If You Were the Last

One of Roger Ebert's most unappreciated legacies is his "20 Minute Test." If you are not hooked by the movie in the first 20 minutes, it is time to pull the plug. This is yet another "hi concept" film from Tinseltown, that being insider code for a movie so far from traditional plot arcs that literally the only one who completely understands what is happening is the writer. The larger question, the one nobody is asking, is why so many critics fell in love with the flic, basically calling it one of the best comedies of all time? No, sorry, you must have seen a different film. Well produced, well acted, but ultimately not what it is being marketed as. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

I've never heard of Zoe Chao, but she is quite charming! And this is probably the first non-Marvel movie with Anthony Mackie that I actually enjoyed. Together, they make this idea work. And the levity of the interesting visuals works as a nice contrast to the seriousness of the situation, and it's quite different from my expectations.. which further assisted my enjoyment very much.

It's rather simple, but very personal. Goes to show that you don't really require a gigantic budget, when the idea and execution can properly entertain you for 1 hour and a half.

Easy recommendation for anyone looking for "Comedy + Romantic + Sci Fi" story.

The storyline has some interesting beats, and the performances by the leads (Anthony Mackie & Zoe Chao) are endearing. While it's best not to dig greatly into the sci-fi aspects of the film, this is one of those films that's uplifted greatly by the camaraderie the protagonists share. Even routine activities carry a delightful charm, and given the isolated setting of the film, it also helps that both the leads are fantastic dancers.

The writing (especially, the dialogues) gives them both sufficient shades and spends time detailing their pop-culture preferences (music, cinema), making it easy to connect with their mindsets. A particular decision they decide to take (and the moral dilemma behind it) is presented quite nicely. The visuals exude a Wes Anderson-esque charm; the colors are rich and bright, making the environs of the "space box" really appealing. Some of the storytelling steam is lost in the final 30 minutes and the resolution to the film's core problem is rather quick, but it sure doesn't take much away from its watchability factor.

In fresh dramedy "If You Were The Last" astronauts Anthony Mackie & Zoe Chao are stranded alone in space for three years on a charmingly lo-tech spaceship (which is in no way authentic - that's not the film's vibe) with no comms to earth but food, air and batches of music & movies. To pass time they ponder issues like the pro's & cons of sleeping with each other - including the emotions involved (or lack thereof). Geoff Stults & especially Natalie Morales give good support, and Kristian Mercado directs with fine quirky style on his debut, matching debut writer Angela Bourassa's script that's more light, bright, chick-flick than legitimate sci-fi. A good, effective, original film.

I went in blind not knowing what this movie is about and I didn't really took the film seriously, I just wanted something to watch while I eat my meal then drink coffee afterwards. What does that have to do with this review? Because that was what this movie is like..

The movie jumped right into it and the audience was forced to watch the platonic bond between the 2 stars, but I never really felt the chemistry between the two. They don't really look good together. I wasn't feeling it, it didn't convince me. Unlike the movie Passengers which is similar to this, Chris and Jennifer's chemistry was on fire from the get go.

Now as I mentioned before, The meal I was eating as I was watching wasn't that good like a 5/10, but I was forced to eat it because I was hungry and nothing worth it in the fridge. That is what this movie was like the first 40min to about 1hr into runtime. Then it just clicks. The last 30 mins made this to a 7/10. The coffee.

Warm and sweet. Taking slow sips because its hot and it burns. Ironically, this was the time when the pair were not together after being stuck inside a spaceship, lost in space for 3 years, I was actually missing them together and I didn't even really feel that vibe and chemistry when they were together! So what gives?

Structure and character development. Certain events in the last 30 mins was where it all came together that it pulls you in. One of the most realistic love stories I've seen and I'm not even that interested in this genre. All that being said, The OST is also captivating. The songs were nice too.

I'm gonna cut this short as I don't like reading long reviews. This is not a chick flick per se, it's more of a love story. A pretty good one.