HerbieStretch

Implausibly implausible, it took me until the final scenes to realise what genre I was watching. Up to that point I found myself thinking 'as if' or 'get lost' at some of the plot while being satisfactorily entertained by Margaret Qualley's naked body.

Therein lies the problem - as a 'dark comedy' or comedy horror it doesn't quite make it for me and I can't really explain why. It's got an 8/10 rating on IMDb so I'm beginning to think I am the problem, not the film. I'll try: There isn't enough comedy or wit, although more than adequate boobs, butt and blood for the genre. No more than average acting performances although being a slave to my desires I found Margaret Qualley outstanding simply by losing her clothes or dressing like a fantasy hooker. Maybe I approached the film too seriously but hey, somebody has to give it a low score so it might as well be me.

Action and romance with doses of duplicity and deciet combine to make this a broadly appealing and enjoyable romcom.

Film-making and the role of the stuntman are the backdrop of course.

The script is tight - the nerd in me delighted in noticing good use of foreshadowing. No apparently trivial moments go to waste, some passing comments or props reveal their true purpose later as in any well-scripted play or film. I won't be offering spoilers though.

The visuals are well worth it with the viewer also at times invited to figuratively sit next to the crew and catch a glimpse of how stunts are performed.

Enjoyable on many levels, not least of which being the polished performances of Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt and supporting cast.

Essentially a romantic comedy but, traditional males, you won't be disappointed.