Ordinary Things

Ordinary Things takes a familiar rom-com setup-friends faking a relationship-and twists it into something heartfelt and unexpectedly layered. What starts as a sweet deception to comfort a dying mother turns into a tangled mess when she makes a miraculous recovery, forcing Dannie (Cristina Duchesne-Rivera) to face a truth she never saw coming: maybe the lie wasn't a lie at all.

What makes the film work is how effortlessly it balances humor and sincerity. The chemistry between Duchesne-Rivera and Julian Simoes (Tyler) is never forced, making their shift from childhood best friends to something more feel earned. The comedy lands without trying too hard, and the emotional beats hit just right, avoiding over-the-top melodrama.

Director Micah Caronna keeps the pacing tight, ensuring the film never overstays its welcome, while Jennifer Tobler's script infuses the characters with warmth and authenticity. Vanessa Rodriguez also deserves a mention as Dannie's mother, adding both heart and humor to the mix.

At its core, Ordinary Things is about love in all its messy, complicated forms-romantic, familial, and even self-love. It's not trying to reinvent the genre, but it doesn't have to. It's simply a well-executed feel-good film that reminds us that sometimes, the best things in life aren't planned.

"Ordinary Things," directed by Micah Caronna and written by Jennifer Tobler, is a refreshing romantic dramedy that beautifully captures the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery.

The story follows Dannie, a lovable yet indecisive protagonist, as she navigates an unconventional journey of faking a wedding to comfort her terminally ill mother. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when her mother miraculously recovers, leaving Dannie to wrestle with the truth and her growing feelings for Tyler, her childhood best friend. This charming premise is skillfully brought to life with humor, heart, and just the right amount of emotional depth.

The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, making their transition from friends to something more feel natural and genuine. The film's blend of lighthearted moments and poignant family drama strikes a perfect balance, leaving audiences both laughing and tearing up.

Caronna's direction ensures the pacing never drags, and the script by Tobler is filled with witty dialogue and relatable character arcs. The themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and embracing life's "ordinary" moments resonate deeply and will linger long after the credits roll.

If you're looking for a feel-good movie with a unique twist on the romantic comedy genre, "Ordinary Things" is a must-watch. It's a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories come from the simplest decisions.

Ordinary Things is a perfectly effective and charming romcom with appealing performances and some good, solid laughs. The faith aspect is handled in such a way that unbelievers like myself won't feel too alienated, and the dynamics of the plot keep moving briskly along and ensure that the audience is never less than entertained.

Sweet and well-judged central performances keep everything on track even when the mechanics of the plot require some serious suspension of disbelief, and you'd have to be a particularly sour kind of viewer to take against the movie. It might be worth giving the trailer a skip and going in cold; knowing the details of the premise ahead of time might take some of the sparkle off the first act.

It's a warm cup of cocoa in movie form.

Such a cute film! Friends since childhood Tyler and Dannie hatch a fake wedding plan to help her dying Mom. What could possibly go wrong?! This was a well packaged story with an easy to follow story and thankfully without a plethora of hard to follow side characters. The real magic of the film was in the two lead characters' playful interaction with each other as they navigate the effect of well intentioned lies and the natural consequences. The added aspect of faith in the story and God's promise to be with his people always (regardless of the good or bad outcomes) is a central theme and the characters had to simply step out in faith. Overall a delightful rom com with a difference and a positive message of redemption.

What a sweet fun movie. This film is like a warm blanket. You know where it's going to go but there's a comfort in that.

Ordinary Things starring Cristina Duchesne-Rivera as Dannie fakes her wedding with her childhood best friend Tyler played by Julian Simoes to please her mom's dying wish. However her mother played by Vanessa Rodriguez has a full recovery and the fake couple have to keep up the charade but plan on telling her the truth at a much anticipated birthday party.

This is a Christian film and even though I'm agnostic I really liked the positive message this film has because it's about finding your true love and relationships which is universal no matter your personal beliefs.

I personally love Hallmark films which is the vibe this has. Nothing too controversial and you end up rooting for the couple to stay together despite the road blocks they encounter when the truth comes out. That's the magic of this film.