O Livro do Amor

It's the CUTEST idea, the acting was okay, as written, I'm sure. But that's where the problem is, there's no chemistry really written in the movie and their attraction comes out of nowhere really, even though I do like them. It needs better writing.

I just can't get over this really adorable idea not being written to its fullest.

Love the British and Mexican agents. Great personality!!

Book of Love is the type of romantic comedy you want to like more than you actually do. They cast Sam Claflin, and then can't do anything else right. He's like a 35-year-old boomer. He knows nothing about social media, complaining about young people "these days", and is generally out-of-touch and mostly cranky and a little misogynistic.

Maria is worse. Every single joke is a variation of her turning his book into erotica. He's mad and she doesn't understand why he isn't thanking her for turning his book into a "masterpiece". The movie and every character in it has confused "popular" with "good". I'm sure E. M. Forster would love to have Howard's End re-written into 50 Shades of Gray. The boomer Henry from the beginning of the movie is not going to forgive and then fall in love with Maria so quickly. And they also have no chemistry.

Of course it is predictable. It is a rom com. I really liked the actors, particularly when being funny rather than ernest. Yeah, the plot point that he got published (not a spoiler, is point of the movie) despite being a boring book doesn't work. Publishers wouldn't publish this nonsense. And storyline could have been more engaging, but overall, it made me smile, and I enjoyed it. I liked the music too. Closeups of actors were a little too close.

An interesting premise that builds to a predictable climax and provokes a few laughs and a tender tear along the way. Sam Claflin does ok but Verónica is a delight who steals every scene she is in, even with her back to the camera. I look forward to seeing her again.

People are so negative. Ignore the haters - it's a cute, light romcom. Sometimes we need those. The leads have an easy chemistry, and Sam Claflin is generally adorable.