Alchemy

5 August 2006. For those who really enjoyed this movie, do I have a much better one to suggest - Electric Dreams (1984). Even those it's 20 years old, this older movie has the soundtrack as well as a nice romantic comedy script that really touches the heart and goes to the essence of the artificial intelligence controversy. Alchemy, unfortunately seems forced, even though more likely scientifically more plausible than Electric Dreams or A.I., the need to introduce and change the rules of the game in favor the computer program makes for a rather dissonant and artificial flavor ironically. The comedy seems forced. The overall plot and the essence of the movie is decent, it just doesn't have the fun and magic that Electric Dreams had. Five out of Ten Stars.

Mal (Tom Cavanaugh) is a typical anti-social professor, totally obsessed with his own research. So much so that he has failed to do the 1st commandment of university instruction, "publish or perish". Therefore, unless he gets his recent findings into a major journal, his days are numbered as a researcher. His friend and colleague (Ileanna Douglas) has also tried to set Mal up with women but he has always been reluctant. Now, Mal turns to a former girlfriend (Nadia Dajani), who also happens to be an editor at a major woman's magazine called Belladonna, to help him get his current study into an article. You see, Mal has actually programmed a computer to "romance a woman" with catch phrases and displays of interest in what the woman actually says. Well, well. Therefore, Mal proposes an article about HIS computer competing for the affections of a chosen female against an actual male. The arrangements are made and the two other parties are selected, a pretty female named Samantha (Sarah Chalke) and a major masculine player, Dr. Love (Troy Rollins), also a professor. But, soon after the project starts, Samantha longs to meet the fellows she has been talking to so Mal must don the persona of a smooth Frenchman who, nevertheless, gets all of his lines from the computer ALONE and Dr. Love is, of course, himself. With two males in avid pursuit, which one will Sam choose? This is a cute, charming film despite having no major stars and an implausible premise. All of the actors do a fine job in their respected roles, although Douglas is virtually wasted. However, how nice to see Celeste Holm, as Mal's grandmother, for she is a major scene stealer. The obviously tight budget has resulted in a film that is only adequate in production values, for although the costumes are nice, the camera-work is amateurish. Nonetheless, if you adore romantic comedy and often are at odds in finding something new to watch, you should make efforts to locate this film. As in history, this Alchemy turns a somewhat leaden storyline into a golden experience for such viewers.

Attended the world premier at Tribeca Film Festival, what a great event for Downtown NYC. Sarah Chalke is fantastic as female lead in this movie, perfect casting. The story is sweet, the dialog is fast and witty without going over the top into NY sarcasm. Tom Cavanaugh does a wonderful job as the lead. The the supporting cast is excellent. Ileana Douglas, Celeste Holm, James Barbour are all great. Nadia Dajani's performance will be talked about by everyone as the quick comeback, cynical, heart of gold editor.

The audience was treated to several belly laughs, not easy to do with a NYC audience. The various locations around NYC gave the movie a terrific backdrop for a story that can't be told without great acting and well written script. There are so many good lines in this movie that anybody who sees it will be repeating for years.

Overall, an excellent and very well done movie with terrific music to boot. A little surprised that it was an independent film.

I have to say up front that I'm a big fan of both Tom Cavanagh and Sarah Chalke, but I hadn't heard of this film until I ran across it in the Indy film section my local video store.

This was a delightful film. So many recent romantic comedies that I've seen are so completely lifeless - the cast doesn't seem to be having fun with each other. The exact opposite is true here.

The two leads are at the top of their game, and though the script is a tad formulaic, the acting more than makes up for it. Tom Cavanagh has the approach of a Jimmy Stewart or a Tom Hanks. And Sarah Chalke has the kooky klutziness of a Doris Day or a Kate Hepburn. Well, maybe that's overstating it a bit, but give this film another 40 or 50 years, and I'm betting it will be remembered fondly.

Great supporting cast too, they really gave the film some weight. Here's to independent comedies. Definitely worth a viewing

Just returned from the Annapolis Film Festival and I came here to comment on ALCHEMY, the opening night film that seemed to go over really well at the Festival. As I got to IMDb, I was surprised to see so many bad reviews, however, I think most people judge things much too harshly these days. After all, this is a romantic comedy, not exactly a genre meant to break new ground in film. But rather, one that is purely meant to entertain.

And, IMHO, this film does just that. It entertains. It's a cute, funny movie, and worth seeing. Heck, it's worth seeing if only for the performance of Sarah Chalke, who brought a realism and believability to the romance. See the film, and you WILL know what I mean.

So often, in lower budget films the acting can be a major weakness, but here, it's a major strength. And in my opinion, none was better than Chalke, who I couldn't quite place where I recognized her from. There was a Q&A afterward, and the director reminded me that Miss Chalke is on SCRUBS. Overall, I really enjoyed this romantic comedy, so much so, that I will be looking for it again on ABC Family Channel.

After all, it does what it's supposed to do: entertain the viewer!