JohnRayPeterson

I had this movie in my library for years and forgot about it until recently when I found myself searching for a good contemporary drama; since 2020 there are fewer being produced. I'm sure I got the movie years ago because of Tom Hanks, so I inserted the disk in my blu-ray player and gave it a look, setting aside the less than promising ratings and trying to keep an open mind. I have no recollection of having seen it before, though I may very well have (the seal was broken). For the most part I was not captivated by how the story developed but the IMDb storyline and the fact that Hanks was featured kept me watching. I mean the Dave Eggers novel, on which the movie is based, had a fair reception, not shiny, just fair, and I liked the storyline's potential.

There was less emphasis on social media than I expected or hoped for, the characters, including the principal lead role played by Emma Watson, were not exciting, not even Hanks, but I kept hoping and watching. Finally there was a breakthrough in one scene, the single and only real dramatic one. From that moment, sadly a bit too late for many who will watch the movie, the momentum picked up. It wasn't as suspenseful as it could or should have been, but I kept watching and in the last two scenes of the movie . . . Eureka! What was meant to happen did and the conclusion was great, short but great. If you are a patient moviegoer, like smart twists, even if they come late in a movie, you'll like this one. Just keep in mind all the remarks before my mention of Eureka. I look forward to Eggers' novel's sequel 'The Every' being made into a movie. Oh. . . I should read 'The Every' first, and I hope to god it is more exciting.

Note of interest: Bill Paxton who had a supporting role in the movie died before the movie's release and sadly this was one of his best performances.

I'm glad I don't have to call this movie a rom-com because it's a drama romance, not too dramatic but oh so romantic. It's not based on a true story that we know of but it sure feels like it could have and perhaps it would, if we were told by a supercomputer, one which had a record of every human romantic relations since trans-Atlantic jet flights have existed, and also if that computer had supernatural powers to see in the future. In other words it feels real.

We have writers Katie Lovejoy and Jennifer E. Smith to thank for that, and of course lead actors Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy, without a doubt. I couldn't help thinking "Why hasn't anyone made this movie before?" Alright, someone finally has.

I won't repeat the IMDb's full storyline since you've likely read it (if not you should).

Sprinkle the story with a tad bit of.familiar music and music you've not heard, at least not as it's covered in the 'Love at First Sight' soundtrack, and then insert scarcely seasoned narration by the lovely Jameela Jamil who plays several evanescent characters, and you've got yourself something special.

Fate is 50% chaos and 50% timing, another reason this movie feels real. Sorry no spoilers today.