Michael Showalter's adaptation of Robinne Lee's novel of the same name is one that I semi-looked forward to. I've been known to be very pro-Anne Hathaway - she has taken part in many films that formed my childhood years, as well as my early adulthood. The versatile and vibrant cadence that she brings to her work can be bewitching, which is why I believe I was so disappointed by The Idea of You.
I was not expecting Casablanca from this movie. More than anything, I went into this with the hope of enjoying an evening in with my wife and watching something light, simple, and with little brain power required - a film to shut my brain off to, and enjoy a rom com with a generous helping of cheese sprinkled atop. While we did receive something resembling this, I could not shirk the nagging feeling that this film is little more than a representational entity for - and almost making an elevator pitch for - a romantic dynamic long considered taboo.
I'm not here to speculate on the social ramifications of "age gap" romances - fictional or nonfictional - but what I can comment on is how this film represents the topic. There were several scenes in this film where I couldn't help but cringe. Trying to hold onto the notion that this is a silly rom com designed to be a conversation starter could not convince me that this film's fantastical and outrageous view of a complicated "situationship" is relatable and charming. The rummage closet of rom com tropes was thoroughly pilfered through with little regard for plot-supported feng shui - trying on each trope like an ill-fitted and tattered garment begging to be outgrown.
There's lots of beauty present in this film that appeals to a contemporary, upper class atmosphere that sought to stake in reality - a great many shots and scene designs that are undeniably beautiful. The world that is built around our couple is exquisite, pristine, and unconcerned with believability. Unfortunately, this culminates in a frustratingly bland rom com that never gives us a reason to care. It's hard to wonder about their "happily ever after" when their fairytale is hardly written with lasting magic.
I was not expecting Casablanca from this movie. More than anything, I went into this with the hope of enjoying an evening in with my wife and watching something light, simple, and with little brain power required - a film to shut my brain off to, and enjoy a rom com with a generous helping of cheese sprinkled atop. While we did receive something resembling this, I could not shirk the nagging feeling that this film is little more than a representational entity for - and almost making an elevator pitch for - a romantic dynamic long considered taboo.
I'm not here to speculate on the social ramifications of "age gap" romances - fictional or nonfictional - but what I can comment on is how this film represents the topic. There were several scenes in this film where I couldn't help but cringe. Trying to hold onto the notion that this is a silly rom com designed to be a conversation starter could not convince me that this film's fantastical and outrageous view of a complicated "situationship" is relatable and charming. The rummage closet of rom com tropes was thoroughly pilfered through with little regard for plot-supported feng shui - trying on each trope like an ill-fitted and tattered garment begging to be outgrown.
There's lots of beauty present in this film that appeals to a contemporary, upper class atmosphere that sought to stake in reality - a great many shots and scene designs that are undeniably beautiful. The world that is built around our couple is exquisite, pristine, and unconcerned with believability. Unfortunately, this culminates in a frustratingly bland rom com that never gives us a reason to care. It's hard to wonder about their "happily ever after" when their fairytale is hardly written with lasting magic.
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