"Down To You" is yet another formulaic teen romance movie....boy meets girl, boy and girl date, break up and get back together. Very uninteresting,the cast (mostly) is forgettable and frankly, we've seen this movie before......
However, what sets "Down" apart is 3 wonderful performances, and 1 so bad it's gonna get special attention in this review...
We'll start with the good....Julia Stiles is Imogen, a new freshman at an unnamed NYC college. She is a stellar artist, and wishes to persue that in some manner. Ms. Stiles delivers a performance above the drivel she has to work with, making Imogen a teen character with heart and feeling. She once again (as in "10 Things") dances in this one..and I personally think she needs a dance scene in each movie.
Henry Winkler plays Ray Connelly...host of a nationwide cooking show, and father of Al, the lead male in the story. His character is well played and humorous, with grand visions for both himself and his son (he wants to do a cooking show take off of "Cops" with Al). A great performance from Mr. Winkler, and he is quickly putting the ghost of Fonzie behind him.
Now to the bad before I surprise you and give you the last good.....Selma Blair plays Cyrus, a major flirt and porn actress. I hate to have to say this, but after "Cruel Intentions" and now this, I am truly convinced that she is either "someone's" daughter or is involved in a relationship with someone. This woman cannot act. I truly believe with every fiber of my being that she could not play dead convincingly. Hopefully her performance here will kill what little career she has.
Now, for the last good review.......are you ready for this?? Freddie Prinze Jr. is Alfred..the film's lead male character. He spots Imogen across a crowded room and the two instantly hit it off. After forgetable turns in every movie he has done, he shows a never before seen maturity and makes Alfred a character that seems real and true.
"Down To You" is more formulaic drivel aimed at the easily entertained teen audience. While the story is something we've all seen before, the performances of its lead characters make this movie worth a watch, regardless of how bad it really is.
1 out of 5
