Sidelined: The QB and Me

I didn't expect a wattpad movie to be this decent. I have been disappointed by modern romcoms and their cringy acting, but this film was far from it. Both leads acted well and there was true chemistry between them. The story was believable and even navigated grief and loss in a sensitive and insightful way.

I particularly enjoyed the soundtrack choices to the point where I would pause the movie just to google the songs. Of course it's still a wattpad romcom so don't go expecting the most powerful and unpredictable plot. But compared to the sloppiness of modern romcoms, this one was a great watch.

(following review copied from my letterboxd)

"i'm not just great with my hands" SWOON. But also, After? Embarrassed. The Kissing Booth? In the corner crying. Perfect Addiction? Six feet under. In all seriousness "Sidelined: The QB and Me" is easily one of the best wattpad adaptations to be made so far. Unfortunately, I do have to compare to the ones we have gotten so far. Because this movie isn't riddled with endless montages to try to make up for acting or lack of plotline (which we know after decided to switch out montages for the hundreds of pages of plot they could've used) and not cringe seen on top of cringe scene. Don't get me wrong. There are a few sprinkled in, but this movie didn't try to be something that it's not. It knew exactly what it was and who the audience was and what the audience wants.

With this being based on the book (The QB Bad Boy and Me) I knew there was bound to be some changes, but the ones made only made it better. In the book Noah's character (Drayton) sister is murdered and left her dead on the side of the road which does bring a good emotional moment in the book, but it's thrown in so randomly that it doesn't seem realistic, but in the film it is changed and better built up. I also would like to see the diversity of the cast, and the characters may not be an all straight cast.

Also I'll be honest I like to see my movies have sex scenes, especially when it comes from such a smutty genre, but I like that this was more of a fade to black case. Which I knew it would be with them being high schoolers and also being know Noah Becks film debut (I don't think he would bear at all for his first film and I respect that).

All in all, I hope this film will bring a long partnership between Wattpad/Webtoons and Tubi. I would also really love to see the Director work with these two studios, because he just captured everything so perfectly. (i'm really praying he'll get to do the adaptation for "The Bad Boy's Girl" by Blair Holden next - which in my dreams stars Olivia Holt as Tessa O'Connell).

There are a few cliches and stereotypes to be found throughout "Sidelined: The QB and Me". If you're at all familiar with football movies, I'm sure you know which ones I'm talking about.

Said stereotypes and cliches don't take away from the film, which is nothing too spectacular but also not awful, despite what some of the reviews here might tell you.

It even features James Van Der Beek at the main character's pushy father, which doesn't seem right because he was just playing a QB in "Varsity Blues" a few years ago...right?

Siena Agudong as Dallas and Noah Beck as Drayton Lahey were fine. Their chemistry developed over the course of the movie. They had their cheesy romantic moments, of course, which were well-delivered. Never heard of either of them before.

Ultimately, "Sidelined: The QB and Me" is a decent enough sports romance movie. It's not "Any Given Sunday", but it's an easy watch, and good entertainment.

I don't even know how to explain how lovely it was to watch this movie. I honestly gave it a shot because I've always found Siena Agudong to be a beautiful and talented actor but was always in roles that just somehow missed the mark. I had hope this one would hit the nail on the head.

It did! And she did! And even better, the entire cast was great. The "conflict" was very mild but that was a welcome thing in this current world we live in.

It was just a lovely and harmless love story between two really likable characters living the same lives and situations as we all do but coming out on top.

This was a believable and sweet love story and everything I wanted when I started watching...even if I didn't expect it.

Siena has REALLY grown and matured in her acting and her personality. I think she could be on for some really great roles if she keeps this up.

Would watch again.

This film was a bit cliché and predictable.

The lead guy and girl are really good actors but the plot and storyline is a bit overdone.

And the characters are very likeable and have good personalities.

It's not mind blowing and life changing, but i can't say that i didn't enjoy it.

But a part of it that is good is that this movie feels relatable in a way. The high school setting, drama, sports, friendships, it all just makes it easy to connect with.

While this film isn't exactly ground breaking, i would give it a watch if you're just looking for something casual and not too thought provoking.