Love, Ludlow

The opening of Love Ludlow reminded me just a little of a movie I saw a few years ago at Sundance called Haiku Tunnel. But Ludlow quickly developed into a romantic comedy between Myra (Alicia Gordanson), a tough-talking office temp from Queens, and Reggie (David Eigenberg), an nice-guy office loner who lacks confidence. Reggie is immediately attracted to Myra, who eventually gives him a shot. But things get off to a rocky start when Reggie meets Myra's brother Ludlow, a man-child in his early 20's that Myra cares for in their apartment. Smart but inexplicably immature, Ludlow is committed to sabotaging Reggie so he can remain Myra's sole human interest.

The movie has clever writing with some very funny lines, but often feels like they were designed for the stage. (Reggie: You're being sarcastic. Ludlow: It's the number one export from Queens.) Gordanson and Eigenberg provide strong performances with some tantalizing, if often awkward, chemistry. But the plot drifts at times and the ending fails to satisfy. (I was longing for a little more resolution.) Love Ludlow is an interesting twist for a romantic comedy. Most viewers will find the movie enjoyable. But it's better not to look at this one too critically. If you do, you're liable to love Ludlow a little less.

I will start off by saying that this film was amazing. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me feel "warm and fuzzy inside." Movies like this do not come around very often.

"Love, Ludlow" is about a woman, Myra, from Queens and her "relationship" with a sweet mid-western man from her work, Reggie, and how she has to deal with her troubled brother, Ludlow.

This film never once had a moment when I wondered about a character's motivation, or if something was truly necessary.

Simply put, this is a beautiful, touching film that will stick with you for a very long time.

This was a fantastic movie. I laughed and I cried. I have been quoting the lines with my friends for days since seeing the film. Saw it three times at Sundance! It is a must see! What movies used to be all about, without any special effects. Three cheers to the writer! I thought that Brendan did an excellent job playing Ludlow. His grasp of the character was great. I really felt for him, not being able to deal with change in his life. Alicia was a fantastic Myra. Her lines are quite memorable, as are her facial expressions. David's performance was also so very real. His shyness towards reaching out to a new person and his frustration with this relationship made so much sense. I really felt for the guy. Minor characters, played by Andrea and Jay were also fantastic. I still want to know the rest of the "Mark story." I hope everyone gets a chance to see this film, because everyone should love Ludlow!

"Love, Ludlow" is a neat, quirky and entertaining romantic comedy about three quirky young adults (only one is dysfunctional) striving to thrive in New York. The film describes their daily struggle, a colorful and clowny mini-circus based in a Queens walk-up. There's no sex, no violence, and no drugs, but there are some tear-provoking scenes and many laughs. It's kinda sorta like an early Woody Allen comedy.

The script, an excellent collaboration based on an earlier play by David Patterson, is heightened by three terrific show-case performances and superb cinematography under the direction of first-time film-maker Adrienne Weiss. Could be the late-bloomer of Sundance '05.

It appears I am the among the persons providing a less than stellar review for LOVE, LUDLOW. I'm trying hard to figure out how LL received so many "9"s and "10"s and am trying even harder to figure out how those folks make room for CITIZEN KANE, THE KING'S SPEECH, or other highbrow stuff.

LL is enjoyable if you've truly got time to kill; i.e., as opposed to having limited time for entertainment due to kids, job, etc! The dialog is particularly funny and the two love-interested characters' scenes are especially good. Alicia Gorenson plays it just right; i.e., just a wee bit over the top, which fits in perfectly with the shooting and pacing of the film as well as the score, background music. In light of the setting and somewhat zany characters, I was reminded of HENRY FOOL.

But the set-up, conflict, etc. is not particularly new and the sister's obligation toward her brother is not fully explained nor convincing. Ludlow himself is not given enough background, is not particularly funny, and generates little sympathy or concern. Indeed, brother Ludlow more or less functions as the obstacle forming the conflict between the romance driving the film.