Falling Up

Some romantic comedies lean towards romance, others go for the laughs, and some are just nuts and fun. This movie isn't any of those things. The beginning of this film seems like it could be a wacky comedy based on the scenes and script, but the lead male and whoever scored the film thought it was a genuine romance film. The combination made the whole film feel flat.

The romantic pairing was more irritating than charming. I'm not sure if a recast of the leads would fix the movie, there just wasn't enough shown to explain why they would like each other.

The guy's mom was pretty funny though; she should have had more scenes.

It has snoop dog in it, do you really need much more?

In New York City, John is getting old but won't admit it, and he is determined to play handball against Paco. But that one last game is too much for him and he falls over dead.

John's family not only has to deal with the loss, but also the realization that his business was in trouble and the family is broke. Everyone will have to take a job to keep the family from losing the house. Son Henry wants to be the breadwinner so his mother Grace will not have to work, but he is in nursing school. Education will have to wait.

Henry's Uncle Colin works as a doorman at 1500 5th Avenue, so he gets Henry a job as a doorman. George, the supervisor, is very demanding and expects Henry to do everything right. This means no relationships with the tenants, but treat them nice. Still, after Henry starts work, Henry and Scarlett notice each other right away.

Henry works alongside Raul, who does as little as he can get away with, and he seems to date a lot of women. Ultimately he shows he cares.

There are a couple of funny scenes involving an unsupervised kid with money and a pair of hookers. Henry should have been more careful.

Henry develops a relationship with Scarlett as he makes deliveries to the penthouse apartment. Even though she has a boyfriend, Buck is a rich drunk. At Scarlett's birthday party, Henry even gets called on to use his nursing skills to save a life. And it's not the only time his nursing skills get used: a gay couple has a dog who gets away from them and almost dies.

When Scarlett's mother finds out about Henry, she is not happy. Her husband Phillip, though, is more accepting.

So will this Romeo and Juliet romance work out?

Sarah Roemer is so pretty and easy to like. She's just perfect for the role of Scarlett. And the character is very patient and accepting of others who are different.

On the other hand, Mimi Rogers does what she does best: a conceited but not necessarily mean rich person who wants only the best for her daughter.

Joseph Cross makes a very good lead. He's easy to like and very determined.

Annette O'Toole does a very good job as Henry's mother. Those who know her as the all-American mother of Clark Kent may not be pleased at what she ends up doing, but she is still very much like what she was on "Smallville". Only with a New Yawk accent.

Rachael Leigh Cook is tough and independent and won't take attitude from anyone. I didn't like her as Henry's sister but she is very good.

Whether you like him or not, Joe Pantoliano does show talent here.

Snoop Dogg is also quite good.

It's a pleasant romantic comedy.

First things first - if you haven't watched the trailer for this film yet, I suggest you don't. Unfortunately, if you have seen the trailer, you've also seen most of the film, because it doesn't offer a great deal more.

Personally, I had seen the trailer before seeing this, so I had a general idea of what to expect - and the film pretty much delivered on that. The whole film has a light feel, and being generally predictable throughout, you're never really in any doubt about the final outcome of... well, everything.

With that said, it's still an enjoyable way to spend some time, and is perfect for being not-too-long. Some of the dialogue between the actors is very forced and wooden, but the performances were generally sound, if nothing special. Sarah Roemer was strong as the leading lady/love interest, and her parents were excellent the few times they were on the screen. Joseph Cross was mediocre as the main character, with his emotional scenes unemotional at best, and I think that another actor might have been able to show a bit more chemistry with a good looking millionairess.

In all, if you happen to come across this film or are a particular fan of any of the actors, it's worthwhile giving it a watch. Otherwise, don't feel that you're missing out on anything that amazing - especially if you've seen the trailer.

6/10 :)

a comedy without many ambitions. nice, humanist, almost correct performance but not really inspired. a young man as axis of a world. new debate about social condition and all-powerful love, few drops of humor and scenes of talk. nothing credible but good occasion to waste the time. if it is a good /bad movie - only expectation has the answer. it is a light movie , picture of a feelings adventure, not spiced, not tasty, full of basic questions and remarkable for Snoop Dogg presence ( only for his fans ), few dogs and slice from a sex shop. Joseph Cross has a not very inspired central character ; the hope to create a naive, sensitive and fragile young man is not realistic. so, only another film with predictable end.