CU@Ed's

I saw this last month at the 2008 Palm Springs International Short Fest. This romantic comedy marks the film directorial debut of stage director Casey Stangl and was produced through the American Film Institute's 2007 Directing Workshops for Women. Tina (Rhea Seehorn) and Todd (Will McCormack) have had an online friendship and now want to meet in person for a brick and mortar date at a local downtown popular diner. Things start out smoothly but hit some bumpy and awkward points before Todd takes charge of the date and Tina follows his lead. The supporting cast includes Danielle Kennedy as Grace, Paul Rae as the flower shop guy and Joel Spence as the waiter. From first time film writer Drew Larimore it's an nice little story but not much of script for interesting dialog. Seehorn is a little over the top and McCormack's acting is weak at best. A good supporting cast with Kennedy having the film's best role. This film really looks good though thanks to cinematographer Dan Hass and art director Brian Rodriguez and production designer Jenna Sanders. Stangl was at the screening for an audience Q&A. I would give this a 6.5 out of 10.