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Movie Review: “The Broken Hearts Gallery” Mends Heartbreak with Laughter

If you’re the sentimental type, you probably keep mementos from the past. Things like a concert ticket, old notes, and maybe even a worn out shirt. It’s nice to think back on the good times those items remind you of. But some people may take the collection from their past to a whole new extreme.

In the new romantic comedy, “The Broken Hearts Gallery”, Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan) keeps a room full of trinkets from past relationships; some of which include toe nail clippings and a ratty old Barbie doll. Her two best girlfriends, Amanda (Molly Gordon) and Nadine (Phillipa Soo), beg her to trash the random belongings, but it’s a lost cause.

Lucy’s most recent addition to the collection is a tie from her now ex-boyfriend, Max (Utkarsh Ambudkar), who dumped her on the same night she gets fired from her gallery assistant job. She later meets Nick (Dacre Montgomery), a handsome, reserved guy who’s trying to open a bar/hotel. As Nick shows off his passion project, the Chloe Hotel, Lucy sees an opportunity and a new home for her memorabilia. Together, the two of them work to open his dream hotel, and give Lucy a location for her Broken Hearts Gallery – a place where people can leave their tokens from past relationships.

Naturally, Nick and Lucy’s relationship grows deeper. The two share long days and get cozy quickly. But both of them have some baggage they need to let go in order to move forward.

We all know by now that I love a good romcom, and this one is a pretty decent one. “The Broken Hearts Gallery” doesn’t reach its full potential given its unique premise. The film only scratches the surface of its characters. There is a point where we discover an even more heartbreaking reason why Lucy keeps so many items from the past. But besides that mention, none of the breakup stories are that compelling. You won’t get the relationship lessons we received from films like “500 Days of Summer” or “He’s Just Not That Into You”. Instead, you’re given a heavy dose of laughter, as it can sometimes be the best medicine to heal heartache.

There is still a valuable lesson about not holding on to the past, but what makes this romantic comedy fresh is the hilarious script and performances. Director/writer Natalie Krinsky serves the right balance of over-the-top humor and heart. The dialogue is delivered at a “Gilmore Girls” pace with Comedy Central language. A lot of the laughs come from the supporting cast, Gordon and Soo do a fantastic job at playing two quirky, odd, support systems for Lucy. However, it’s Viswanathan and Montgomery who light up the screen with their chemistry. Viswanathan glides in this role as she effortlessly plays such an endearing and bubbly lead with ambition. All you have to do is watch the way Montgomery’s character, Nick, looks at her and you’ll be in awe. It’s hard not to smile when these two are on screen together, and I have no doubt we will be seeing much more of these actors.

“The Broken Hearts Gallery” isn’t the most enlightening romantic comedy, but it breaks the mold of the generic formula audiences are so tired of watching. It’s a feel-good, fun comedy that’ll inspire you to dig through your own closet and remove any unnecessary belongings.

Rating: 4/5

“The Broken Hearts Gallery” opens in theaters September 11, 2020.

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Finding “The One”-Top 5 Films that put your Love Life in Perspective

Are you looking for “The One” this Valentine’s Day? Or maybe, you’ve already found that person. In honor of this heart-filled holiday, I’ve made a list of the top 5 films that can put your love life in perspective. These films are geared toward everyone, whether you’re in a relationship or not. For couples, these movies could shed light on issues you may be having, or just make you appreciate that special someone in your life. For singles, this list can maybe help you better understand what you’re realistically looking for in a relationship. Either way, all 5 romantic movies are great choices to watch this V-Day.

Here’s what I take away from these films…

5. Don Jon (2013)

Listen and Connect

Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut, Don Jon, discusses how the media can often lead us to objectify people and treat them more like things instead of humans. A lot of times movies and television can give us a false expectation of what we’re looking for in a partner. Though it can be fascinating to watch a Hollywood romance or adult films, we must separate fantasy from reality. Maybe the person you’re dating or crushing on fits the mold of what you expect in a partner, but is it really what you want? Truly listen to that person and make sure you connect with them on both, a psychical and emotional level.

