving inside. As for the story, it does not follow a typical romantic comedy, which was a good move. But for me, its weakest point was the ending because it kind of surrendered all the deviance it accumulated. Still, there are a lot to recommend from this movie. It’s so much better (and more depressing in a good way) than the likes of “Garden State” and “The Last Kiss.”
