User reviews

Al Connelly (Freddie Prinze Jr.) is a college sophomore who meets the girl of his dreams, freshman Imogen (Julia Stiles). His father is famous TV Chef Ray (Henry Winkler) and he would love to be his own master chef.

It's written poorly, and shot awkwardly. This is Kris Isacsson's first big film. The dialog is clunky. It starts right from love at first sight, then meanders with no drama until they break up after a pregnancy scare. There are things that don't make any sense, and things that's just isn't funny. It is being told by both Al and Imogen's point of view. They talk right into the camera at the audience which stops the movie every time and do a lot of narration.

But the future star power of the cast is amazing. They got Selma Blair as a porno star, Ashton Kutcher as a weirdo musician, and Rosario Dawson as her best friend. It's fun to see them when they were lesser known actors.

"Down to You" was slammed by critics when it was released, claiming it to be unoriginal, unfunny and really a waste of time. Pay no attention to them. It is rare for romantic comedies to be entirely original [they are after all dealing with love], but Down to You does have it's moments differing it from most of the recently released teen comedies [to which it has constantly been compared].

Through narration by both protagonists the audience is able to see the development of both characters in the long-term and how they ultimately react to each other. Freddie Prinze Jr and Julia Stiles were perfectly cast and behaved as mature young adults for the majority of the film [sparing the audience from cliched teen talk]. They leave the zaniness to their co-stars, which was a good move. The film is more of a "love story" then most recent teen flicks dealing mainly with "physical attraction" or "opposites attract".

One problem with Down to You however is it's not presented well enough to keep the audience interested. Perhaps in the hands of a more capable director this would be achieved, as I got a bit bored with a few of the scenes and some jokes really fall flat. Because of this, it's not as memorable as other teen flicks such as "10 Things" or "Scream", even.. as it's pacing is quite slow. It's saving grace is the cast. Henry Winkler gives a comic performance as Prinze's celebrity-chef father and Zak Orth plays Prinze's "friend turned porn- star-friend" with gutso. Selma Blair gave a sultry performance but lacked development making her nothing more than "the porn star girl".

Compared to the other three major teen romance flicks of the year (Loser, Whatever it Takes, Boys and Girls) Down to You is indeed one of the finest. It just needed more "oomph" to make it more memorable.

7/10

Down to You: Boy meets girl, they fall in love, relationship cools, couple breaks up and each is tortured by thoughts of "What if…"

I decided to see this movie because I enjoyed Julia Stiles' performance in "10 Things I Hate About You". However, after seeing the marquee poster - a knockoff of "The Very Thought of You" - I scaled down my expectations and braced for a painful two hours. My prediction was partially correct.

Unlike the typical teen oriented romantic comedy there was an attempt to infuse this movie with a bit of reality. Unfortunately, the writers apparently could not decide if they wanted to make a romantic comedy or a serious relationship movie. The result is a confused mess: a ludicrous subplot about a student's burgeoning career as a pornographer gets far more screen time than does the terrified couple trying to come to grips with a potential pregnancy.

The second problem is the chemistry between Stiles and Freddie Prinze Jr - there is none (I blame the casting director for this). Although both actors have screen presence, they don't click as a duo, consequently, their interactions- especially the fight scenes -do not ring true. Their job is made doubly difficult by having to utter stupid lines.

This movie has been targeted to a certain market, and will probably do well.

Too bad.

"Down to You" is one of the brightest and refreshing romances I've seen. With two of Hollywood young and hottest stars, "Down To You" has become one of my favorite romantic films. I enjoyed this film for several reasons from the presentation to the performances.

I will argue with anyone who says "Down To You" is one of the worst films ever made. The material is new, the dialogue is fresh and the performances are superb. I concede their are cliche's in this film; however, it should not detract from the other assets of "Down to You." In order to accomplish the mission of convincing the audience the script works, the casting director must find just the right chemistry in two highly skilled and talented stars.

