Éxito y pasarela

I liked Hit and Runway. I went into it with just a vague idea of what it was about, and wound up being thoroughly charmed by it. It made me laugh and it kept me interested all the way. Sure, it looks a bit low-budget at times, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Sometimes, and particularly with this film, it can make the characters more accessible. My idea of a successful movie is one that makes me feel sad when it ends, because I'd like to spend a little more time with the people it's introduced me to. That's how I felt at the end of this film. (By the way, I also liked the music.)

This movie is a wonderful variant on a traditional movie theme, the romantic comedy. Only in this variation it would be best to call it a relationship comedy. The two protagonists meet and although they are initially uncomfortable around each other, they are forced to work toward a common goal. In doing so they form a relationship. When that relationship ends, we see a parting scene that recalls many great parting scenes of the past.

Now for the twist, it is not a romantic relationship that ends but a friendship between a straight man and a gay man. This movie has been compared to `Kiss Me Guido' but folks that feel that way are missing the point. This story is about the development of an accepting friendship between a gay man and a straight man without the issue of sexuality. Yes, the straight man starts with the stereotypical panic that the gay man will somehow take advantage of him carnally. But he needs the gay man to help him write a screenplay and as they work together they form a bond as friends. As they collaborate on the screenplay they talk and learn important life lessons from each other. The gay man helps the straight man becomes a more insightful person and with the straight man's encouragement the gay man begins to develop some self-assurance.

At one point they are so comfortable with each other that they both get drunk and end up clinging to each other for stability as they walk through the writer's apartment. They end up passed out in the same bed and in the morning the straight man has an anxiety attack that shows he's not completely over his stereotypes.

Overall I found this to be a well-crafted and engaging film. I only wish that the relationship could have turned out differently in the end. And who knows, it might.

Hit and Runway has the same spirit of Good Will Hunting, and is done equally as well. Geez, movies where you come to know the characters, like them and care what happens to them -- individually and their relationship. What a concept! Sure, the urban setting of NYC is an easy mark for a story like this, but at least the main characters aren't yuppies and this movie shows real people living like real people. I thought this was going to be an indie film shot on a miniscule budget, but I never saw a shot that looked it. Everything seemed as well done as with a big budget throwaway (of which there are so many these days). I thought I might like this movie but didn't expect to love it. I loved it. Everyone involved should feel proud.

Hit and Runway may at first glance appear to be another one of those movies about struggling screenwriters trying to write a movie. But unlike most of their blockbuster counterparts, this movie is not about the movie that Alex and Elliot are writing, but it is about the friendship that they forge throughout the experiment. Although the screenplay they are writing is not particulary good, the broader movie is able to focus on human nature, and the inexperienced actors are good in delivering timely humor. On the whole, a strong movie and a good career start for up-and-coming director Christopher Livingston. Well Done.

I went to see "Hit and Runway" on the same day I went to see "The Mummy Returns." After enjoying the former, I couldn't even sit through twenty five minutes of the over-produced and under-written "Mummy" sequel. "Hit and Runway" is a true gem--not perfect by any means--but so much more bright and engaging than most of what Hollywood has to offer. It is a "story within a story/odd couple" film. Though not entirely original, it does everything it sets out to do well and with great humor. Anyone who wears glasses, is Jewish, Italian, gay, writing a screenplay, looking for love, interested in how Hollywood works, and/or simply appreciates intelligent, off-beat comedy should enjoy this film. It has the sensibility of "Ben Stiller meets Woody Allen." If any of this sounds good to you, see it.