Jane Wants a Boyfriend

I have access to online movies via Kanopy through my public library. I was looking for something to pass the time away during this quarantine period and decided to give this one a try. I wasn't expecting much.

However what I found is a really nice movie about a 20-something young lady in New York with Aspergers. She is Jane, played by Louisa Krause in a way that reminded me of Claire Danes playing Temple Grandin. Her older sister, a Broadway actress, is very protective of her but Jane is very determined to blaze her own way.

Looking up her filmography I now realize I have seen Louisa Krause in a number of different movies but in non-memorable roles. I will remember her for this one, she is really outstanding.

Warm, endearing, inspiring are what I came away with. This was a wonderful story showing that persons with difficulties can have a happy and fulfilling life. The parents in the film need a good kick up the backside. I felt the way the parents were shown was a bit over the top, and I would hope there were no parents of this type raising a child with this type of difficulty. The elder sister is a better parent. The acting is very good. I very much enjoyed the way the story played out with the exception of the parents. The ending was a little abrupt, and could have gone a little farther. Overall, this film is heartwarming and well worth the cost of a ticket.

Whatever you do stick with this film past the first 15 minutes or so, you will be rewarded it is a delight. We have a son With Aspergers and this film captures both the worst and the best aspects of living with the syndrome for both the individual and their family and the lack of neurotypical understanding. Please ignore the characters of the parents whilst the film may be based around true events they didn't work for me. However Louisa Krause does a really good job with the character of Jane and Eliza Dushku, the love, anguish and helplessness of the older sister Bianca. I found the film pulls you in as it moves along and it surprised, delighted and moved me.

'JANE WANTS A BOYFRIEND': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A romantic comedy, about a young woman with Asperger's syndrome; that's trying to find her first boyfriend (with the help of her overprotective older sister). The film was directed by William Sullivan, and it was written by Jarret Kerr; the two also teamed up (performing the same duties) for the 2012 feature 'PERCIVAL'S BIG NIGHT', and the 2012 short film 'COMEDIENNE'. This movie stars Louisa Krause, Eliza Dushku, Gabriel Ebert and Amir Arison. I really enjoyed it.

Jane (Krause) is a young woman, with Asperger's syndrome, who lives with her parents (in Queens, New York); she's also never had a boyfriend. Bianca (Dushku) is her overprotective older sister; who's now moving to Brooklyn with her fiancé, Rob (Arison). Jane's parents are moving away, and they want Jane to move in with Bianca. Bianca and Rob aren't sure if they're ready for that kind of responsibility though, and to top it off Jane decides she wants her first boyfriend. Bianca's friend, Jack (Ebert), is quite interested in Jane, but Bianca is afraid he won't treat her right; due to his past womanizing ways.

The movie's subject interests me, because I have multiple friends that have told me they think I have Asperger's. I'm quite certain I don't (especially after watching this movie), but I could still really relate to the lead character. I do have some similar social issues (and anxiety problems), and people around me often don't respect my individuality. I also have romantic troubles; but still my issues are quite different than Jane's (and similar at the same time). I still love the movie though, because I think it is inspiring (and very emotional); because of these themes. I think it's beautifully acted, written and directed. It's quite a moving film, especially for anyone who feels different!

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Jane Wants A Boyfriend, catalogued as a comedy/drama/romance, is a touching movie, even for those who never encountered an autist in real life. I wouldn't describe it as a comedy though, well at least I didn't laugh once, but it certainly got some emotions going, more teardrops than laughter though. The acting was good, from all of them. It isn't a big budget movie, and it doesn't need to be, as the story is simple but effective, everybody has the right to love or to be loved, no matter how different you are. Normally not the kind of movie I would go for but I'm glad I watched it.