This one is for jaded cynics, and just like Beatrice and Benedict in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing", the two leads in this film argue, bicker, moan, complain, cavil, insult, deride, mock and despise nearly every form of romantic love. Every romantic cliche, for sure.
As the principals do it with some intelligence and verbal ability this makes a pleasant change from the dire and moronic Rom Coms that have been served up over recent years.
There no is no reason to suggest that this offering will revive the Rom Com genre although its presentation may remind audiences that words uttered with some wit (nice platitudes are not required) are necessary to make a romantic comedy. All the sparring demonstrates intelligence and brains expressed through words can be alluring.
While the arguments over the merits of love seem nasty and cynical to audiences accustomed to sentimental pabulum the idea of debating love is a long one in poetry.
The film is not without imperfections. The dialogue talks past the other character often to make, or score, points. The ending is perfunctory and should have been written better and there are parts which echo too much, which is inevitable with the material and premise.
Even so, it holds the attention because it runs against the grain of this genre in commercial movies and Reeves and Ryder keep the rhythm sprung. Where Reeves is sour, melancholy; Ryder peppers him and her character pulls the thread along. In getting these performances, the director has done the job.
As the principals do it with some intelligence and verbal ability this makes a pleasant change from the dire and moronic Rom Coms that have been served up over recent years.
There no is no reason to suggest that this offering will revive the Rom Com genre although its presentation may remind audiences that words uttered with some wit (nice platitudes are not required) are necessary to make a romantic comedy. All the sparring demonstrates intelligence and brains expressed through words can be alluring.
While the arguments over the merits of love seem nasty and cynical to audiences accustomed to sentimental pabulum the idea of debating love is a long one in poetry.
The film is not without imperfections. The dialogue talks past the other character often to make, or score, points. The ending is perfunctory and should have been written better and there are parts which echo too much, which is inevitable with the material and premise.
Even so, it holds the attention because it runs against the grain of this genre in commercial movies and Reeves and Ryder keep the rhythm sprung. Where Reeves is sour, melancholy; Ryder peppers him and her character pulls the thread along. In getting these performances, the director has done the job.