4. Ruby Sparks (2012)

Nobody’s Perfect

We’ve almost all had that check list which bullet points the requirements for our partners. Whether it’s based on their looks, or their jobs, or even their sense of humor, it DOES NOT matter. That list needs to be deleted from your brain. We have no idea what we want until we meet “that someone.” Ruby Sparks is about a novelist (Paul Dano) who writes an ideal female character (Zoe Kazan) that comes to life overnight. The film focuses on how there is no perfect person. Part of really loving someone is seeing their imperfections and dealing with them in a way that isn’t bothersome to you. When you wish your partner was a different way, it can actually speak more about something in you.

3. 500 Days of Summer (2009)

Different Points of View

I’m aware I’ve referenced this film a few times for my top 5 lists, but that’s only because you can take away so many lessons from the story and characters. In 500 Days of Summer, Tom (Gordon-Levitt) believes his entire relationship with Summer (Deschanel), up until they break up, was perfect.  He’s in love and she’s almost so clearly not. I truly believe the cruelest feeling we can experience is strongly caring for someone who doesn’t reciprocate that same feeling. It makes you wonder how it was even possible to have those feelings in the first place. Unfortunately, people are stuck in this situation all the time. In the film, Tom copes with his heartache by reflecting back and noticing the signs. For the most part, entering a relationship shouldn’t be that complicated, both people need be on the same page. If one person is stalling to commit, then he or she may not be right for you.

2. TiMER (2009)

Do you Believe in Soul Mates?

If you could install a device that counts down the exact moment you’re going to meet your soul mate, would you want to? Oona (Emma Caulfield) got one. Only problem is her TiMER is blank, meaning her soul mate hasn’t yet signed up for the service. This film raises the question of whether or not you believe that there is ONE perfect person out there for each of us. And for those who have doubts in their own relationships, do you think there is someone else out there better suited for you? Though very few have heard of this movie, TiMER is a charming, thought-provoking story that everyone should make time for.

1. The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Life is Too Short

I’m sure many people don’t want to ball their eyes out this Valentine’s Day, but I assure you The Fault in Our Stars is much more than a movie about teens with cancer. Gus (Ansel Elgort) and Hazel’s (Shailene Woodley) inspiring, genuine love story reminds us to make the most of each day. In a romantic aspect, life is too short to not be with someone you care about. If you’re lucky enough to truly fall in love, then don’t take that love for granted. Because even if it’s short-lived, you won’t regret the time spent with each other.

Movie Review: “What If…”- A Conventional Rom-Com with Irresistibly Charming Characters

In Daniel Radcliffe’s latest film, he swaps sorcery for romance and faces his toughest challenge yet- burying his true feelings for the girl that could be “the one.”

What’s being deemed as this year’s 500 Days of Summer is the story of Wallace (Radcliffe), a med school dropout who’s given up on love after a string of failed relationships and Chantry (Zoe Kazan), the potential girl of his dreams.  The two meet at a party and have an immediate connection.  Their spark is quickly extinguished, however, when Chantry mentions her boyfriend.  Regardless of the circumstances, Wallace would rather have Chantry in his life as friend than not all.  It’s an awkward challenge for both of them as they are faced with the age-old question: Can a guy and girl just be friends?

I have to say, right off the bat, that What If… is incomparable to 500 Days of Summer.  I can see how the characters may correlate from the two films.  But as a love story, writer Michael H. Weber (500 Days of Summer, The Spectacular Now) continues to be in a league of his own.  What If… does not provide any sort of originality in its narrative; in fact it’s about as formulaic as they come.  But thanks to the film’s charismatic cast, the movie is surprisingly pleasurable the whole way through.

Zoe Kazan is rapidly becoming the queen of the indie flick world, with films like her offbeat romance, Ruby Sparks and her dark comedy, The Pretty One.  She brings a refreshing flair to every character she plays.  And who knew Harry Potter could slide into the quick-witted male lead with such ease.  What comes as no surprise is the scene-stealing Adam Driver, who plays Allen, Wallace’s best friend who also happens to be Chantry’s cousin.  Allen is the uproarious link that caused their initial interaction. Frankly, I would have rather watched Allen’s romance with Nicole (MacKenzie Davis), an outspoken, sexually driven wild-child that actually meets Allen at the same party where Chantry and Wallace first met.  Nicole and Allen handle their immediate connection through a more spontaneous route, skipping all the usual steps of a regular relationship.

