The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

I loved the book and hoped the film would do it justice. Makes sense that it did since the author wrote the screenplay! It's funny, sad, heartwarming, sometimes all at once. The leads did a wonderful job and I think their love story is something a lot of people wish upon themselves. This story also has some mysteries in it that are revealed in time, and while this is definitely a romance, it gives all the characters their own stories that blend seamlessly with AJ's journey. Maya is such a cutie and I loved watching her grow up and I can only imagine what the future holds for her. Will definitely be rewatching soon.

Like others, when the film started I assumed yet another Hallmark movie, which could mean anything from utter rubbish to a really good watch.

As it turns out it was a really good watch and despite not thinking much of the first 15 minutes, I soon sank into it and realised I was watching a fabulously crafted film.

All of the actor put in a good effort but the story is one that every one of us can relate to in some way.

Nothing lasts forever except stories. Love comes and goes, renews and dies, just like hate. Good times turn to bad times and vice versa, dreams are sometimes realised and sometimes squashed, and people enter and leave our lives.

But stories always remain.

Absolutely loved this film.

I have never left a review but felt compelled to do so when I saw the poor reviews from critics. Often times I don't agree with them and feel that they are trying to prove a point or be more critical. This did not have a "Hallmark" feel to it as the acting was far superior especially from the main character. The writing was good and it's a good story. That was an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. The scenery/locations are nice as well. Yes there are no violent or violent sex scenes so if you're looking for that you will have to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a good plot with some humor and warmth that leaves you with a pleasant feeling afterwards, you have found it.

Really excellent film. Touching, clever, great characters dialog, and especially the acting was superb. A good example of how to do character growth well.

Lucy Hale does a great job in her role, but the performance of the male lead, Kunal Nayyar, really does make the film. I now want to try.to find more movie featuring his acting.

The love story is a lot less contrived than most. It doesn't suffer from the same contrived manufactured drama (problems/conflicts) that so many love stories do. The problems that exist make sense given the characters. It's refreshing since I dislike most romantic comedies based on the way they seem to force problems into the story. As a result, in this film it seems less like the characters are following a script. (In reality of course, there is a script, just a much better and more believable one than the average rom-com script.)

Highly recommended!

I loved seeing Kunal as a main character. As I'm recovering from hand surgery, I'm digging into movies I don't normally watch.

I will now seek out this book to read. I feel because it was in a movie setting I may have missed some little details from the book.

There was solid acting in this movie. I do have to say David Arquette did some brilliant acting. I loved Lucy Hale and Christina Hendricks, but their characters and the teenager's character were not really fleshed out.

If you are in need of tears and laughter, this is the story for you. Some reviews call it Hallmarkesque. It isn't quite the Hallmark story you're used to watching. There is more here. It probably would have done better in a limited series form, so that these actors could have had more time to move within these characters. All in all I gave this an 8/10. Critics didn't dig it, but the viewers did. That is the most important part of story telling. Does your audience engage? I did.