Archives for : Notting Hill
As the leaves start to fall and the weather gets cooler, a wave of heavy dramas begins to preoccupy the box office. That’s right, it’s awards season! Us critics, usually get excited as this is equivalent to our football season. But it’s nice to get a break from all those intense storylines and be treated to a heartwarming romantic comedy. Especially, one with a charming cast and enchanting love triangle.
Director Sara Zandieh brings us this sweet story that follows Zoey Miller (Josephine Langford), a smart and somewhat cynical college student who believes finding “the one” involves science, not love. She thinks rom-coms like “Notting Hill” and “Say Anything” are idiotic and unrealistic. She even created an app that will statistically find your perfect match. But when the school’s soccer stud, Zach (Drew Starkey) gets amnesia and mistakes Zoey as his girlfriend, she unexpectedly gets caught in a love triangle between Zach and his cousin, Miles (Archie Renaux). Zoey and Miles share similar interests, but do Zoey and Zach share more chemistry?
“The Other Zoey” is almost nostalgic, referencing classic romantic comedies, while also bringing back that comfort and joy we’d feel from watching 90’s movies like “While You Were Sleeping”. It’s also nice to see stars like Andie MacDowell and Heather Graham in the rom-com setting again. The real gem is the spark that forms between Langford and Starkey. It’s hard to imagine her with anyone other than Hero Fiennes Tiffin (from the “After” series), but it’s nice to see her involved in a more wholesome relationship, even if she’s juggling two different guys.
From a distance this appears to be to be another well produced love story that could stream on Netflix, but if you take a deeper look, you will find the talented leads and quirky plot is worthy of a relaxing and fun trip to the theaters. Best of all, Zandieh provides a message about love that everyone can relate to. If we’ve only grown up around broken relationships, it’s hard not to think so critically about love. As a way to protect ourselves from heartache, we try to be logical and remove the romance part of a relationship when looking for our person. However, if you can let go of that control and lead with your heart, instead of your head, you’re more likely to FALL in love rather than FIND it.
“The Other Zoey” is a familiar but cute and entertaining tale of how opposites attract. Highly recommend everyone go see this delightful romantic comedy.
Rating: B+
THE OTHER ZOEY
Opens in Theaters October 20 & On Demand November 10.
As a rom-com lover I am so torn on my feelings for Universal Picture’s new film, “Marry Me”. I wanted this movie to give me the same feels that Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant created in “Notting Hill”. Sure, it wasn’t the most realistic plot, but their chemistry sold it. Sadly, the only spark in this film is ignited through the music.
I would like to preface this by saying, I think both Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson have done wonderful in other romantic comedies (i.e., “The Wedding Planner” & “Wedding Crashers”). Unfortunately, they just aren’t a great match.
In “Marry Me”, Kat Valdez (Lopez), a pop superstar is set to wed a sexy singer named Bastian (played by Colombian sensation Maluma) live on TV for millions of people to see. Just before the nuptials, news breaks out that her fiancé cheated on her with her assistant. She is shocked, embarrassed, and at a loss. As she stares at her adoring crowd, she spots single dad, Charlie (Wilson), holding a “Marry Me” sign. She brings him on stage for an unexpected exchange of “I do”. What follows is the most cliché rom-com formula. They give the marriage a chance for appearances and fall in love during the process. But of course, their relationship isn’t easy. Kat is more than just a famous singer. She also markets products, and is constantly being filmed for social media. Charlie doesn’t even own a smartphone, and leads a simple life as a math teacher and father.
I don’t mind that the film is predictable. Every rom-com pretty much is, and there’s great comfort in that genre because of it. However, in order to keep these movies fresh, at the very least there needs to be a sliver of a spark between the couple we’re supposed to root for. I honestly would have been fine if Kat just ended up single making hit pop songs. She seemed more passionate about that than her relationship with Charlie. And sadly, the script did not do the cast any favors. There was not enough humor, excitement, or intrigue.
Despite all the negatives I’m saying about the film, there was still some bright spots. The diverse cast at the school gave representation of all kinds of children and teachers. Sarah Silverman playing Charlie’s coworker and friend produced multiple laughs. The music was fantastic! I’ve already ordered my soundtrack (Yes, it’s that catchy). And the brightest light of them all is the charismatic JLo. She may not have sold me on her love for Owen, but she sold me on her love for herself. As a producer on the movie, Lopez also portrays a character much like the real her; divorced three times, a pop sensation, a badass dancer, and her life is constantly on display for the world. You can’t help but admire her ability to poke fun at herself, but also show her strength.
“Marry Me” may not have had me swooning over the “romance”. However, the film made me care more for Jennifer Lopez as an artist and human being. So, not quite the Valentine’s Day movie you’re hoping for, but might satisfy the JLo fans.
Rating: C
“Marry Me” opens in theaters and streams on Peacock February 11, 2022
Lately, I have been a little bit of a cynic when it comes to romantic comedies. As much as I still enjoy a really cute predictable one, Don Jon managed to slap some sense into me. The false expectations that we get from romantic films can really alter your view of a relationship. So even though I was excited to see this film, I expected that I wouldn’t be able to relate to the time traveling and romance. However, About Time is the kind of movie that makes you want to fall in love.
The creators of Love Actually and Notting Hill have brought us another charming and delightful love story. This time they have added a bit of time travel.
At age 21, Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers that he can travel back in time. His father (Bill Nighy) explains to him that the men in his family have always been able to do this, and that it must be kept secret. Now, he can only go back to a time that he remembers and was actually a part of. So no, he can not go back in time and stop Abraham Lincoln from getting shot.
For Tim, this power was meant to be used to find love. Sadly, this is not as easy as you would think. “All the time travel in the world can’t make someone love you.” Finally one night, with out having to use his powers, he meets the girl of his dreams. Mary (Rachel McAdams) is a smart, adorable, and oddly insecure woman who could not be more perfect for Tim. They hit off immediately. Unfortunately, after Tim foolishly travels back in time to help a friend, Mary knows him as a complete stranger. This leads to multiple “first time” meetings, until he can win her over again.
I have to say, this is one of the best onscreen couples I have ever enjoyed watching. Though you would think the time travel aspect of it would maybe lessen the relationship, it only makes you appreciate it more. McAdams and Gleeson portray such a realistic relationship with a genuine love for each other. It may not be steamy, sexual, off the charts chemistry. But it is the real respect and caring for one another that makes them so engaging. Not to mention some super cute moments. But this romance is only part of the story.
Surprisingly enough, the bigger picture behind this film isn’t about love, it is about life. Through some incredibly touching moments between Tim and his father, we are shown just how important is to take time and notice the little things in life.
The film really makes you wonder. If you had the power to travel back in time, what would do? Where would you go? Who would you talk to? Ultimately, you are given a second chance and you want to take advantage of it. Tim gets braver and bolder at each “try again” he attempts. What About Time really teaches you is how we should not waste time wishing for second chances. Instead, we should be treating every moment like it is our last.
Rated R for language and some sexual content.
About Time hits theaters November 1st.
About Time Official Trailer HD
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com