Pretend We're Kissing

At first blush, this Canadian Indie movie may seem like the narrative that runs parallel to romantic comedies, the piece that we never see, like Lion King 1 1/2. That is, the awkward dance we play, whether in our heads, or with each other, about courtship. PWK is, in one respect, about that. And had it only been about that, it would have been very satisfying. But whether on purpose or not, it also is about how to be when you're aware that trying to get someone to like you can turn you into a blundering fool, and unfortunately, maybe make you appear to be something of a narcissist, or worse, just a douche. If you're too busy trying to impress someone, either by over-thinking, under-thinking, or just pretending something you're not, it can end disastrously. Some people never learn this lesson, and PWK is a solid exploration of that. The question for the viewer is, then, are you OK with squirming in your seat knowing that either a) you're that guy, or b) you're so glad you're not that guy and watching someone be that guy is, well, disconcerting bordering on eye-roll. For me, personally, it was a good reminder how not to be. Awkward's fine, and as this movie presents it, awkward in its less critical moments can be charming. Our foibles are our most revealing traits -- I love you most when you're not trying at all. But when we become self aware, and trip over our foibles in an effort to impress, we lose our intended's respect and attention, because we just look like ass-clowns. It's a good lesson, and well-taught here.