Lovelife

When I saw the description and cast list for this movie, I didn't hold out much hope as to its quality. I expected either some ridiculous Zalman King -esque soft-porn thing or the cinematic equivalent of a sitcom. I was pleased to discover that I was wrong; this is a well-made, entertaining movie with engaging characters and great dialogue. The film focuses on the rather complicated romances of seven people living in an unnamed university town. All of the characters are interesting, but I was most fascinated by the neurotic, talkative Amy, played very convincingly by the charismatic Carla Gugino. On the whole, I found this to be a very clever, enjoyable film.

Overall Rating: 7 (out of 10), or 3 stars (out of 4)

I tried this movie simply for something to watch and really enjoyed it. I have found that I am watching movies more and more for the job the actors do rather than have heavy requirements in the other areas of a film. This one has great acting and actually doesn't need much in the way of forgiveness in any category. The story seemed very real life to me. No the scenarios don't occur everyday with so many who know or encounter each other but these things do happen. I have seen reviews where the writer is trying to pin the writer/director of Love Life into an intent to make "Friends". I didn't see that and disagree with the critic. These people don't have the years of history and friendship as a group. They are adults who are placed together by an academic institution. I will watch it again and will tell people (who probably will see me the day after they watch it) I recommend it. Give it a shot if the actors or genre appeal to you.

The plus side of having cable television with a movie channel or two is that you get the opportunity to see movies you might have otherwise missed somewhere along the way. I'm talking about those charming little films that have a low budget but make up in heart what they're missing in window dressing. Lovelife ain't one of those movies. This is an overlong whine-a-thon where people give each other the shaft and can't figure out why they aren't in satisfying relationships. Pretentious and pathetic all at once, this film tries to find honor in the fact that it isn't a mainstream film, and sacrifices everything that makes a film (mainstream and otherwise) entertaining in the process. Avoid this one. It isn't even a good date movie.

How this one got lost in the cinematic cracks is beyond me. I'm totally loving Carla Gugino these days ever since Snake Eyes but when I saw Saffron Burrows and Sherilyn Fenn in the credits also, I just had to sit and watch. To think I was going to see Logan's Run. I could not get enough of this film. Great writing, subtle direction, and an assurance I haven't seen since Soderberg's Sex, Lies & Videotape. The actresses are great but the actors aren't shabby either. Matthew Letscher has impeccable comic timing. Bruce Davison is so warm and giving in his perf. And Jon Tenney, he's not just Teri Hatcher's beau in my eyes any more. Watch for his scene where he melts a coed into his arms only to be driven to tears by Saffron Burrows a few minutes later. I can't wait for Mr. Feldman's next feature.

If you were ever dumped in a relationship that you thought you were perfectly happy and you don't know what to do, this movie might help. On the other hand, it might not. Lovelife deals with relationships and when they are broken, the victims have a chance to get themselves together to see what kind of a relationship they were in. Some learn from it, others don't. The cast has three beautiful actresses- Burrows, Fenn, and Gugino. Even though most of the dialogue contained typical romance-comedy cliches, there were some interesting dialogue, lines, and moments in the film. One line sums it up--if you're in love with someone, you're either with the person or thinking about being with that person. A better soundtrack, script and directing would make this movie a must see.

5/10