Lust for Love

While we wait for Joss Whedon's own scifi/romance movie "In Your Eyes," those of us who have become enamored of the many talented actors he has worked with and whose careers he has cultivated over the years have something to watch. "Lust For Love" is a Kickstarter-funded, Web-based (so far) project that reunites several of the cast members of Whedon's short-lived but brilliant TV series "Dollhouse" -- Fran Kranz, Dichen Lachman, Enver Gjokaj, Miracle Laurie, Maurissa Tancharoen, and Felicia Day. They obviously became close during their "Dollhouse" experience, and that closeness just as obviously carries over into this delightful rom-com.

I'll be honest and state that I'm probably too old to appreciate this movie. It seems aimed at an audience 20-somethings, and as such I would say that it succeeds admirably. Kranz is tremendous as the nebbishy Astor, hoping beyond hope to get back together with the narcissistic girl of his dreams Mila (played by non-Whedon-alum Beau Garrett). Towards this end he secures the services of Mila's ex-best friend Cali (played superbly by Dichen Lachman, who also co-produced this film). Much embarrassment and dating horror ensue, almost all of it portrayed with heart, and a fairly light heart at that. This is not one of those cynical movies about dating and romance.

It was great to see many of the "Dollhouse" actors together again, and those who loved them will probably be the first audience for this film. But I thought that the film (written and directed by first-timer Anton King) has merits of its own, and I hope it reaches a wider audience. I suspect that it could stand on its own among the classics of young-people romance films, up there with "Say Anything."

Astor (Fran Kranz) has a crush on Mila (Beau Garrett) since the age of four. After one drunken night, she starts going out with him. His clingy obsessive romantic ways irk her. After breaking up, he seeks the help of her former friend Cali (Dichen Lachman).

This indie has some intriguing actors, several of them gorgeous women. There are probably a few too many beautiful women. Fran Kranz is a good nerdy lead. Dichen Lachman doesn't really project sexual chemistry with him. The addition of Caitlin Stasey muddles the romantic chemistry unnecessarily. Beau Garrett has a great climatic scene and makes a compelling point. In the end, this indie has a surprisingly good cast and the muddled rom-com does have a point of view. The dialog is a little clunky romanticism at times. It's a close call which gets a pass due to its appealing actors.

I don't agree with why this film exists really. It was crowd sourced with the draw to internet users by having half of the DOLLHOUSE cast in it. The target audience of 'people who don't care at all what these actors are in but are just happy to see them on their screens' seem pretty happy with the finished product, but I don't really. It's a completely clichéd story of some nerdish guy who doesn't think he can really talk to girls trying to win his ex back and finding love in other places along the way. The actors all have this great likable quality that makes them fun to watch and they really do their best with the bland characters they have to work with. This film isn't half as likable as it thinks it is, it's pretty bland and formulaic. You'll have fun seeing these actors and you'll like them but not really the characters. Pretty much a waste of time.

I had been waiting for quite some time for this movie to become available. As a hug fan of most all the cast members I was hoping the film would deliver. I am happy to report that is does indeed. I found the film to reflect all the hard work and love that it is obvious was poured in it by Anton King the director and the cast. The chemistry between Dichen Lachman and Fran Kranz is wonderful. Fans of "Dollhouse" will of course be thrilled to see former cast members reunited for this project. Miracle Laurie gives a wonderful performance as does Enver Gjokaj. Add in a dash of Felicia Day and how can you go wrong right? I have already watched Lust for Love twice now and I enjoyed it even more the second viewing. I recommend seeking this film out. Its perfect timing for a watch over Valentines Day single or otherwise!

Lets start with the bad things. The story is recycled to the point of not even being funny. Not going to get into details not to be spoiler-y, but I can think of at least a dozen movies since the 80s (including one from John Hughes), which tell pretty much the same story. Oh, did I say bad thingS? I meant mediocre thing. Singular.

The casting is first class. I mean, not only we are filled with Joss Weadon alumni, as a bonus we get Caitlin Stasey. The production is simple but effective. Directing is one of the finest. Acting, also first class.

Lust for Love is a recycled love story, which would ordinarily make is a B movie even for an indie. However, the overall qualify of the movie; and yes, even the take on the story, recycled or not, make it something you definitely should watch.