In this case, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Julia Stiles have the best chemistry anybody could ask for. It was such an awesome sight to witness a the director bring two of the hottest stars together to produce one of the year's best romantic comedies in "Down To You."

I knew Julia Stiles could act but what I didn't realize is that Stiles beauty radiated off the screen. I was very impressed with her ability to capture the audience's attention with her smile. Stiles is a rising star and she has nowhere to go but up in Hollywood; I can't wait see her next film.

For those who don't like this film, I ask you: How could you not appreciate this romantic comedy? It deals with so many different things and is done to perfection. I have always enjoyed a script that has depth to it as this one does because it tells the story of two people and their struggles to hold their relationship together and keep their romance alive.

The best aspect of "Down To You" is it allows everyone the opportunity to see the ups and downs in a relationship. I feel this film would make for a great example in studying films revolving around relationships.

"Down To You" was very enjoyable to watch and I wish everyone could feel the same enjoyment I felt watching this film.

First of all, let me just say that after viewing this film, I seriously thought about writing my own screenplay, because I know I could write something ten times better. The fact that this movie was even made, and even more that some big name actors were in it shocked me. I have to say, before seeing this movie, I was excited that there was a "teen" movie that wasn't about high school coming out. But unfortunately, this movie has no plot. I've read some of the other user comments that said you would only be able to understand this movie if you were in college, and that the people who didn't like it must have been too young or too old. I could not disagree more. I am in college, and have had a relationship in college and this movie still didn't make sense. This is not about being able to relate, it's just the fact that this movie has no plot and is terribly confusing. For example, the wine scene. Maybe if the audience was let in on what was in each glass, we would be able to understand the importance, but unfortunately we aren't. And the car accident scene? What even happened there? The whole porno sub-plot? I could go on and on... Forget the excuses, this movie was just terrible. Don't waste your time.

"Down to You" is a film about a relationship between two college students. At first, it's magical and special but over time things begin to sour and they slowly drift apart. Is there any hope for the couple?

The writing of "Down to You" is very frustrating because it seems as if two folks wrote the film separately and then shoved them together...whether they fit or not. On one hand, you have a very sweet romance between Julia Stiles and Freddy Prinze Jr....and I liked that a lot. On the other, you have some supporting characters which don't fit the film at all and you question why Prinze's character would even associate with these jerks they call his friends. I did like Henry Winkler as Prinze's father...but the rest of the supporting cast just didn't fit in and just seemed like extras from a totally different movie...such as a raunchy comedy like "The Hangover" or "Superbad". The combination of the two just didn't work...and it's a shame, as Stiles (especially) and Prinze were essentially wasted.

I loved the relationship...it was very sweet. I also loved the asides--the times when the characters step out of the fourth wall. Brilliant and enjoyable. But the rest...just didn't fit and seemed a distraction. And, late in the film, they had one of the pair do something out of character and mean-spirited...which left me feeling annoyed. Why??!! Overall, a weird film that had great elements....as well as a lot of crap that really undid so much of the good. Frustrating and I am sure the two leads must have been frustrated as well by this...as the film really could have given a boost to their careers had the writing been consistent.

I only watched this movie to see Rosarion Dawson. It was really a waste of my time, but I just can't pass her up. It's a guy thing.

I haven't seen Freddy prince, Jr since I got bored years ago and watched I know What You Did Last Summer. He hasn't improved at all from what I saw.

I loved Nicky (Julia Stiles) in the Bourne trilogy, but she just didn't show any emotion in this film. Of course, that's the way she acted in the two Bourne movies, also. Her parts didn't call for emotion, but this is supposed to be a romantic movie. Apparently the teens like her, but I am at a loss.

Now, where's Rosario?

