Weekenders

I thoroughly enjoyed the "Weekenders". Full disclosure: I usually get bored watching romantic movies (which I typically get dragged to). I assure you this was not the case for this movie. This was mainly due to the fact that the "Weekenders" possesses a very clever script/storyline, it is really well-cast, the music is excellent, the cinematography is beautiful, but most importantly (for me) the pacing of the movie is superb. At no point, did I find myself checking the time nor yawning during this movie. On the contrary, I was captivated during the entire movie and found myself smiling at its tender and witty moments. The chemistry between the four main characters was so organic. There was nothing forced about it. James and Harper were such likable characters that I was routing for them throughout the movie. I highly recommend you check out this movie.

IN A NUTSHELL: Emmy Award-winner Erik Bloomquist is the writer, director, and star of this rom-com. Twenty-somethings will think this movie is full of cool people they'd want to hang out with. It made me, however, grateful that I'm not single anymore. The story features four singles who end up sharing an Airbnb house due to a scheduling mix-up. They bring baggage, both real and emotional, as well as look at what kind of real connections they value. Have you ever felt an instant connection with someone? Me too. You feel that in this movie.

This film is not to be confused with the 2019 movie THE WEEKENDERS or Weekender.

THINGS I LIKED: The small cast includes Peyton Michelle Edwards, Erik Bloomquist, Ehad Berisha, Maggie McMeans, Rudd Anderson, and Jeffrey Fryer. I don't think I had ever seen any of them in anything before. The characters play an interesting game called, "Paranoia" that really does get everyone paranoid. Airbnb gets a big shout-out in the movie. I used to be a "SuperHost" when I rented out one of our houses. It's a great company that allows people to earn extra income, as well as find inexpensive accommodations when a hotel won't work. Watching the characters interact with one another is a study in body language. The banter and dialogue seemed very real. You feel the pain of what it's like to be with the wrong person. I like the sweet relationship Harper has with her dad.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: Lots of awkward conversations and moments. Things I hate: one-night stands and players... The two girls kind of look alike. It would have been easier to distinguish between them if one of them had different-colored hair. I know, that's super picky...

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Some profanity and crude language Lots of alcohol Kids will be bored Talk of sex and then you see 2 unmarried couples go at it

THEMES: Love, romance, true love Connection Honesty

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Wish the boyfriend character wasn't written as as such a one-dimensional lout, but otherwise, I enjoyed this quite a bit. "Low-key" is the best way to describe it, but that also lends it an air of authenticity. The two leads actually possess a fair amount of chemistry. The drinking game scene is a stand-out. Rather surprised by this one.

Just a cute love story set in times we live in. Predictable but some twists that keep you interested. No gratuitous sex and just a little profanity. Definitely PG-13.

Weekenders exceeded my expectations when seeing it in theaters! It checks boxes of artful cinematography, engaging pace and writing, and strong acting/chemistry - but overall it's refreshing in how it's more than the sum of its parts.

Is it a light-hearted movie? In many ways, yes - and it's certainly accessible and approachable - but the dynamics between the characters have a lingering effect I generally do not experience in this genre. I enjoyed getting to know each of the four central characters' personalities (and distinct humor!) as the weekend unfolded. Each actor filled in their character effortlessly. Harper's character builds to reveal a sense of complexity that will probably stick with you; Edwards' performance shows remarkable elegance gesturing to Harper's rich inner world while coordinating vulnerability opposite different characters.

I found myself not only wondering how the characters' lives and relationships might continue past the credits, but had several moments I wish I could have been part of the conversations on-screen. Kudos to the writers for a script that translated so naturally, and for sharing a story that is thought provoking yet never overstated as such. I think what I enjoyed most about Weekenders is that in just over an hour, it served as a reminder of what's memorable about connections - whether positive or negative, romantic or platonic, familiar or novel, and the in-betweens or uncertainties of it all. There's a whole lot of relatable humanity captured in this enjoyable film that provoked me to think about the art of knowing and wanting people in your life - I certainly recommend it!