Al borde del abismo

Cyprus set romantic comedy - sort of 'ish(!) - about an ageing rock star who returns to the island in semi-retirement and rekindles a long-ago love affair with the girl he left behind on his way to fame 'n fortune. Beautiful location and a reasonable attempt at the rom-com genre, with Harry Connick Jr playing the lead and a decent cast providing the support, in particular Ali Fumiko Whitney. It's enjoyable and watchable if a little clunky and predictable at times, script and dialogue are ok and the run time is about right, it doesn't drag but gently winds its way to the conclusion we all know is coming. An easy going feel good movie that provides enough to make it worth a watch...

Cyprus is a perfect backdrop to a story about love, hope, family and empathy. With Harry Connick as the lead we ease into a story of lost love and new friends with beautiful music. What's not to like. Wish the character development was a little deeper but this one was refreshing and light. I especially appreciated the way all the women shared supportive energy. The way all the characters filled out the story made a sure comedy win. I remember meeting a group of guys from Cyprus who ran a fish shack in London. It was the most inviting little place with charm and humor. Even though they were just selling fish and chip they made you want to stay all night and just talk. This film expresses the hospitality of Cyprus. Just hang out and talk.

A small film from Stelana Kliris, a newcomer filmmaker who is a South African-Cypriot woman. This is the first Cypriot film to be released worldwide through Netflix. Previously, she had only worked on small short films. However, for her first full-length feature, it's incredible how well she both wrote and directed it, surpassing the quality of many Netflix Original productions.

A small romantic comedy that stands out in many ways, surpassing many original Netflix productions. From the unique plot details centered around the "most popular suicide spot and love", which the story intertwines deeply with the complex romantic past of the male lead who is a former rock star. The film also incorporates music, seamlessly blending it into the story as if it were a musical. I highly recommend not overlooking this small film.

John Allman (Harry Connick Jr.) is an aged one-hit rocker. His latest album flopped. He moves into his newly purchased house on Cyprus. Unbeknownst to him, it's on top of a cliff where many people go to commit suicide. He befriends local sassy singer Melina (Ali Fumiko Whitney). He reconnects with old flame Sia (Agni Scott) who is the subject of his one big hit.

Harry is good at depressed while being slightly funny. I always like Harry even in bad movies. In this one, I like all the other characters as well. I really like that Melina sees him as ancient. I did worry about Hollywood doing Hollywood things until it becomes obvious who she is. There is a big confrontation and that's really the high point of the movie. The movie runs out of drama. It really needs one more issue to top off the drama. All in all, I like the characters. The awkward issues resolve themselves and it's an enjoyable watch.

This fit for me on a lazy Sunday night. A romance, not unlike a Lifetime romance, only with a better caliber of acting. It was predictable and any twist in the action was easily figured out way before it happens. There's something to be said about this kind of watch though. It's not Sound of Music or Gone With the Wind, but it does have its place. It's for a time when you don't have to think too much, nor do you want to. It's just to enjoy a sweet second chance romance with a good cast from courtship to happily ever after. There is music involved too. Trigger warning of the subject of suicide as a kind of back story. No part of the cast dies or anything. Just be aware.