aprilsfriendorin

This movie tries to be too many things at once. The result? It ends up being nothing at all.

For starters, it's not a romcom, even though it's marketed as once. There's barely any comedy, the characters are not very compelling, there's not much chemistry or really much of anything. It's more of a commentary on modern day dating. Think a realistic "drama" that isn't overtly serious but still tries to convey serious messages.

Now I'm against this type of movie, but for it to work it has to go all in and be grounded in realism. This movie failed in that respect- it tried to be this serious commentary, but it also borrowed tropes from classic romcoms. It touches upon the realistic issues of romantic fantasies, and how practical factors can disrupt romances, but then it falls into the fantasy element.

It could've been an insightful analysis or a fun romcom. Instead it's a hybrid- a bunch of people talking about their problems, acknowledging those problems are serious, and then ignoring them in the name of "romance."

Also stop pairing older men with younger women all the time. The movie even makes a joke about age standards for men/women, yet falls into the same trap. Pedro Pascal's character is meant to be older, but Chris Evans & Dakota Johnson's characters were supposed to be the same age.

I watched this movie on a plane and I have to say, "plane movie" is kind of the perfect way to describe it. It's the type of movie that will keep you entertained for a couple of hours, but not the type you'll remember or talk about for days.

It's a dark comedy that follows a bank heist, with the added twist of the main character not being able to feel pain. Expect action comedy, core, and silly but fun storylines. Do not expect anything serious or mindblowing (although it does have some decent suspense).

This is one of those thrillers that's entertaining enough, but you'll forget about it shortly after and probably won't be recommending it to many people. In other words- good option if you want something entertaining and fun to pass the time. If you want something super striking and profound, or something that will sit with you, then look for something else.

The first 3/4s of it is definitely the best part. In the last quarter, it goes off the rails and kind of loses the plot. Just way too ridiculous and too many cliches. But the first 3/4 makes up for it.