You know, when this movie first came out, I saw it slammed by critics and the box-office as well . . . Usually not a good sign for a movie, eh? But, after just seeing it on cable I ask, why the paltry 4 stars? Have the people that voted ever BEEN in a college romance? This movie actually opened up some old wounds. It hurt, yes, and I wasn't all that happy a person after seeing it, but . . . It was very honest. I couldn't believe how honest and true this couple's problems were. In the end you have a movie with a very believable romance that also offers just the right amount of hope at the end for those poor saps like myself. Those ones who never quite got over that college love . . .

Granted, this is not the greatest movie ever, but it is certainly not as bad as some reviews seem to indicate. The leads have a lot of acting ability and chemistry. I don't take for granted, as just because a guy and a girl got hired to do a movie together means they will end up giving the appearance of actually loving each other.

Its a lot better than "Loser", that's for damn sure!

Prinze has charm to spare and a winning smile. He's very likable in this movie, unlike "She's All That" in which he was a jerk, even when he wasn't supposed to be. Stiles is also great.

There was some unexpected humor, some very funny scenes and some that fall flat on their face. So what, very few movies are even close to perfect. There are dozens of other movies that deserve to be trashed, and for me this is not one of them. Doesn't having Al Green and Barry White on the soundtrack count for anything?

What was I thinking? I basically got drawn into seeing this because all my friends wanted to. I figured "why not" and while I was watching the "film" I found myself asking over and over "Why me?" Sure Freddie Prinze Jr. is nice to look at, but worth 7 bucks? I think not.

Now, where have I seen this movie before? Oh yes...every other movie directed towards teens in the recent years. I'm sorry, I might just be a teenager but I know crap when it's crap and I know what I like, and this movie I did not. Where was the plot? Where was one spec of originality? And where were the actors?

Selma Blair was the best of the bunch. I don't care how good looking Freddie is, he needs to take some acting classes, either that strive to make his characters have a little bit more difference then the name change. I like Julia Stiles, but normally when you have to play off a bad actor it reflects badly on you. I didn't see the chemistry this couple was supposed to have.

Yes "Down to You" has it's cute moments, some funny moment, and few sweet moment, but worth 7 bucks? Not a snowball's chance in hell. Save your money and your time. Wait for video, or just don't see it at all.

Now I could win awards for being the world's biggest romcom lover. I mean I'll even watch really really bad ones ('The Wedding Date' anyone?) but this is one of the ones I didn't really like. I mean it's watchable, don't get me wrong, but it's not something I'm likely to rewatch in a hurry. Freddie Prinze Jnr just isn't an engaging person and I just didn't feel the chemistry between him and Julia Stiles and the peripheral characters weren't charming or interesting at all. Having said that there's this amazing scene where Julia Stiles dances in front of a room of people (.... cue 10 Things, The Prince And Me, Save The Last Dance ....) and it's really funny. I'd say that was the thing worth watching this film for.

A not very-original story of two young people who fall in love and go through pretty much the exact same things all young couples deal with in real life or the movies.

The dialog is trite and, dare I say it again, unoriginal.

Cutesy devices -- like the narration, like the characters addressing the camera (Fourth Wall! We Need You!) are overdone, badly done, and grating.

Amateurish in every respect.

Why a 3? The secondaries -- the Orson Welles-like guy, the Selma Blair porn star girl, Freddie's roommate, and the pot girl. How about a movie about these people, instead of the cookie-cutter romcom leads (yawn).

Watch out for Ashton Kutcher as Jim Morrison. Seriously.

Love at first sight! "Down to you" tells the story of Al (Freddie Prinze jr.), son of a TV-cook and Imogen (Julia Stiles), an art student. The movie is often compared with "She´s all that" - but that´s wrong! "Down to you" is not a copy of this movie just because there is Freddie Prinze jr. in it. This film is a class of its own. I´d rather call it a teen- variation of romantic screwball comedies like "When Harry met Sally". Some people said the characters were stereotypic like in "Beverly Hills 90 210". I must disagree here! In my eyes it was a nice idea to let Al and Imogen talk to the audience. You see all their ups and downs in their relationship from two perspectives. That´s what gave the characters the depth they needed - and in the ending you seem to know them like old friends. By the way the supporting cast is excellent! - especially Harry Winkler as Al´s father and Selma Blair as Cyrus.