What If…easily outweighs in comparison to the other cliché Katherine Heigl disasters we’ve endured.  But given its subject matter and the potential this story had, I can’t help but be slightly disappointed with the entirety of the film.  So many movies try to tackle the “just friends” premise, but only rarely do they pull off the complexity and authentic emotion behind a friendship that has more than platonic feelings.  If you’re looking for that kind of story, I suggest you watch Drinking Buddies; it’s one of the few that flawlessly explored a true test of whether or not men and women can just be friends.

The great message here, and what is really the central focus of this film, is how when you’re lucky enough to find that instant connection with someone, is it best to wait it out and see where it goes, or do you jump on your feelings and take a risk before you miss an opportunity?

What If…is an undoubtedly cute, quirky, romantic comedy that most audiences will enjoy.

Rating: 3/5

“What If…” Official Trailer HD

Single During the Holidays? Here are the Top 5 Films to get you through the Season

It’s cuddle season!  And that means everywhere you look couples are constantly holding each other.  Whether it’s at a family gathering or Christmas shopping at the mall; they are everywhere.

The holidays can be rough on anyone for many reasons.  But, being single during a time that is better spent with a significant other can be a bummer.  Luckily, my go to medicine (Movies) will always put situations like these into a much better perspective.

These 5 films will help singles get through the holiday season; each for completely different reasons.

5. Shopgirl

So, I can hurt now, or hurt later

For the Moving On:  Shopgirl shows how heart breaking a strictly sexual relationship can be when one person starts to want more.  No, it isn’t like Friends with Benefits.  This film is dark, deep, and emotional; and has some comic relief thanks to Jason Schwartzman.  After situations like these, one can feel hopeless to find someone that they “think” they can feel that strongly for again.  Shopgirl will show you just how possible it is to move on.  And how whatever you thought you felt for the wrong one, is nothing in comparison to the feelings you will feel for the right one.

4. Loser

You think you could turn it down just a skosh?

For the Nice Guys: This film gives hope for both, the good guys and girls.  Paul Tannek (Jason Biggs) is one of the sweetest and most genuine characters I have ever seen in a film.  Selfless, non-confrontational, and the perfect example of how the nice ones may not get a “happy ending” as quick as others.  But eventually someone will see the good in you, and appreciate it when you least expect it.

3. Swimfan

Don’t tell her you love her!

For the Psycho: Hopefully none of us have acted quite as insane a Madison Bell (Erika Christensen) did over someone that wasn’t interested in her.   I know this is an odd choice, but if you are the type that is desperate to like anyone (like the first person that’s nice to you).  Then maybe this film will make you rethink that non-existent relationship you are about to form in your head.  Or maybe one of your last relationships was with that “stage 5 clinger” that texts you and ends up having a texting convo with themselves…Either way, Swimfan will make you feel relieved to not be dealing with any form of a psychotic relationship.  (For a little gender reversal of this story-line, I also recommend FEAR.  And for the original try Fatal Attraction)

2. 500 Days of Summer

The feeling I never felt with you

For the Realist: Anyone who dated someone that used the “I’m just not looking for a relationship right now” line must know by now that it was complete bullsh**.  You know; you have probably used that line too.  “I’m not looking for a relationship” means I’m not looking for a relationship with YOU.  This film just proves the theory that when you meet the right person, you both just know.  If something is holding you guys back from committing as a couple, you are probably not meant to be.  500 Days of Summer portrays a realistic story about dating and breaking up.  After watching this film, you might be less controlling of your feelings, or stop expecting certain qualities in a partner.  When it happens, it just happens naturally.

1. About Time

All the time traveling in the world can’t make someone love you

For the Regrets:  At first sight, this film seems like it is going to be a mushy love story that will want to make you gag.  But it is not!  It is SO much more than that.  This movie is about appreciating the love in our lives; from our family, our friends, even our random acquaintances.  Now don’t get me wrong, there is an incredibly charming relationship in the film.  But this relationship didn’t come about until after multiple tries by a man who can travel back in time (still a great movie, I swear).  The important lesson learned is not to wish for second chances, but to treat each moment like it’s your last.  Take the chance by letting someone know how you feel before it’s too late.  And if they aren’t interested, at least you tried and you won’t have any regrets!