Freddie Prinze jr. and Julia Stiles are such a lovely couple! Believe me, this film works! "Down to you" is a real cute movie!

Sappy romantic comedy. Cute does not make memorable. An aspiring chef(Freddie Prinze) cooks up a whirlwind relationship with a wannabe artist(Julia Stiles). Serious love seems to need deeper thought and a swift kick in the butt. Also in the cast are Selma Blair, Lucie Arnaz and Henry Winkler. Ashton Kutcher sucks big time as Jim Morrison. Ms. Stiles was the only reason I watched. Otherwise disappointing.

Let me start off by saying that I feel like I've lost about 12 IQ points from watching this movie! Freddie Prinze Jr. and Julia Stiles have absolutely no chemistry together. Also if you were looking for another one of those teeny-bopper movies, this it is not. It seems that they were trying to make it seem like a teen movie, but at the same time make them act like they wanted to be adults. This movie dulls the senses and numbs the mind. Please do not watch this movie.

I loved this movie when it came out and I still love it.

This film is just like every other cliché teen flick of the 00s. Boy and girl meet, fall in love, get together, have a cute 'honeymoon' period, break up, then eventually get back together.

The only thing that separates this film from the rest is the fact it shows the point of view of both Al and Imogen. This is good, because if this had happened, you'd see the point of view of Al, and be led to believe Imogen was evil for all what she was doing.

The most pointless thing in the film was Monk. It was just completely abstract with the rest of the movie, and ruined it.

Julia Stiles and Freddie Prinze Jr. however, are outstanding in this film - well done to them. 5/10

Al and Imogen have both finished college and now live separately despite seeing each other throughout their college years. However it is clear that both have some degree of unresolved feelings for each other. In to-camera interviews they discuss their relationship and trace it's path from the first time they met in Imogen's freshman year.

It is a device that I have grown accustom to because I have seen it done well quite often, but the direct-to-camera style is clearly difficult to do. First of all you need strong or likeable characters as the style is basically requiring some degree of interest of empathy from the first second. Without this it is pretty weak. This film stumbles at this point because even halfway through the film, I was still struggling to care less about the characters. Past this problem the plot is not the strongest – it has been done before regardless of superficial changes. It has little genuine humour and mostly is just the cinematic version of puppy love. When the problems come they are so poorly handled by the script that they fail to convince.

Sadly the blame must be shared between script and actors for most of this. The script fails to create characters that convince. The dialogue rarely rings true and sounds like a weak teen drama at worst. However this doesn't totally excuse the actors as they don't bring much to the roles. Prinze Jr is so wishy-washy and lifeless that he is not someone I ever got behind as real. He is too idealistic and, as a result, any scenes where he has to show hurt or anger, are unbelievable. Stiles is OK but suffers from a poor script. The support cast are basically monkeys who are simply comedy characters. I know that sounds cruel but none have any effort put into them – the porn star (no type of porn I've ever seen), the geek etc. Henry Winkler gets the odd smile but is just a famous face to add colour. Selma Blair is the least convincing porn actress I've ever seen but the Biggest waste to me was Rosario Dawson, not only gorgeous but a real talent given the chance, her character was so pointless that I wondered why they even bothered creating it.

It's not an awful film – it is simply mediocre and unremarkable to the point of monotony. Every part of it feels like you've seen it better somewhere else. The script is lazy – things are poorly thought out and the characters are thin and poorly developed. None of the cast really put their heart into it and the end result is a film that doesn't really do anything but still seems to take forever to finish!

Although it will be remembered for things like Trainspotting and My Beautiful Laundrette, FilmFour folded partly because it produced things like this that were without spark, wit or invention.